Russia develops new generation anti-flu drug with superior effectiveness

Interferon type 3 developed by Russian scientists helps inhibit many types of viruses and reduce mortality rates, opening up a more effective way to prevent flu than current drugs.

According to the VNA correspondent in Moscow, scientists from St. Petersburg State University (SPbPU) and the AA Smorodintsev Institute of Influenza Research have obtained interferon type 3 under laboratory conditions.

This drug has superior anti-influenza effects compared to existing interferons. The research was published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Drugs.

Respiratory viral infections are a global problem, and scientists are still exploring various strategies to combat them.

One of the proven effective methods is stimulating the innate immune response. Interferons are proteins produced in response to viral and other harmful agents.

Therefore, interferon provides the body's first and most important line of defense against viruses. Interferon types 1 and 2 were studied in detail in the latter half of the 20th century.

Associate Professor Alexey Lozhkov of the College of Biomedical Systems and Technology of SPbPU, one of the lead authors of the study, said the resulting protein preparation has antiviral activity against influenza virus, coronavirus, and Chikungunya fever virus (transmitted through mosquito bites).

When interferon-lambda (type 3) was used as a prophylactic treatment in laboratory mice, the drug prevented the spread of influenza A virus in the lungs, while also reducing weight loss and the risk of death.

The SPbPU research team also reported that the study demonstrated the effectiveness of type 3 interferon in cases of secondary infections, which were a major cause of death, such as during the 1918-1920 Spanish pandemic.

The new drug is expected to be marketed as nasal drops or spray, suitable for prophylactic use after exposure to an infected person or during the early stages of the illness.

However, the authors warn that the use of interferon may be inappropriate during the acute phase of the disease, especially when the patient has a high fever, as it can increase inflammation. Therefore, during the acute phase, interferon, particularly type 1, should be used with extreme caution to avoid unwanted reactions.

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/nga-phat-trien-thuoc-chong-cum-the-he-moi-vuot-troi-ve-hieu-qua-post1053639.vnp