BioCryst seeks approval for flu trial, signs deal with Roche

BioCryst of Birmingham, AL, has asked for regulatory approval to begin testing Peramivir in humans as a potential defense against avian flu. Researchers at the company say that animal studies indicate that the injectable flu drug has shown signs of activity against several lethal strains of the flu. BioCryst is seeking approval to begin injecting infected patients with the drug. It wants to begin a trial at the National Institutes of Health that will first examine the proper doses of the drug. Three years ago, BioCryst's stock was pummeled after it announced that a pill version of Peramivir proved no more effective against the flu than a placebo. But BioCryst believes that injecting the drug will provide much greater concentrations of the pharmaceutical to patients.

- read this report from the Birmingham News for more information

PLUS: Shares of BioCryst surged this morning after it reported a major new collaboration deal with Roche. The partnership will focus on a new therapy to regulate white blood cells. BioCryst gains $25 million up front. Report