Health News : Novel compound found effective against avian influenza virus

Novel compound found effective against avian influenza virus
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admin on 26/02/2010 04:14:00
 
The work, published in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Pathogens on
Feb. 26, suggests that the compound CS-8958 is a promising alternative antiviral
for prevention and treatment of bird flu.
Antiviral drugs are a primary countermeasure against human influenza viruses,
including the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, which causes bird
flu. Emerging strains resistant to existing drugs, particularly oseltamivir
(Tamiflu), pose a threat and make the development of alternate antivirals a
pressing public health issue, says Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a professor of
pathobiological sciences at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and
senior author of the new study.
Kawaoka and a group of researchers from Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia tested a
novel neuraminidase inhibitor R-125489 and its prodrug CS-8958, which had
previously shown potent activity against seasonal influenza viruses in
laboratory animals.
Working with mice, the researchers found that a single intranasal dose of
CS-8958 given two hours after infection with H5N1 influenza virus resulted in a
higher survival rate and lower virus levels than a standard five-day course of
oseltamivir. CS-8958 was also effective against highly pathogenic and
oseltamivir-resistant strains of H5N1 virus.
In addition to its therapeutic use, CS-8958 also protected mice against lethal
H5N1 infection when given seven days before infection with the virus.
"This compound requires only a single administration for both treatment and
prophylaxis. Such prophylaxis would be highly desirable for seasonal influenza
as well as a potential pandemic situation," says Kawaoka.
Although follow-up studies will be needed to confirm the applicability of the
findings to humans, "CS-8958 is highly effective for the treatment and
prophylaxis of infection with H5N1 influenza viruses, including
oseltamivir-resistant mutants," the authors conclude.
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- Jill Sakai, 608-262-9772, jasakai@wisc.edu
CONTACT: Yoshihiro Kawaoka, kawaokay@svm.vetmed.wisc.edu, 608-265-4925