ImmuneRegen has reported positive results from a study that evaluated its lead anti-Influenza drug, Homspera. The study in animals infected with H5N1 (Avian) Influenza virus, revealed that Homspera treatment starting 1 day following Influenza infection dramatically reduced symptoms of Influenza infection and increased survival by 60% over infected controls.
The study utilised a ‘real-world’ scenario of highly pathogenic Influenza infection by a clade 2.2 H5N1 virus. Also utilises the most widely accepted model of Influenza infection, the ferret, and 2 different viral infectious doses to evaluate differences relative to in initial infection burden.
Homspera treatment was found to increase survival by 60% and reduce fever in both viral infectious dose groups. Additionally, Homspera treatment reduced the decrease in body weight seen in the lower viral infectious dose group to levels of uninfected animals.
Michael Wilhelm, CEO of ImmuneRegen, said: “We had preliminary evidence in ferrets suggesting a survival benefit against pandemic avian flu on co-administration, but these studies, showing Homspera’s ability to treat highly pathogenic Influenza infection when administered at the onset of symptoms, reducing the symptoms of the disease and increasing survival, are validation that Homspera development should be pursued as a stand-alone therapeutic.
“These studies support our previous seasonal Influenza therapeutic studies, in which we saw similar reductions of symptoms, as well as decreased viral titers, coinciding with Homspera treatment. We believe we’ve gathered enough convincing animal data to move this program to the clinic.”