ATLANTA, April 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aviragen Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVIR), a company focused on the discovery and development of the next generation of direct-acting antivirals to treat infections that have limited therapeutic options, today announced that based on a review of the status of its internal programs, resources and capabilities, it plans to explore a wide range of strategic alternatives that include a business combination or strategic merger, in-licensing clinical stage programs, an acquisition, or other transaction that would complement the Company’s current pipeline and could maximize both near and long-term value for our shareholders. The Company has retained Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated to serve as its financial advisor in the process.

Aviragen Therapeutics does not have a defined timeline for the exploration of strategic alternatives and is not confirming that the process will result in any strategic alternative being announced or consummated. Aviragen Therapeutics does not intend to discuss or disclose further developments during this process unless and until its Board of Directors has approved a specific action or otherwise determined that further disclosure is appropriate.

Additional Corporate Updates:

• BTA074: The Phase 2 trial of BTA074, a topical antiviral treatment for condyloma caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), is continuing with the randomization of patients. It is anticipated that enrollment in the trial will be completed in 2H 2017 and top-line efficacy data will be available 1H 2018.
• Vapendavir: The Company is evaluating a potential clinical development path for the drug based on the consistent antiviral effect observed in the Phase 2b SPIRITUS trial and previous clinical studies and its favorable safety profile. Additionally, based on the Company’s further analysis of data from the SPIRITUS trial, the previously planned Phase 2 trial in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients will not proceed forward.
• BTA585: The Company continues to progress activities that will support its response to the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the clinical hold on its Investigational New Drug (IND) application.
• RSV Non-Fusion Inhibitor: Development of the non-nucleoside inhibitor program for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections continues to make good progress with the identification of several compounds that demonstrate low nanomolar antiviral activity in vitro.
• General and Administrative Expense: The Company will reduce its headcount by approximately 25%.

About Aviragen Therapeutics, Inc.

Aviragen Therapeutics is focused on the discovery and development of the next generation of direct-acting antivirals to treat infections that have limited therapeutic options and affect a significant number of patients globally. The Company has three Phase 2 clinical stage compounds: vapendavir, a capsid inhibitor for the prevention or treatment of rhinovirus (RV) upper respiratory infections; enzaplatovir (BTA585), a fusion protein inhibitor in development for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infections; and BTA074, an antiviral treatment for condyloma caused by human papillomavirus types 6 & 11. The Company also receives royalties from marketed influenza products, Relenza^® and Inavir^®. For additional information about the Company, please visit www.aviragentherapeutics.com.