Despite promising results, the makers of an experimental drug to treat West Nile virus (news - web sites) may drop the work because of financial and logistical concerns. Michael Hubbard, director of investor relations for drug maker AVI BioPharma, said setting up trials is difficult because there is so much uncertainty about where the virus will hit. He also said there are other serious viruses to address. “When you have got hepatitis C, with nearly 4 million Americans affected, and you have a disease with 9,000 cases infected last year — we have to weigh our priorities,” he said. The company has applied for more funding through the Food and Drug Administration and would be interested in teaming up with another drug company for research into West Nile virus. But Hubbard said nothing is certain.
