AVI details confirmatory studies, preliminary efficacy data for Neugene antisense compounds

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., May 9 - AVI BioPharma, Inc.'s presentation at the 19th International Conference on Antiviral Research detailed previously reported confirmatory studies by three independent laboratories and included new toxicology, pharmacokinetic and preliminary animal efficacy data for its Neugene antisense compounds targeting multiple influenza strains.

Efficacy data observed in cell culture with the H1N1 strain has been confirmed against an H5N1 viral isolate and the against both the H1N1, H3N2, H7N7 and H3N8 strains.

Completed toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies in rats exhibited both a favorable safety profile and plasma clearance half-life.

Additional dose escalation studies with Neugene antisense agents are underway, with additional studies planned to evaluate protection of mice and ferrets against both H1N1 and H5N1 strains in support of the company's Investigational New Drug application.

"We believe that a single Neugene drug could be effective against most influenza subtypes," senior vice president of research and development Patrick L. Iversen said in a company news release.

"By targeting regions of the viral genetic code that are common to all influenza A subtypes, we expect that our Neugene drugs will be effective against avian flu and the far more common influenza A viruses, which kill an average of 35,000 Americans every year."

AVI said its proprietary Neugene antisense drug candidates have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical studies against SARS coronavirus, West Nile virus, hepatitis C virus, dengue virus, Ebola virus and Marburg virus.

Located in Portland, Ore., AVI BioPharma develops therapeutic products using third-generation Neugene antisense drugs.

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