The United States Patents Office (USPTO) has granted two new patents for Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. for the use of Alferon LDO (Low Dose Oral Interferon Alfa-n3).

Alferon LDO (Human Leukocyte Derived) is an experimental low-dose, oral liquid formulation of Natural Alpha Interferon, and, like Alferon N Injection®, should not cause antibody formation, which is a known problem with recombinant interferon. Alferon LDO is an experimental immunotherapeutic believed to work by stimulating an immune cascade response in the cells of the mouth and throat, enabling it to bolster systemic immune response through the entire body by absorption through the oral mucosa. Oral interferon could be economically feasible for patients and logistically manageable in development programs in third-world countries primarily affected by influenza and other emerging viruses. Oral administration of Alferon LDO, with its anticipated affordability, low toxicity, expected non-production of antibodies, and broad range of potential bioactivity, could be a breakthrough treatment for prevention for viral diseases including influenza.

Dr William A. Carter, chairman and chief executive officer stated, “We are very pleased with the issuance of these two Alferon LDO patents and now turn our focus to how best to move this program forward with clinical studies in the US and in other parts of the world.” Oral administration of Alferon LDO, an experimental therapeutic, with its ease of administration, has the potential to become a significant therapeutic advance for the treatment or prevention of viral diseases. The FDA has authorized a well-controlled phase II clinical study of Alferon LDO in influenza prophylaxis and treatment of individuals within the family setting.

Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. is an advanced specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the manufacture and clinical development of new drug entities for treatment of seriously debilitating disorders.