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news.San Diego-based firm MultiCell ImmunoTherapeutics has decided to evaluate its investigational drug MCT-465 in preclinical animal models of H5N1, the influenza virus also called bird flu.
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These studies, undertaken by the MultiCell Technologies subsidiary, will seek to build on the success that the toll receptor molecule, MCT-465, demonstrated in previous preclinical studies of the H1N1 strain of the disease. In these investigations MCT-465 reduced pulmonary virus titers 1,000-fold in mouse models, resulting in barely detectable levels of the virus.
The H5N1 strain of influenza A virus is genetically similar to the H1N1 strain of influenza A virus. Therefore the proposed studies will be designed to determine the effectiveness of MCT-465 to induce immunity in mice infected by the H5N1 influenza A virus.
The company plans additional preclinical studies to further elucidate the underlying immunology, as well as evaluate the manufacturing requirements and toxicology profile of MCT-465 prior to beginning human clinical trials.
MultiCell acquired MCT-465 as a result of its acquisition last month of Astral’s assets.