Viragen's Multiferon shows antiviral activity against avian flu in vitro

By Angela McDaniels

Seattle, Nov. 18 - Viragen Inc. and Viragen International Inc. said preliminary in vitro studies show that Multiferon (multi-subtype, human natural alpha interferon) exhibits significant antiviral activity against the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus.

These early stage studies found Multiferon to be significantly more active against the virus than recombinant alpha interferon, recombinant beta interferon or ribavirin, the company said.

Viragen believes these results suggest that Multiferon may have utility against this viral threat and is a candidate worthy of further evaluation in additional avian influenza studies.

The studies were conducted by Birmingham, Ala.-based Southern Research Institute, an independent, nonprofit center for scientific research.

In the evaluations, Southern Research scientists exposed a standard cell line to a range of concentrations of Multiferon, recombinant alpha interferon, recombinant beta interferon and ribavirin, all of which were then separately exposed to the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Multiferon showed potent anti-viral efficacy at low concentrations and was nontoxic to the cells, the company said.

The data obtained from these studies has been included as a supplement to Viragen's patent application filed with the United Kingdom's Patent Office in February 2004 covering the use of Multiferon for the treatment and prevention of avian influenza virus.

Multiferon is a highly purified alpha interferon approved for sale in 10 markets outside the United States for the first-line or rescue therapy of a broad range of infectious diseases and cancers.

Earlier this year, Viragen filed an application in Sweden to seek expanded approval for Multiferon to include the first-line adjuvant treatment of high-risk malignant melanoma. The company expects a decision soon.

Viragen is a biotechnology company based in Plantation, Fla., that develops pharmaceutical proteins for the treatment of viral diseases and cancers.

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