Zika result sends Biotron shares soaring

Tests in the United States have shown two compounds owned by research firm Biotron have some form of effectiveness against Zika virus.

Medical research firm Biotron says two of its compounds have shown effectiveness against the Zika virus, giving its shares a boost on the ASX.

Biotron announced to the Australian Securities Exchange on Monday that two compounds from its library showed "positive activity" against Zika during tests in the United States, and said the results are "a starting point for designing potent drugs against Zika".

Biotron shares were up 1.5 cents, or 23.4 per cent, to 7.9 cents at 1036 AEST, with 2.3 million shares traded.