REPLICor has discovered a family of compounds which have broad spectrum antiviral activity.
REPLICor's lead compound, REP 9, has been shown to effectively treat influenza infections in mice. REP 9 has potent activity against influenza when given either in prophylaxis or as therapy. In tissue culture, REP 9 showed potent activity against over 10 strains of influenza tested to date including H1N1, H3N2 (similar to the 1918 Spanish flu and the 1968 Hong Kong flu respectively) and influenza B, demonstrating its potential application against other emergent viruses like avian flu H5N1, states a company release.
REP 9's mode of action is distinct from the marketed drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. REP 9 prevents the entry of viruses into cells by targeting a portion of the virus common to all influenza viruses. This novel mechanism of action promises to prevent the development of drug resistant strains of influenza.
REPLICor believes that the development of novel influenza drugs is one of the essential preparedness activities for the next influenza pandemic. Recent lethal outbreaks of avian flu in humans have highlighted the potential danger of emergent viruses. REP 9 can easily be produced in large quantities and could become an effective tool in the global response to the next pandemic.
REP 9 is available to any laboratory or agency for testing against emerging influenza strains.
REPLICor Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. Its lead compound, REP 9 is active against 12 viral families including influenza, HIV, Hepatitis B, herpes, RSV and Ebola and is highly effective in treating several viral infections in animals.