Adventrx says studies show broad antiviral activity for Thiovir

By E. Janene Geiss

Philadelphia, June 22 - Adventrx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. said Thursday that preclinical studies demonstrate that Thiovir exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity against human and avian influenza, human immunodeficiency and herpes simplex viruses.

Results were from preclinical studies demonstrating Thiovir activity against HIV-1 and HIV-2 and against complex NRTI (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) and NNRTI (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor)-resistant virus, as determined by viral antigen and indicator cell assays for HIV infection, according to a company news release.

HIV-1 and HIV-2 viral infection was reduced with micro-molar concentrations of Thiovir, officials said.

Additional studies using Thiovir with zidovudine showed synergistic activity against HIV strains, but without synergistic toxicity in human cells. Furthermore, Thiovir re-sensitized zidovudine-resistant HIV strains to zidovudine, a finding that has potential important clinical implications, the company said.

In preclinical tests with influenza virus, Adventrx said Thiovir demonstrated antiviral activity against multiple subtypes of influenza B and influenza A, including a hybrid H5N1 avian influenza virus.

These studies were conducted using tests measuring specific influenza virus antigen. Thiovir also was found to be active in micro-molar concentrations against herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 in preclinical testing as measured by virus infection assays in human cell lines.

These results were presented Thursday at the International Symposium on HIV and Emerging Infectious Diseases program in Toulon, France.

The company said it plans to continue studying the antiviral efficacy of Thiovir in additional preclinical tests with multiple viruses.

Adventrx also said it plans to file an Investigational New Drug application with the Food and Drug Administration to begin a phase 1/ 2 clinical trial using Thiovir to treat HIV/AIDS.

The company said it is investigating development options for Thiovir to treat herpes infections and as a potential treatment for avian influenza.

Thiovir is a broad spectrum antiviral drug that has been shown in preclinical tests to inhibit HIV, influenza A and herpes viruses.

Adventrx is a San Diego biopharmaceutical company focused on cancer and infectious disease.

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