AVI BioPharma's Neugene shows success against Ebola virus

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., Jan. 13 - AVI BioPharma, Inc. published research findings demonstrating success using AVI's proprietary Neugene antisense technology as a countermeasure to Ebola virus infection.

The research was carried out in collaboration with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, according to a company news release.

The report was published in Public Library of Science Pathogens, a peer-reviewed monthly journal.

The study results showed that a combination of Ebola-specific Neugene agents protected rodents in both pre- and post-exposure therapeutic regimens, said the company. A proof-of-principle trial showed that administration of Ebola-specific Neugene agents before lethal exposure to the Ebola virus protected 75% of rhesus macaque monkeys in the trial.

"This is the first successful antiviral intervention against this class of viruses in nonhuman primates," Patrick L. Iversen, senior vice president of research and development at AVI, said in the release. "These findings serve as the basis for development of a whole class of gene-specific drugs that can be quickly produced in response to known, emerging or genetically engineered bioterrorism threats."

AVI previously announced that President Bush has approved the final version of the 2006 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which includes $11 million to fund AVI's ongoing defense-related programs.

AVI's Neugene technology is being used to develop therapeutic agents against Ebola, Marburg and dengue viruses, as well as countermeasures for anthrax exposure and antidotes for ricin toxin.

Neugene antisense compounds are synthetic polymers designed to mirror a critical portion of a disease-causing organism's genetic code. The compounds then bind to specific portions of the target genetic sequence.

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe, often-fatal disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees) caused by infection with Ebola virus. There are currently no approved treatments for Ebola infection.

AVI BioPharma develops therapeutic products for the treatment of life-threatening diseases using third-generation Neugene antisense drugs. The company is based in Portland, Ore.

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