NexBio has presented new data entitled ‘DAS181 (Fludase), a Sialidase, Decreases Airway Resistance and Has Potent Anti-inflammatory Effects in Animal Models of Asthma’.
DAS181 (Fludase) is an investigational broad spectrum host-targeting drug candidate being studied in human clinical development for treatment and prevention of influenza-like illness caused by any strains of influenza and parainfluenza.
NexBio has reported the publication of two articles describing activity in non-clinical models of DAS181 for influenza A(H1N1) and for influenza resistant to Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI), in a peer-reviewed journal.
The new data presented from studies in three animal models of asthma, done by NexBio’s academic collaborators, demonstrate that DAS181 inhibits airway hyper-reactivity, characteristic of asthma. DAS181 further decreases the number of inflammatory cells and mucous secreting cells in the respiratory tract. In the animal models, DAS181 is as effective as a bronchodilator or a steroid which are anti-asthma drugs on the market.
Ronald Moss, EVP of clinical development and medical affairs at NexBio, said: “These data support the unique dual activities of DAS181. Because of its antiviral and anti-asthmatic properties, DAS181 may provide an alternative influenza treatment option for people with asthma and pre-existing respiratory diseases.
“This may be of a particular importance as there is increasing prevalence of drug resistance to Tamiflu, and the other NAI on the market, Relenza, is contraindicated for this population.”