The mid-term meeting of the PANVIRIDE project, held on April 5, 2025, at the University of Perugia, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts against emerging and re-emerging viral infections. The event served as a dynamic platform to showcase the progress achieved so far, featuring presentations from early-stage researchers recruited through the project.
Key achievements highlighted at this stage include:
✅ Identification of four preclinical candidates with broad-spectrum antiviral activity
✅ Discovery of hundreds of antiviral hits with promising pan-viral profiles
✅ Development of potent antiviral combinations demonstrating synergistic effects
✅ Characterization of several antivirals with innovative mechanisms of action
These outcomes underscore the strength of the project’s multidisciplinary collaboration and the valuable contributions from both academic and industrial partners. Special recognition goes to ViroStatics SRL for its significant involvement.
Aligned with the One Health vision promoted by Fondazione INF-ACT, the project remains firmly committed to translating scientific discoveries into impactful antiviral therapies.
The conference aims to offer extended networking opportunities for both young and established scientists to discuss the latest research developments in the field of emerging infectious diseases from a One Health perspective. The program includes a day of round tables with public and private stakeholders on the role and relevance of RRNP research and projects, health policies, and the implementation of One Health approaches. This is followed by two days of high-profile multidisciplinary scientific discussions, keynote presentations from renowned international speakers, and poster sessions offering opportunities to present the latest results.
For more detailed information: https://www.inf-act.it/napoli2025.php?l=EN.
Franco Lori invited as a Speaker at the University of Parma, Italy.
The University of Parma’s Alumni and Friends Association will host an event featuring Dr. Franco Lori, President and CEO of ViroStatics srl.
Dr. Lori, an alumnus of the University of Parma with a degree in Medicine and Surgery, brings over thirty years of experience in immunology, virology, molecular biology, and clinical research, focusing on pharmacological therapies and immunotherapies. His current research team is dedicated to developing anti-COVID drugs and biocides targeting severe respiratory diseases.
The discussion will be moderated by Professor Pier Giorgio Petronini, a faculty member in General Pathology at the University of Parma.
This event offers a valuable opportunity to delve into significant scientific topics through the insights of an esteemed expert.
ViroStatics received the Award “Azienda Benemerita dei Paladini della Salute“, Premio RECTI EQUES – PALADINI ITALIANI DELLA SALUTE – 2º Edition at Campidoglio, Rome, Italy.
Protecting the invaluable asset of health is primarily a collective act, which involves scientific research, clinical practice, healthcare services organization, financial adequacy, and third sector entities. The second edition of the Recti Eques Award is dedicated to recognizing and valuing all these components.
The event, which took place at the Protomoteca Hall in Campidoglio was organized by the cultural association Liber in collaboration with the publishing house RDE, and with the sponsorship of the Ministry of Health, Farmindustria, the National Federation of the Orders of Surgeons and Dentists, the Italian National Institute of Health, Roma Capitale, the Authority for Children and Adolescents, the Italian Federation of General Practitioners, and by 17 Italian Universities.
In the context of this event, ViroStatics has received the recognition of Meritorious Companies of Italian Paladins of Health for its exceptional commitment to health protection, the environment, sustainability, and social integration.
Research Article Low Ozone Concentration and Negative Ions for Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Inactivation, published in Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedicine. 2024, 7 (2024): 166-174; ISSN: 2642-9128 DOI:10.26502/jbb.2642-91280138.
ViroStatics has successfully investigated the effectiveness of brief exposure to low-concentration ozone for disinfecting indoor spaces without humans or animals, aiming to harness ozone’s potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties while minimizing health risks associated with elevated levels and long-term corrosion. This cutting-edge technology known as ICON3 by O3ZONO/M2L is advancing indoor disinfection using state-of-the-art technology offering a safe and targeted solution for indoor spaces.
About ICON3
Icon3 is revolutionizing the world of ozonisers thanks to its technological core and elegant design. Inside its base, Icon3 generates a flow of ozone that is pushed up along the vertical duct for perfect diffusion into the room.
About Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedicine
Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedicine is an open access, peer-reviewed, bimonthly online journal encourages researchers to publish their new findings or ideas in an open access platform. Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedicine aims to encourage researchers to publish their new findings or ideas in an open access platform with no restriction on the length of the papers so that full experimental details provided by the author should help in better understanding of the readers. The journal covers all the broad topics in Biotechnology and Biomedicine.
ViroStatics will be attending the event “Focus sulla Ricerca Scientifica pubblica e privata per affrontare e prevenire nuovi eventi pandemici”
The CSO of ViroStatics, Dr. Davide De Forni, will present the proprietary innovative testing technology with his talk entitled “Aerosolization Model of Respiratory Viruses for the Analysis of Viral Neutralization Devices such as Microwave Irradiators”
The workshop “Focus on Public and Private Scientific Research to Address and Prevent New Pandemic Events” is organized by Sardegna Ricerche in collaboration with the University of Cagliari, as part of the strategic project “Next Generation Virology.”
The workshop aims to bring together the regional and national basic research community in virology with companies involved in the development of new vaccine technologies and diagnostic systems, as well as with national platforms established post-pandemic. Key players in the Italian virology sector, both academic and industrial, will convene to assess the current post-pandemic scenario, define the research community’s needs, discuss technological developments, and explore the role of regional and national institutions in preparing for potential future health emergencies caused by new viruses.
The event is designed for researchers and students in the virology and pharmaceutical research sectors, as well as for companies and institutions involved in extensive partnerships within the field, and for anyone interested in the topic.
This workshop is part of the activities promoted by the EEN – Enterprise Europe Network, a European network of services for small and medium-sized enterprises, with Sardegna Ricerche serving as the local node. It will also be an opportunity to present upcoming initiatives by Sardegna Ricerche and the region of Sardegna in support of research projects.
Research Article SARS-CoV-2 Inactivation in Aerosol by Means of Radiated Microwaves, published in Viruses. Viruses 2023, 15(7), 1443; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15071443
Virostatics has successfully validated a groundbreaking technology from ELT Elettronica that uses Radiated Microwaves to deactivate SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol, which is the primary method of virus transmission.
About Viruses
Viruses is a peer-reviewed, open access journal of virology, published monthly online by MDPI, providing an advanced forum for studies of viruses. It publishes reviews, regular research papers, communications, conference reports and short notes. Our aim is to publish papers that are of significant impact to the virology community. We encourage scientists to publish their experimental and theoretical results in as much detail as possible. The full experimental details must be provided so that the results can be reproduced. We also encourage the publication of timely reviews and commentaries on topics of interest to the virology community. Papers are either published in the open journal or in Special Issues devoted to specific topics of interest to the field. We accept proposals for review articles that are not part of Special Issues.
Today is Rare Disease Day. Mesothelioma is an asbestos-caused cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, stomach, heart, and testicles. Being an ‘orphan’ disease, there is little research, making it extremely isolating.
ViroStatics is committed to discover and develop innovative drugs for the treatment of this aggressive tumour for which currently available therapies are ineffective.
Research Article Synergistic drug combinations designed to fully suppress SARS-CoV-2 in the lung of COVID-19 patients, published in PLoS ONE, November 2022.
In this study the impact of drug combinations on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) suppression has been assessed. While as monotherapy they were not potent, the combination of the same drugs effectively suppressed SARS-CoV-2.
Media Coverage
Exploring antiviral drug combinations for SARS-CoV-2 suppression
The Medical News, 14 Nov 2022
Erforschung antiviraler Wirkstoffkombinationen zur Unterdrückung von SARS-CoV-2 ~ Nach Welt
Nachrichten Welt, 15 Nov 2022
Lendlease and Elettronica Spa announce the event “Towards a new normal, solutions for life after the pandemic”. The event will take place in Milan at MINDMilano Innovation District, on 20 June 2022.
It’s the presentation of a revolutionary system of Biodefense for the inactivation of viruses, even in their possible variants, and of a wider project for environmental safety.
The technology has been conceived by Elettronica, a company operating in the electronic defense sector, and implemented in MIND through the collaboration with Lendlease, leading international property and investments group in order to create a new post-pandemic ecosystem that can be achieved only by ensuring safety in all environments.
Dr. Lori will be a Speaker at this important initiative. To view the registration of the event, please click here.
More information about the technology: E4SHIELD, the innovative hi-tech air protection system that disable the virus around you. Available in wearable and wall fixed version.
ViroStatics and biotx.ai to partner in developing CDK6 inhibitors for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and COVID-19
ViroStatics and biotx.ai have signed a memorandum of understanding as the basis to jointly develop CDK6 inhibitors for ARDS. This will close major therapeutic gaps in the treatment of COVID-19 and better prepare the world for future SARS pandemics.
In detail, in order to develop more specialized CDK6 treatments, the two Companies will develop and investigate ViroStatics’ CDK6 inhibitor VS2-370.
Early results are promising and we are optimistic that we will make major contributions to the development of drugs against all COVID-19 variants, future SARS pandemics, and ARDS.
From the journal: Biomaterials Science
Blocking viral infections with lysine-based polymeric nanostructures: a critical review – published in Biomaterials Science.
The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has accelerated the search for innovative antivirals with possibly broad-spectrum efficacy. One of the possible strategies is to inhibit the replication of the virus by preventing or limiting its entry into the cells. Nanomaterials derived from lysine, an essential amino acid capable of forming homopeptides of different shapes and sizes through thermal polymerization, are an exciting antiviral option.
The Report relates to the Global Cyclin Dependent Kinase 6 Market Size, Trends, Growth, Competitive Landscape and Key Regional Analysis to 2027” offering a broad information and understanding of the Cyclin Dependent Kinase 6 markets. The report analyses the Cyclin Dependent Kinase 6 market for the historical (2016–2020) and forecast (2021–2027) periods. The report includes drivers, restraints and opportunities influencing the market, market size analysis with respect to revenue. The report also provides a snapshot of the competitive landscape of the key players operating in the market along with the percentage market share of the top players. The report has a section on the impact of COVID-19 on the Cyclin Dependent Kinase 6 market at the global and country levels.. It is a detailed Report of insights from leading-executive voices across the value chain, from the country’s foundational APIs and CDMO industry, to cutting-edge innovators in oncology, rare diseases, ophthalmology, and many others.
About Reports Globe
RG offers comprehensive data analysis and business research services designed to provide with in-depth knowledge needed to make complex decisions in the business area.
Global Business Reports (GBR) published the first Digital Version of Italy Life Sciences Report – 2021. It is a detailed Report of insights from leading-executive voices across the value chain, from the country’s foundational APIs and CDMO industry, to cutting-edge innovators in oncology, rare diseases, ophthalmology, and many others.
You can find, within the Digital Italy Life Sciences 2021 Publication, mentions of ViroStatics and quotations within the editorial at Page 36, 43 and 47.
About GBR
Headquartered in Singapore and with offices in Istanbul, Global Business Reports (GBR) was established in 2001 in order to provide up to date and first hand information for global business decision makers.In an age where cross boundary trade and investment and the globalization process are the driving factors for latest businesses, information is crucial. Precise sectorial reports help companies understand and expand their markets, improve their sourcing chain, target their investments and discover the trends affecting their industry around the world.
Our CEO, Franco Lori, has been recently interviewed by Global Business Reports (GBR)
Our CEO, Franco Lori, has been recently interviewed by Global Business Reports (GBR), presenting ViroStatics’ programs on antiviral and anticancer compounds as well as our tailored services to test drugs, disinfectants and devices against SARS-CoV-2.
About GBR
Headquartered in Singapore and with offices in Istanbul, Global Business Reports (GBR) was established in 2001 in order to provide up to date and first hand information for global business decision makers.In an age where cross boundary trade and investment and the globalization process are the driving factors for latest businesses, information is crucial. Precise sectorial reports help companies understand and expand their markets, improve their sourcing chain, target their investments and discover the trends affecting their industry around the world.
ViroStatics’ Services have been peer-reviewed. Article published in Precision Nanomedicine
This Technical Note describes the background, instrumentation, and expertise of ViroStatics to test drugs, materials, or devices against various strains of SARS-CoV-2.
Precision Nanomedicine (PRNANO) is a platinum open access, peer-reviewed international journal (E-ISSN:2639-9431), the official journal of the European Foundation for Clinical Nanomedicine (CLINAM).
The journal is endorsed by the European Society for Nanomedicine (ESNAM), by the International Society for Nanomedicine (ISNM, Basel), and supported by the British Society for Nanomedicine.
ViroStatics among the best Italy-based Pharmaceutical companies Best Startup.eu
Companies were selected across the size spectrum from cutting edge startups to established brands.
Startups and companies listed were chosen for exceptional performance in one of these categories:
ViroStatics has received the label InvestHorizon – Accelerated
The InvestHorizon Accelerated label is for selected deep tech companies from the accelerator programme to facilitate series A funding.
This quality label is a guarantee for investors to find high standard project proposals from European SMEs with growth potential.
InvestHorizon is a programme financed by the European Commission in association with Eureka to foster investment readiness.
ViroStatics awarded with H2020 Seal of Excellence (to view the document please click here Seal of Excellence 2020)
Project proposal 970239 TOSCA “A Novel CDK4/6/9 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Aggressive Cancers”
Horizon 2020’s SME Instrument (grant only and blended finance) call H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 (H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020-3) of 7 October 2020 in the area of EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 SME instrument
ViroStatics selected by Meet in Italy for Life Sciences
ViroStatics is among the finalists to pitch its presentation in virtual mode.
Meet in Italy for Life Sciences is the leading national matchmaking and update event on Life Sciences.
Health-related innovations are among the key elements that influence the progress of mankind, the environment in which we live, and our wellbeing. Speaking about health, therefore, does not mean simply speaking about investments and costs, but rather about an absolute value that sees in technological innovation and scientific research the fundamental elements of growth.
ViroStatics has been selected to present its business proposal refined through tailored sessions with life sciences expert, coaches, investors, that allowed unleashing its full potential and improved its business approach and the communication of its innovation value.
ViroStatics is now fully equipped to test any compound (small molecule and/or biologic) against SARS-CoV-2
ViroStatics scientists have >30 years experience testing antivirals, including double and triple drug combinations, both in the laboratory and in the clinics, leading to the description of the first functional cure of an HIV infected patient (the Berlin Patient, New England Journal of Medicine, 1999).
If you are interested to have any compound tested by us, please contact ViroStatics CSO, Davide De Forni, at d.deforni@virostatics.com
ViroStatics is engaged to fight against COVID-19
The Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is in everyone’s mind and heart. We assure you that we are putting all our forces into action to fight it. Help us identifying with our research as many drugs as possible to be made immediately available to our doctors. Help our search.
Interview (in Italian): TV Parma https://www.gazzettadiparma.it/mediagallery/tv-parma/2020/03/18/news/il_ricercatore_franco_lori_puntare_subito_su_un_cocktail_dei_farmaci_esistenti_poi_il_vaccino_-_video-2956153/
Article (in Italian): Panorama https://www.panorama.it/news/salute/novita-nella-ricerca-alla-cura-per-il-covid-19
ViroStatics awarded with H2020 Seal of Excellence (to view the document please click here Seal of Excellence 2019)
“TOSCA” project proposal, aiming at reaching clinical readiness for VS2-370, a novel oral CDK4/6/9 inhibitor developed for the treatment of aggressive tumors (breast, lung, pancreas, haemato-oncology), for out-licensing or M&A with a Pharmaceutical Company, has been judged as a high quality proposal following highly competitive evaluation process by an international panel of independent experts and has been therefore awarded with the SEAL OF EXCELLENCE within the Horizon 2020’s SME instrument Phase 2 call H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020. Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever for breakthroughs, discoveries and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market.
BioTrinity, London, UK
BIO-EUROPE 2018, Copenhagen, Denmark
ViroStatics has been certified by AIFA as Phase I Clinical Trial Laboratory
In 2015, the Italian Medicines Agency (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco; AIFA) issued the Determination 809/2015 with new requirements for phase I clinical trials. The new AIFA Determination imposes a certified organizational model on units and laboratories involved in phase I trials.
ViroStatics is now inserted in the list of certified Phase I Clinical Trials sites available on AIFA website at this link http://www.aifa.gov.it/sites/default/files/2018_07_24_Elenco_Strutture_Fase_I.pdf.
Meet In Italy for Life Sciences and Italian Healthcare Venture Forum 2017, Turin, Italy
ViroStatics has been selected to present at the Italian Healthcare Venture Forum 2017, taking place on October, 11-12th 2017 at the Torino Incontra Congress Centre in Turin, Italy. Our company is among the top 20 companies selected by the Selection Committee out of more than 70 innovative companies that have applied for the event.
ViroStatics will be also attending the partnering event Meet in Italy for Life Sciences.
The event stretches over three intensive (net)working days, during which business meetings, networking activities, pitching sessions, thematic workshops and, at the end, a convention on the life sciences key trends and innovation strategies will take place.
The event offers high visibility and opportunities for businesses and networking, creating dedicated dialogues between national and international, public and private stakeholders, by networking research-driven innovation.
ViroStatics has successfully concluded the Project “Thunder” under Horizon 2020 dedicated SME Instrument
“Thunder” project represents a feasibility study about the development of the innovative CDK inhibitor VS2-370 with a dual pronged applicability: treats certain HIV-associated cancers while simultaneously purging the HIV reservoirs which continue to threaten individuals suffering from AIDS. This dual pronged approach provides a clear pathway for regulatory approval which is not available to those drugs under development which are HIV specific. We achieved proof of concept demonstrating activity of the drug in vitro and in vivo in a relevant model of HIV-associated tumors (i.e Non-Hodgkin Primary Effusion Lymphoma, PEL).
During the project we have completed the documentation on VS2-370 intended for Pharmas and reached out to 34 likely potential future oncology-oriented partners with the primary goal to educate them ahead of a formal process after further pre-clinical studies. We have received positive feedbacks and agreed to proceed with the development of the product by completing the studies necessary for the Investigational Medicinal Product Dossier to allow the Pharma partner to run the first-in-man clinical trial.
Startup Olé 2017, Salamanca, Spain
Being a Seal of Excellence holder, ViroStatics has been selected to attend the event Startup Olé in Salamanca.
Startup Olé includes a Startup Fair, a Pitching Competition and Curated Matchmaking with relevant corporates and investors and private networking. SMEs will have the opportunity to present their business, pitch to investors, attend workshops, network and much more.
BIO-EUROPE SPRING, Barcelona
Thunder Project selected for Phase I SME instrument by the European Community
Jadranka Rogan, MD, PhD joined the Team as Head of Clinical Development
She brings expertise in clinical oncology. In her 25 years service to Pharma Industry she covered positions of Medical director for Farmitalia Carlo Erba office for Eastern Europe, CSC Pharmaceuticals and Cyathus Exquirere, Vienna. Also she ran the Regulatory affairs office and Pharmacovigilance for CSC Pharmaceuticals and was Qualified person for Pharmacovigilance (EUQPPV) for Cyathus Exquirere. Currently, she is CEO of Inphares GmbH, a network of professionals with expertise in diverse fields of pharmaceutical research and development.
ViroStatics awarded with H2020 Seal of Excellence (to view the document please click here Seal of Excellence 2016)
The project proposal THAMAR related to the development of our CDK inhibitor to target HIV-associated malignancies and to purge viral reservoir submitted under the Horizon 2020’s SME instrument phase 1 call H2020-SME Inst-2016-2017 in the area of Dedicated support to biotechnology SMEs closing the gap from lab to market by ViroStatics following evaluation by an international panel of independent experts was successful in a highly competitive evaluation process as an innovative project proposal.