Benfovir

benfovir AG is a German clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of first-in-class small molecule therapeutics that target host cell metabolism. The company's core technology focuses on the inhibition of transketolase, a key enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, to disrupt the metabolic processes required for viral replication and cancer cell proliferation. Its lead candidate, B-OT (benfo-oxythiamine), is a prodrug that has completed the single ascending dose portion of a Phase 1 clinical trial for viral infections. By targeting host factors rather than viral enzymes, benfovir's approach aims to provide treatments that remain effective regardless of viral mutations. The company is also exploring the potential of B-OT as a radiosensitizer in oncology and for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. benfovir is headquartered in Darmstadt and maintains collaborations with academic institutions to advance its metabolic-targeting platform.