BIOCRYST PHARMACEUTICALS focuses on inhibiting enzymes associated with viral, cardiovascular and other diseases, including cancer. Utilizing structure-based drug design, the company aims to design synthetic compounds that bind to the active site on the targeted enzyme, thereby preventing the normal chemical reaction and halting disease progression. The company’s lead product candidate, Fodosine^TM (forodesine HCl), for the treatment of T-cell mediated cancers inhibits purine nucleoside phosphorylase, an enzyme that plays a key role in T-cell proliferation. The drug has been granted Orphan Drug status by the FDA for T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, including CTCL, CLL and related leukemias, and B-ALL. The FDA has also granted fast track status for the treatment of relapsed or refractory T-cell leukemia. Three additional product candidates are in early clinical or preclinical development targeting autoimmune diseases and transplantation, influenza and hepatitis C. BioCryst has entered corporate alliances with Roche, Mundipharma, and Green Cross. www.biocryst.com