These early-stage studies found Multiferon to be significantly more active against the virus than recombinant alpha interferon, recombinant beta interferon or ribavirin.
The studies were conducted by Birmingham, Alabama-based Southern Research Institute, an independent, not-for-profit center for scientific research. In the evaluations scientists exposed a standard cell line to a range of concentrations of Multiferon, 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 Multiferon was highly active against the virus, and was more active than the other three products tested. According to the data, Multiferon showed potent anti-viral efficacy at low concentrations and was non-toxic to the cells.