AVI BioPharma's Neugene inhibits influenza A, studies say

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., March 30 - AVI BioPharma, Inc. said results from its collaborations with four independent research laboratories from around the world show that Neugene therapeutics are efficacious against all strains of influenza A, including H5N1, the avian influenza strain that is causing global concern as a potential pandemic pathogen.

The summary results show that AVI BioPharma's Neugene agents targeting a highly conserved region in the genetic start-site of influenza A viruses were highly effective in inhibiting replication of multiple influenza A subtypes, including H1N1, H3N2, H3N8, H5N1 and H7N7.

This suggests that a single Neugene agent could be developed to inhibit replication of multiple strains of influenza A virus, according to a news release.

Based on these findings, as well as the results generated by additional studies of other viruses, AVI BioPharma said it plans to file an Investigational New Drug application later this year.

Researchers included the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass.; Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand; the Public Health Agency of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore.

Portland, Ore.-based AVI BioPharma develops therapeutic products for the treatment of life-threatening diseases using Neugene antisense drugs.

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