A person receiving an intranasal vaccine.
Image Credit: CDC
In a phase 2, proof-of-concept, investigational antiviral Neumifil, demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in the incidence of symptomatic influenza infection. Investigators utilized a controlled human infection model (CHIM) study where healthy volunteers were challenged with influenza virus following administration of Neumifil.
The study was presented at the American Thoracic Society meeting, and titled “HEX17, a Novel Broad-spectrum Antiviral Intranasal Drug, Demonstrates Efficacy Against Influenza in a Controlled Human Infection Model Conducted in Healthy Adults.”
“Viral respiratory infection is of enormous global concern, particularly in patients with underlying pulmonary disease, in whom viral infections can induce exacerbations,” Pneumagen Chief Medical Officer Dr Geoff Kitson, and presenting author, said in a statement. “The significant reductions in both symptoms and viral load, demonstrate the potential of this new antiviral drug not only to alleviate patients suffering but also to curtail the spread of virus within communities.”
The study was performed in healthy adults evaluating 2 dosing regimens: a single dose, 3 days before infection or 3 daily doses on the 3 days leading up to infection with influenza virus. The investigational spray, Neumifil, was administered as an intranasal spray to participants who were subsequently infected with influenza virus.
What You Need to Know
In a phase 2, proof-of-concept study utilizing a controlled human infection model (CHIM), Neumifil demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in the incidence of symptomatic influenza infections.
Neumifil showed significant reductions in both symptoms and viral load. According to Pneumagen’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Geoff Kitson this indicates the potential of the antiviral drug to alleviate patient suffering and help curtail the spread of the virus within communities, particularly benefiting patients with underlying pulmonary diseases.
Encouraged by the promising results, Pneumagen plans to advance Neumifil into further clinical studies.
Antiviral Makeup, Company Background
Neumifil is a novel, engineered, multivalent, carbohydrate binding Module (mCBM). It acts by directly binding and preventing the entry into the host of the viral pathogens. a broad-spectrum antiviral, intranasal drug for the prophylaxis and treatment of viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs), Neumifil was generated using Pneumagen’s proprietary GlycoTarge technology. Pneumagen is based in St Andrews, Scotland, and is a clinical stage biotech company developing Neumifil (HEX17).
Next Steps
Based from the results, the company expects to move forward with further trials. “Based on these promising proof-of-concept results presented at ATS, that reinforce the clinically significant reduction in both the incidence and severity of symptomatic influenza infection, we now look forward to advancing Neumifil into further clinical studies where its broad spectrum of activity offers significant potential,” said Pneumagen CEO Douglas Thomson. “These trials are expected to include the evaluation of Neumifil’s ability to reduce the incidence of exacerbations in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which represents a significant at-risk population.”
Reference
Pneumagen Presents Positive Phase 2 Influenza Human Challenge Study data on Neumifil, its Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Drug, at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2024 Conference. Pneumagen news statement. May 23, 2024. Accessed May 24, 2024.
https://www.pneumagen.com/pneumagen-presents-positive-phase-2-influenza-human-challenge-study-data-on-neumifil-its-broad-spectrum-antiviral-drug-at-the-american-thoracic-society-ats-2024-conference/
