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Novel inhaled drug found effective against H5N1 avian influenza virus | Researchers have found a novel compound highly effective against the pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, including some drug-resistant strains.
The work by a University of Wisconsin-Madison virologist has been published in
the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Pathogens. The study 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. |
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