Innovative Molecules GmbH, a German clinical-stage biotech company, has completed its Phase 1 clinical development program and advanced adibelivir (IM-250) into Phase 2 development.
Adibelivir is an oral selective helicase primase inhibitor being developed for the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-mediated diseases.
What was completed in Phase 1?
The Phase 1 program included four clinical studies:
- IM-101 – Phase 1a single-ascending dose study in healthy volunteers
- IM-102 – Multiple-ascending dose study in healthy volunteers
- IM-103 – Food-effect study in healthy volunteers
- IM-202 (Phase 1b) – Part of a combined Phase 1b/2a study in patients with genital herpes
Across these trials, oral adibelivir showed a clinical profile that supports progression into the Phase 2a, efficacy-focused portion of IM-202.
Why this matters?
Current antiviral therapies for HSV rely largely on nucleoside analogs, which:
- Do not eliminate latent virus
- Require frequent dosing
- May show reduced effectiveness in resistant strains
Selective helicase primase inhibitors represent a new antiviral class designed to directly block viral DNA replication.
Adibelivir’s advancement suggests potential for:
- Improved antiviral potency
- Better convenience with oral dosing
- Expanded options for patients with recurrent or difficult-to-treat HSV infections
Company perspective
Florian Vogel, CEO of Innovative Molecules:
With the successful completion of our Phase 1 program, we have achieved a critical development milestone for adibelivir. This validates our clinical strategy and forms a strong foundation for transition into the next stage of clinical development.
About adibelivir (IM-250)
- Oral selective helicase primase inhibitor
- Designed for HSV-mediated diseases
- Positioned as a next-generation antiviral candidate
About Innovative Molecules
Innovative Molecules GmbH is a Munich-based biotechnology company developing transformative therapies for herpes infections. Its pipeline focuses on novel antivirals for severe and underserved patient populations, with adibelivir as its lead program.
