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Low Dose Oral Interferon Alfa-n3 May Serve as a Potential Therapy for Avian Flu
Mar 24, 2005, 09:33, Reviewed by: Dr.
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The multiple actions of cocktails of material human alpha interferons is the crux of Hemispherx's belief that Low Dose Oral Interferon Alfa-n3 (already FDA-approved for treatment of human papilloma virus) may be able to inactivate avian influenza by boosting the immune system of both birds raised as poultry crop so as to prevent infection, as well as act as both a short-term immune boost lending to a long-term vaccine-like protection in humans.
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By Akanksha, Pharmacology Correspondent,
Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. continues the evaluation of Alferon LDO (Low Dose Oral Interferon Alfa-n3 (Human Leukocyte Derived)) as a potential therapy for Avian Flu.
The anticipated clinical trials in human volunteers (to be conducted in both the U.S. and Asia) are designed to determine whether Low Dose Oral Interferon Alfa-n3, delivered in a new, experimental oral drug delivery format, can resuscitate the broad-spectrum antiviral genes, which are shut down by dreaded viruses such as avian flu and smallpox.
Considering today's announcement of a "risky" experiment by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to simulate the mixing and matching of genes from the avian flu virus and a common human flu into a pandemic, Hemispherx's upcoming human trials are more necessary than ever.
With the World Health Organization predicting that the avian flu threatens to spread around the world and infect millions of people, Hemispherx Biopharma is one of a few companies evaluating a potential treatment for the deadly virus in a safely designed and controlled environment.
The multiple actions of cocktails of material human alpha interferons is the crux of Hemispherx's belief that Low Dose Oral Interferon Alfa-n3 (already FDA-approved for treatment of human papilloma virus) may be able to inactivate avian influenza by boosting the immune system of both birds raised as poultry crop so as to prevent infection, as well as act as both a short-term immune boost lending to a long-term vaccine-like protection in humans.
Initial studies indicate that alpha interferons stimulate broad-spectrum antiviral and immune system genes when given by injection, but such studies have not yet been systematically controlled by oral delivery.
With the lack of any currently available treatment for Avian Flu in the marketplace, as well as the potential for a "global pandemic" anticipated by many if the virus mutates and transfers from animals to humans, Hemispherx is a drug manufacturer with a novel approach to battling Avian Flu: Tested in the food and water of birds raised as poultry crops (where the virus may breed) the company has found that Low Dose Oral Interferon Alfa-n3 may reduce mortality rates and may contribute to a healthier bird population.
Additionally, and very importantly, Hemispherx is set to begin drug trials in humans within the month looking at relevant gene activation profiles.
Recent studies indicate that these disabled genes may have led to the pandemic in 1918/1919, which killed millions around the globe. 
- Hemispherx Biopharma
Hemispherx Biopharma
Hemispherx Biopharma, based in Philadelphia, is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the manufacture and clinical development of new drug entities. Its flagship products include Alferon N(R) and the experimental antiviral products, Ampligen(R) and Oragens(TM). These novel Alferon-N proteins, commercially available for a category of STD infection, and experimental nucleic acids are being developed for globally important chronic diseases and disorders of the immune system including HPV, HIV, CFS and Hepatitis. Its four major technology platforms include large-and small-agent components for potential treatment of various chronic viral infections, and are being developed with various corporate, governmental and academic collaborators worldwide. Hemispherx has more than 200 patents comprising its core intellectual property estate, a fully commercialized product (Alferon N(R)) and GMP certified manufacturing facilities for its novel pharma products. For more information please visit the company's website.
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