Cocrystal Pharma Appoints James Sapirstein as CEO
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 03 2026
0mins
Cocrystal Pharma has appointed James Sapirstein CEO, effective immediately. The company also plans to appoint Sapirstein as a member of the board of directors. Sapirstein replaces Sam Lee and Jim Martin, who served as co-CEOs. Sam Lee will continue as president and transition to chief scientific officer, and Jim Martin will continue as CFO. Sapirstein was CEO of Contravir Pharmaceuticals.
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Analyst Views on COCP
Wall Street analysts forecast COCP stock price to rise
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Moderate Buy
Current: 0.971
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Current: 0.971
Low
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Averages
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About COCP
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company. The Company is engaged in discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), noroviruses and hepatitis C viruses (HCV). It is developing small molecule antiviral therapeutics that inhibit the essential viral replication function of RNA viruses, causing acute and chronic viral diseases. It has several candidates under development for the treatment of influenza infection. CC-42344 is a novel PB2 inhibitor, which is a preclinical lead for the treatment of pandemic and seasonal influenza A. It also develops broad-spectrum influenza antivirals targeting replication enzymes of influenza A and B strains. Its broad-spectrum antiviral drug candidate, CDI-988, is an oral treatment for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Its CC-31244, an HCV NNI, is a pan-genotypic inhibitor of NS5B polymerase for the treatment of HCV.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Cocrystal Pharma Appoints New CEO, Shares Rise
- Leadership Change: Cocrystal Pharma has appointed James Sapirstein as CEO, effective immediately, replacing co-CEOs Sam Lee and Jim Martin, aiming to enhance the company's leadership and strategic direction.
- Stock Price Surge: In pre-market trading on Nasdaq, Cocrystal Pharma's shares rose by 5.60%, trading at $1.1088, following a 5.41% decline in Tuesday's regular session, indicating a positive market reaction to the new CEO.
- New CEO Background: James Sapirstein previously served as CEO of Contravir Pharmaceuticals and Tobira Therapeutics, with extensive industry experience leading 23 product launches, which is expected to bring new growth momentum to the company.
- Management Structure Adjustment: Following this leadership change, Sam Lee will remain as president and become chief scientific officer, while Jim Martin will continue as chief financial officer, ensuring continuity in strategic execution and financial management.
See More
Cocrystal Pharma Q1 Earnings Report Analysis
- Earnings Performance: Cocrystal Pharma reported a Q1 GAAP EPS of -$0.17, missing expectations by $0.02, indicating ongoing challenges in profitability that may affect investor confidence.
- Revenue Situation: The company generated $0.23 million in revenue for the first quarter, reflecting sluggish business growth that could lead to future financing difficulties and impact strategic development.
- Cash Flow Status: As of March 31, 2026, Cocrystal's unrestricted cash stood at $4.7 million, a significant decline from $7.7 million as of December 31, 2025, indicating increased liquidity pressure that may affect daily operations.
- Operating Cash Usage: The net cash used in operating activities for Q1 2026 was $2.3 million, a decrease from $2.9 million in the same period of 2025; however, ongoing cash outflows still pose a threat to the company's financial stability.
See More
Cocrystal Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for CDI-988
- Fast Track Designation: Cocrystal's CDI-988 has received FDA Fast Track designation aimed at accelerating drug development for serious conditions and addressing unmet medical needs, thereby enhancing the company's competitive edge in the biopharmaceutical sector.
- Stock Surge: Following the FDA designation, Cocrystal's stock soared over 75% in Thursday's pre-market trading, reflecting strong market optimism regarding its norovirus treatment and demonstrating investor confidence in the company's future prospects.
- Increased Communication: The Fast Track designation allows Cocrystal to communicate more frequently and earlier with the FDA, which not only accelerates the rolling review process for the New Drug Application but may also qualify CDI-988 for Priority Review upon submission, further shortening the time to market.
- Positive Market Sentiment: Retail trader sentiment on Stocktwits around Cocrystal trended bullish with extremely high message volumes, indicating a positive market reaction to the FDA Fast Track designation and suggesting optimism about the company's future outlook.
See More
Cocrystal Pharma Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for CDI-988
- FDA Fast Track Designation: Cocrystal Pharma's oral antiviral candidate CDI-988 has received FDA Fast Track designation, marking a significant milestone that will expedite its development and review process for norovirus treatment, potentially enhancing the company's competitive edge in the antiviral market.
- Global Norovirus Impact: Norovirus is responsible for approximately 685 million infections annually, leading to an estimated $60 billion in economic losses worldwide, and Cocrystal's CDI-988 aims to address this major public health issue by providing an effective treatment option that meets unmet medical needs.
- Clinical Trial Progress: CDI-988 is currently undergoing a Phase 1b challenge study at Emory University to evaluate its efficacy in preventing and treating norovirus infections in healthy adults, with successful outcomes paving the way for future market introduction.
- Structure-Based Drug Discovery Platform: Cocrystal leverages its unique structure-based drug discovery technology to design next-generation antiviral candidates that target viral replication mechanisms, aiming to enhance efficacy against mutating strains while minimizing side effects, thus promoting safer broad-spectrum antiviral solutions.
See More
Cocrystal Pharma Reports FY 2025 Earnings Results
- Earnings Highlights: Cocrystal Pharma reported a FY 2025 GAAP EPS of -$0.78, beating expectations by $0.02, indicating a slight improvement in financial performance despite still being in a loss position.
- Cash Position: As of December 31, 2025, Cocrystal's unrestricted cash stood at $7.7 million, down from $9.9 million in 2024, reflecting pressure on the company's financial management that could impact future operational capabilities.
- Operating Cash Usage: The net cash used in operating activities for 2025 was $8.2 million, significantly reduced from $16.5 million in 2024, suggesting that the company has made progress in cost control and resource allocation, potentially laying the groundwork for future financial stability.
- Market Attention: Cocrystal Pharma's financial data has garnered market attention, particularly under Seeking Alpha's Quant Rating, with investors showing cautious optimism regarding the company's future profitability and cash flow management.
See More
Cocrystal Receives IRB Approval to Initiate CDI-988 Clinical Trial, Enrollment Expected Q1 2026
- Clinical Trial Approval: Cocrystal Pharma has received approval from the Emory University Institutional Review Board to initiate a Phase 1b human challenge study for CDI-988, with enrollment expected to begin in Q1 2026, aiming to evaluate its efficacy in preventing and treating norovirus infections.
- Innovative Drug Development: CDI-988 is the first oral broad-spectrum antiviral drug specifically designed to inhibit the 3CL protease of all noroviruses, potentially revolutionizing management in high-risk environments such as hospitals and nursing homes.
- Global Health Impact: With norovirus causing approximately 700 million infections annually, Cocrystal's research addresses this significant global health challenge, which could substantially reduce cases of acute gastroenteritis and associated societal costs.
- Technological Platform Advantage: Leveraging its proprietary structure-based drug discovery platform, Cocrystal aims to rapidly develop novel antiviral agents, and the success of CDI-988 will further solidify its leadership position in the antiviral space, driving future growth for the company.
See More
Cocrystal Pharma Appoints New CEO, Shares Rise
- Leadership Change: Cocrystal Pharma has appointed James Sapirstein as CEO, effective immediately, replacing co-CEOs Sam Lee and Jim Martin, aiming to enhance the company's leadership and strategic direction.
- Stock Price Surge: In pre-market trading on Nasdaq, Cocrystal Pharma's shares rose by 5.60%, trading at $1.1088, following a 5.41% decline in Tuesday's regular session, indicating a positive market reaction to the new CEO.
- New CEO Background: James Sapirstein previously served as CEO of Contravir Pharmaceuticals and Tobira Therapeutics, with extensive industry experience leading 23 product launches, which is expected to bring new growth momentum to the company.
- Management Structure Adjustment: Following this leadership change, Sam Lee will remain as president and become chief scientific officer, while Jim Martin will continue as chief financial officer, ensuring continuity in strategic execution and financial management.
See More
Cocrystal Pharma Q1 Earnings Report Analysis
- Earnings Performance: Cocrystal Pharma reported a Q1 GAAP EPS of -$0.17, missing expectations by $0.02, indicating ongoing challenges in profitability that may affect investor confidence.
- Revenue Situation: The company generated $0.23 million in revenue for the first quarter, reflecting sluggish business growth that could lead to future financing difficulties and impact strategic development.
- Cash Flow Status: As of March 31, 2026, Cocrystal's unrestricted cash stood at $4.7 million, a significant decline from $7.7 million as of December 31, 2025, indicating increased liquidity pressure that may affect daily operations.
- Operating Cash Usage: The net cash used in operating activities for Q1 2026 was $2.3 million, a decrease from $2.9 million in the same period of 2025; however, ongoing cash outflows still pose a threat to the company's financial stability.
See More
Cocrystal Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for CDI-988
- Fast Track Designation: Cocrystal's CDI-988 has received FDA Fast Track designation aimed at accelerating drug development for serious conditions and addressing unmet medical needs, thereby enhancing the company's competitive edge in the biopharmaceutical sector.
- Stock Surge: Following the FDA designation, Cocrystal's stock soared over 75% in Thursday's pre-market trading, reflecting strong market optimism regarding its norovirus treatment and demonstrating investor confidence in the company's future prospects.
- Increased Communication: The Fast Track designation allows Cocrystal to communicate more frequently and earlier with the FDA, which not only accelerates the rolling review process for the New Drug Application but may also qualify CDI-988 for Priority Review upon submission, further shortening the time to market.
- Positive Market Sentiment: Retail trader sentiment on Stocktwits around Cocrystal trended bullish with extremely high message volumes, indicating a positive market reaction to the FDA Fast Track designation and suggesting optimism about the company's future outlook.
See More
Cocrystal Pharma Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for CDI-988
- FDA Fast Track Designation: Cocrystal Pharma's oral antiviral candidate CDI-988 has received FDA Fast Track designation, marking a significant milestone that will expedite its development and review process for norovirus treatment, potentially enhancing the company's competitive edge in the antiviral market.
- Global Norovirus Impact: Norovirus is responsible for approximately 685 million infections annually, leading to an estimated $60 billion in economic losses worldwide, and Cocrystal's CDI-988 aims to address this major public health issue by providing an effective treatment option that meets unmet medical needs.
- Clinical Trial Progress: CDI-988 is currently undergoing a Phase 1b challenge study at Emory University to evaluate its efficacy in preventing and treating norovirus infections in healthy adults, with successful outcomes paving the way for future market introduction.
- Structure-Based Drug Discovery Platform: Cocrystal leverages its unique structure-based drug discovery technology to design next-generation antiviral candidates that target viral replication mechanisms, aiming to enhance efficacy against mutating strains while minimizing side effects, thus promoting safer broad-spectrum antiviral solutions.
See More
Cocrystal Pharma Reports FY 2025 Earnings Results
- Earnings Highlights: Cocrystal Pharma reported a FY 2025 GAAP EPS of -$0.78, beating expectations by $0.02, indicating a slight improvement in financial performance despite still being in a loss position.
- Cash Position: As of December 31, 2025, Cocrystal's unrestricted cash stood at $7.7 million, down from $9.9 million in 2024, reflecting pressure on the company's financial management that could impact future operational capabilities.
- Operating Cash Usage: The net cash used in operating activities for 2025 was $8.2 million, significantly reduced from $16.5 million in 2024, suggesting that the company has made progress in cost control and resource allocation, potentially laying the groundwork for future financial stability.
- Market Attention: Cocrystal Pharma's financial data has garnered market attention, particularly under Seeking Alpha's Quant Rating, with investors showing cautious optimism regarding the company's future profitability and cash flow management.
See More
Cocrystal Receives IRB Approval to Initiate CDI-988 Clinical Trial, Enrollment Expected Q1 2026
- Clinical Trial Approval: Cocrystal Pharma has received approval from the Emory University Institutional Review Board to initiate a Phase 1b human challenge study for CDI-988, with enrollment expected to begin in Q1 2026, aiming to evaluate its efficacy in preventing and treating norovirus infections.
- Innovative Drug Development: CDI-988 is the first oral broad-spectrum antiviral drug specifically designed to inhibit the 3CL protease of all noroviruses, potentially revolutionizing management in high-risk environments such as hospitals and nursing homes.
- Global Health Impact: With norovirus causing approximately 700 million infections annually, Cocrystal's research addresses this significant global health challenge, which could substantially reduce cases of acute gastroenteritis and associated societal costs.
- Technological Platform Advantage: Leveraging its proprietary structure-based drug discovery platform, Cocrystal aims to rapidly develop novel antiviral agents, and the success of CDI-988 will further solidify its leadership position in the antiviral space, driving future growth for the company.
See More
