Zentek Advances in Avian Influenza Countermeasure Development

Zentek Ltd. has made significant progress in its contract with Innovative Solutions Canada to develop a countermeasure for highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1). The initial phase, involving the delivery of a lead candidate countermeasure, is complete. Zentek now enters the testing phase of this $1.1 million project.

The contract, initiated in November 2024, aims to create both a prophylactic and therapeutic solution using Zentek’s multivalent aptamer strategy. This method previously succeeded with SARS-CoV-2 aptamers. Collaborating with McMaster University, Zentek developed a candidate that met all established performance metrics.

Next, Zentek will supply materials for in vivo testing against H1N1 and H5N1 influenza strains. Interest in such passive countermeasures is strong, with the aim of neutralizing viruses to prevent or treat infections.