Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Experimental Drug Holds Key to Tackling New Viruses, Including Bioterror Pathogen

by Tanya Thomas on November 25, 2008 at 9:14 AM
 Experimental Drug Holds Key to Tackling New Viruses, Including Bioterror Pathogen

A study has revealed the existence of a new experimental drug which, following several tests on lab animals, has proved its mettle in combating two viruses. One of these viruses is closely related to a potential lethal bioterror pathogen.

The drug, bavituximab, takes a novel tack in confronting viruses, which are notorious for mutations that evade or resist conventional pharmaceutical molecules.

Advertisement

Instead of confronting the intruder head-on, bavituximab waits until the virus has infected the cell.

At that point, a fatty molecule called phosphatidylserine, which is normally positioned on the cell wall's internal surface, flips to the outside of the cell.
Advertisement

Bavituximab then latches onto the phosphatidylserine, sending a red flag to the body's immune system to dispatch white blood cells to destroy the infected cell.

In a study in Nature Medicine, published by the London-based Nature group, bavituximab was put through its paces among guinea pigs infected with Pichinde virus - a close relative of the Lassa fever virus, considered a potential bioterror weapon by the Pentagon.

Animals that had not been inoculated with bavituximab were succumbed to the virus; those who had received the injection had a 50-percent survival rate. By giving the bavituximab group an additional injection with a standard anti-virus drug called ribavirin, the survival rate rose to 63 percent.

The drug also provided 100-percent protection amongst mice exposed to a virus called cytomegalovirus, whereas only 25 percent of untreated animals survived.

Co-author Philip Thorpe, a professor of pharmacology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Texas, said the findings were exciting, for they raised the prospect of a "completely new class" of anti-viral drugs that may also sidestep the problem of mutation.

"By targeting a property of the host cell rather than the virus itself, anti-PS ie phosphatidylserine antibodies have the potential to treat a range of viral infections," he said in a press release.

"They should be less susceptible to the viral mutations that contribute to the development of drug resistance."

Bavituximab, a monoclonal antibody, is currently in clinical trials by Peregrine Pharmaceuticals Inc. of California to treat patients with hepatitis C.

Previous research has shown that phosphatidylserine-flipping occurs in cells infected with influenza, the herpes simplex virus, viruses in the families of the smallpox and rabies viruses as well as HIV, UT Southwestern Medical Center said.

Source: AFP
TAN/M
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Drug News

Anti-Obesity Drugs' Impact on Osteoarthritis Survival
The impact of anti-obesity drugs on survival rates among osteoarthritis patients is under scrutiny, evaluating their potential influence on mortality risks.
Can a Needle-Free Patch Transform Zika Protection?
Researchers create needle-free Zika vaccine patch, using HD-MAP tech, aiming to protect against fatal virus spread by mosquitoes.
Prolonging Market Exclusivity of Brand-name Insulin
Examining FDA and patent records, researchers found that insulin manufacturers prolong market exclusivity for brand-name products.
FDA Boosts Orphan Drug Designations for Myelofibrosis Treatments
The rise in FDA ODD awards indicates a collective endeavor to create new myelofibrosis medications devoid of mechanisms inducing anemia.
Anti-Rheumatic Drugs May Help Prevent Thyroid Disease
The most significant decrease in autoimmune thyroid disease risk was observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving immunomodulatory drugs or 'biological DMARDs'.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Experimental Drug Holds Key to Tackling New Viruses, Including Bioterror Pathogen Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests