Visit our Covid-19 microsite for the latest coronavirus news, analysis and updates


Follow the latest updates of the outbreak on our timeline.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Emory University’s not-for-profit Drug Innovations at Emory (DRIVE) have partnered to develop a drug candidate for potential treatment of Covid-19.

The partners aim to progress DRIVE’s EIDD-2801 into human clinical trials.

EIDD-2801 is an orally bioavailable version of a ribonucleoside analogue that blocks the replication of various RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV2.

Under the alliance, Ridgeback obtained an exclusive licence for EIDD-2801 and will advance the candidate through clinical development to make it available for the ongoing pandemic.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

DRIVE CEO George Painter said: “With EIDD-2801 close to entering clinical trials for influenza and its activity against the SARS and MERS coronaviruses, we immediately recognised that EIDD-2801 had the potential for treating Covid-19. Based on our extensive testing, we believe EIDD-2801 will be effective in treating individuals that have been sickened by Covid-19.

“Given Ridgeback Biotherapeutics’ experience in accelerating the development of potential therapeutics in outbreak settings and its proven commitment to global health, we are confident that Ridgeback can quickly advance EIDD-2801 into clinical trials for Covid-19 and initiate steps toward ensuring a rapid development path for this promising drug.”

EIDD-2801’s has been wholly or partially funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to treat coronavirus, influenza, chikungunya and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus.

Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Awarded the 2025 Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Award for Business Expansion in Integrated Manufacturing, Upperton Pharma Solutions is rapidly expanding its UK GMP and sterile manufacturing footprint. Find out how Upperton’s integrated CDMO model helps pharma companies move from early development to clinical and niche commercial supply with fewer handovers and faster timelines.

Discover the Impact