NEWTOWN, PA — Traws Pharma (Nasdaq: TRAW) is advancing development of a broad-spectrum antiviral combination designed to target multiple high-risk viral diseases, including hantavirus, Ebola, and Lassa fever, as the biotechnology company seeks to position the therapy for future outbreak response and potential government stockpiling.
The clinical-stage drug developer said the investigational treatment combines two previously studied agents in a proprietary formulation intended to disrupt viral replication through a dual-mechanism approach. The company is conducting preclinical testing in animal models and preparing for discussions with U.S. and international health regulators to accelerate development.
The effort comes as governments and public health agencies continue to seek broader antiviral tools capable of addressing emerging infectious disease threats beyond virus-specific treatments.
According to Traws, the experimental therapy works by reducing a host cell’s supply of natural nucleotides while simultaneously introducing antiviral nucleoside analogs. The strategy is designed to force viral replication machinery to incorporate the antiviral compounds, potentially increasing effectiveness while lowering required drug concentrations.
The company is evaluating the treatment in validated animal models for hantavirus and Ebola and plans to conduct studies in Biosafety Level 3 and Biosafety Level 4 laboratories, which are required for research involving some of the world’s most dangerous pathogens.
Chief Science Officer C. David Pauza said the mechanism is intended to enhance antiviral potency by reducing competition between natural cellular materials and the antiviral agent.
Traws is also expanding manufacturing preparations alongside development efforts. The company said it is scaling chemical development and production capabilities to support potential deployment to health agencies and strategic stockpiles if the program advances successfully.
In parallel, the company is pursuing regulatory discussions with the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the African Medicines Agency. Traws said it is exploring local manufacturing opportunities in Nigeria aimed at improving access and distribution across Africa.
The company also plans future engagement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding development and preparedness efforts.
The antiviral candidate remains in preclinical development and has not yet entered human efficacy trials for hantavirus, Ebola, or Lassa fever. Traws did not provide a timeline for clinical testing but said regulatory and manufacturing activities are being pursued concurrently with laboratory studies.
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