Jeffrey Esko

Covicept Therapeutics, Inc. is a newly founded company based in California, USA. Covicept Therapeutics is focused on developing drugs to treat diseases caused by a variety of RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The American company is backed by $2.30 million in seed funding and operational support from leading European VC firm Forbion. Covicept is developing PSJ-539, a small molecule that inhibits attachment, infection, and replication of SARS-CoV-2 and other RNA viruses. PSJ-539 has shown good tolerability and high potency with excellent and high biodistribution to tissues, including the lungs, in humans, allowing for relatively low daily doses. PSJ-539 also inhibits fibrosis, a property that may be valuable for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, both short term and long-term. The unique mechanism of action of PSJ-539 may prevent or minimize the development of resistance to vaccines and antiviral medications. The company was founded by Sam Tsimikas, Philip Gordts, and Jeffrey Esko. Sam Tsimikas has been the CEO since incorporation.