Avid Therapeutics Inc. has entered into an option agreementwith Emory University covering hundreds of novel non-nucleoside compounds, many of which have demonstrated anti-viral activity.

The compounds, made available by Raymond Schinazi ofEmory, will be evaluated using Avid's proprietary assays toidentify compounds active against hepatitis B and hepatitis C.Avid of Philadelphia, which was founded in 1992, securedexclusive worldwide rights from the Atlanta university tolicense the compounds for those uses.

Avid's president and chief executive officer, Forrest Anthony,said Emory would get royalties if Avid discovers a compoundthat is active against hepatitis B and C.

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