BK Virus Antiviral Programme Advances with New Funding
Orthogon Therapeutics has secured an additional $11 million in financing to further its BK virus antiviral drug program. Announced on April 17th, this brings the total capital raised by the company to $36 million.
Innovative Approach to Antiviral Development
With this funding, Orthogon plans to advance a first-in-class drug targeting BK polyomavirus, a significant concern for transplant patients due to the lack of approved treatments. The virus can cause severe complications and graft loss in these patients.
Transplant patients face major risks from BK virus infections, and currently, there are no approved treatments available. Orthogon is pioneering an oral therapy that addresses the full spectrum of BK infection, from early reactivation to severe disease onset.
The company’s lead asset targets the viral capsid protein (VP1), providing potent antiviral effects at the site of viral replication. This intracellular activity ensures sustained control of viral infections across BK variants, particularly in transplant patients where viral persistence drives disease.
Dr. Ali H. Munawar, CEO of Orthogon Therapeutics, commented, “This is not a conventional antiviral setting. We built this programme to meet the realities of transplant care.” The programme was designed to operate within the constraints of immunosuppression, organ function, and high pill burden.
In recent studies, Orthogon examined hundreds of patient-derived BK virus sequences, revealing the virus’s pre-existing diversity at antibody-binding regions. This diversity explains the limited effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies, challenges that Orthogon’s drug is designed to overcome.
Orthogon’s programme utilises a portfolio of novel small molecules targeting the VP1 capsid and the large T antigen (LTAg), a capability long sought after in the field. This dual-target approach is expected to enhance treatment efficacy significantly.
Plans are underway for Orthogon to present its programme at major transplant and virology meetings throughout 2026, following earlier presentations at the ASN in 2025. These engagements highlight the ongoing development and potential impact of their antiviral solutions.
Beyond its core focus on polyomaviruses, Orthogon is advancing programmes in other areas of unmet need in transplant-associated infections. BK virus is among the most widespread chronic viral infections in humans, establishing lifelong infection in 80–90% of healthy adults worldwide.
