Viragen Reports Results From Preliminary Avian Flu Studies
PLANTATION, Fla., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Viragen, Inc. and Viragen International, Inc. today announced that preliminary in vitro studies conducted by a U.S. research organization have found Multiferon(R) (multi-subtype, human natural alpha interferon) to show significant anti-viral activity against the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza virus. These early-stage studies found Multiferon(R) to be significantly more active against the virus than recombinant alpha interferon, recombinant beta interferon or ribavirin. Viragen officials believe these results suggest that Multiferon(R) may have utility against this viral threat and is a prime candidate worthy of further evaluation in additional avian influenza studies.
The studies were conducted by Birmingham, Ala.-based Southern Research Institute, an independent, not-for-profit center for scientific research. In the evaluations, Southern Research scientists exposed a standard cell line to a range of concentrations of Multiferon(R), recombinant alpha interferon, recombinant beta interferon and ribavirin, all of which were then separately exposed to the H5N1 avian influenza virus. It was found that not only was Multiferon(R) highly active against the virus, being able to protect the cells against viral infection, but furthermore, it was found to be far more active than the other three products tested. Multiferon(R) showed potent anti-viral efficacy at low concentrations and was non-toxic to the cells.
While these studies represent only a preliminary evaluation, and success in the in vivo or clinical stages cannot be guaranteed, the data suggests that Multiferon(R) may have immuno-protective and anti-viral activity against this particular strain of virus, and furthermore, may be more effective than other anti-viral products, including recombinant alpha interferon.
The data obtained from these studies has been included to supplement Viragen's patent application filed with the United Kingdom's Patent Office in February 2004 covering the use of natural, multi-subtype alpha interferon for human treatment and prevention of avian influenza virus.
About Multiferon(R):
Multiferon(R) is a highly purified, multi-subtype, natural human alpha interferon. Marketed as "the natural choice,"(TM) it is approved for sale in ten international markets (non-U.S.) for the first-line or rescue therapy of a broad range of infectious diseases and cancers. Earlier this year, Viragen filed an application in Sweden to seek expanded approval for Multiferon(R) to include the first-line adjuvant treatment of high-risk malignant melanoma. A decision is expected imminently.
About Viragen, Inc.:
With global operations in the U.S., Scotland and Sweden, Viragen is a biotechnology company engaged in the research, development, manufacture and commercialization of pharmaceutical proteins for the treatment of viral diseases and cancers. Our product portfolio includes: Multiferon(R) (multi- subtype, natural human alpha interferon) targeting a broad range of infectious and malignant diseases; and humanized monoclonal antibodies targeting specific antigens over-expressed on many types of cancers. We are also pioneering the development of Avian Transgenic Technology, with the renowned Roslin Institute, as a revolutionary manufacturing platform for the large-scale, efficient and economical production of human therapeutic proteins and antibodies.
About Southern Research Institute:
Southern Research is an independent, not-for-profit center for scientific research which conducts studies in preclinical drug discovery and development for cancer, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Southern Research has facilities in Birmingham, Ala., Frederick, Md., and Research Triangle Park, N.C. Its scientists have discovered six of the FDA approved anticancer drugs on the market, and are often on the forefront in therapeutic research to address emerging public health threats.
For more information, visit: http://www.southernresearch.org For more information, please visit: http://www.Viragen.com Viragen, Inc. Corporate Contact: Douglas Calder, Director of Communications Phone: (954) 233-8746; Fax: (954) 233-1414 E-mail: dcalder@viragen.com
The foregoing press announcement contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "expect," "potential," "suggests," "may," "should," "could" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. In particular, management's expectations regarding future research, development and/or commercial results could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties relating to clinical trials and product development; availability of future financing; unexpected regulatory delays or government regulation generally; the Company's ability to obtain or maintain patent and other proprietary intellectual property protection; and competition in general. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010426/HSTH018LOGO-bAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.orgPRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comViragen, Inc.; Viragen International, Inc.CONTACT: Douglas Calder, Viragen, Inc., Director of Communications,+1-954-233-8746, or fax, +1-954-233-1414, or dcalder@viragen.com