In November 2011, privately-held rare disease therapeutics developer Synageva BioPharma Corporation merged with publicly traded Trimeris in a 75%-25% split with Synageva inthe ead position. To that point, Trimeris had been a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the antibral space - discovery and development of a new class of therapeutic agents (fusion inhibitors) that block viral infection by inhibiting viral fusion with host cells. T-20, a patented 36 amino acid synthetic peptide and the Company's lead product candidate, inhibits HIV infection. The Company's developed and proprietary technology platform identifies target sequences within certain viral proteins that have the potential to interact during the fusion process. Once identified, these target sequences form the basis for designing highly selective and potent peptide inhibitors of viral fusion. Trimeris identified, and filed patent applications disclosing, numerous discrete peptide sequences that include potential fusion targets in other viruses such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Human Parainfluenza Virus (HPIV), hepatitis B and C, influenza and herpes. Post meregr, their work continues. In 2009 it was reported that South Koeran firm Arigene was to acuire Trimeris but the deal was not consummated.
