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The recombinant proteins target sialic acid sites in the respiratory tract to which which influenza virus (and other pathogens) bind, causing infection.
About
About Opportunity: There is increasing resistance to currently available influenza antivirals (Relenza, Tamiflu). Our approach targets the host rather than the virus, overcoming the drug resistance that is a major problem with the fast evolving influenza virus. Our approach has advantages over removing sialic acid receptors with sialidase, as this approach can unmask cryptic receptors for other respiratory pathogens. We have developed multivalent proteins based on the sialic acid binding domain of Vibrio cholerae sialidase that have varying binding affinities from micromolar to nanomolar (see http://www.jbc.org/content/284/11/7339). These proteins recognize terminal sialic acids, independent of linkage (α(2,3), α(2,6), and α(2,8)), and hence bind to receptors in the respiratory tract that are recognized by avian or human viruses. As a result, the virus is prevented from attaching to its receptor in the initial stages of infection. Key Benefits: The recombinant proteins target sialic acid sites in the respiratory tract to which which influenza virus (and other pathogens)bind, causing infection. This methodology overcomes pathogen resisitance from fast-mutating viruses. As a prophylactic therapy the recombinant proteins could be used during the period when no vaccine was available, and provide protection against the spread of new virus strains. We believe the recombinant protein would be amenable to an intranasal delivery methodology. We report early results, but these have great potential for a new influenza therapy. Applications: A prophylactic therapy against all currently circulating and future strains of influenza A and B viruses (including avian H5N1, and “swine” H1N1). A prophylactic therapy against human parainfluenza viruses. A potential therapy against other pathogens that utilise sialic acid receptors e.g.Streptococcus pneumoniae and Trypanosoma cruzi. IP Status: The University of St. Andrews has applied for patent protection and this entered the PCT phasein September 2009.The University would welcome enquiries from parties interested in entering into commercialdiscussions in regard to developing the recombinant proteins as antiviral treatments.Further information/discussions would be held under a Confidentiality Agreement.