Viragen, Inc today reported on the progression of anti-viral studies using Multiferon (multi-subtype, natural human alpha interferon) being conducted by the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). These studies have found Multiferon to have significant activity when used in vitro against certain "Category A" pathogens, a class of highly virulent viral threats, which have the potential to be used in biowarfare.

In this research collaboration, Viragen and USAMRIID have agreed to conduct a study program designed to evaluate Multiferon against specific viral agents. Additional studies will evaluate Multiferon as a possible broad-acting anti-viral product, which may be used as a first-line of defense against unknown infectious agents or when no therapeutic or vaccine exists. These studies are expected to be completed by this summer and will help determine the potential role of Multiferon as a bio-defense product.

Viragen's Vice President and Managing Director of Viragen (Scotland) Ltd., Dr. Karen Jervis, commented, "The initial studies conducted by USAMRIID have focused on the in vitro activity of Multiferon in cell lines when exposed to a variety of 'Category A' pathogens, including Ebola virus. The results obtained thus far have been highly encouraging, showing Multiferon to display broad anti-viral effects, and indeed, we are hopeful that these and future results will indicate that Multiferon can be used as a versatile anti-viral agent, with efficacy against a wide range of pathogens. These studies will continue in both in vitro and in vivo models, and we are now in negotiations to expand such work to include the participation of other leading U.S. government research agencies."

http://www.viragen.com/