The World Health Organization says it wants to use BioCryst's peramivir to treat patients who have contracted the deadly H5N1 bird flu. Avian flu has a mortality rate in humans of 60 percent, and health officials say that peramivir has demonstrated an ability to achieve therapeutic levels in the blood stream that are 100 times higher than Tamiflu [1], which is the current drug being used to counter the virus. Birmingham, AL-based BioCryst has recorded positive data for peramivir in animals and recently won a $103 million grant to support additional testing.
- here's the report [2] from the Budapest Business Journal
ALSO: Several poor Asian countries face a dilemma: Replace their dated stockpiles of Tamiflu--which may or may not be effective against bird flu--or gamble that no pandemic occurs. Report [3]
Related Articles:
BioCryst seeks approval for flu trial, signs deal with Roche. Report [4]
BioCryst gets fast-track status for avian flu drug. Report [5]
BioCryst shares peak on hopes for bird flu drug. Report [6]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/worries-grow-about-tamiflu-s-avian-flu-fighting-ability/2005-12-22
[2] http://www.bbj.hu/main/news_22185_human+bird-flu+fatalities+spur+need+for+more+effective+drugs.html
[3] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117044506049596528.html?mod=health_home_stories
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/biocryst-seeks-approval-for-flu-trial-signs-deal-with-roche/2005-11-30
[5] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/biocryst-gets-fast-track-status-for-avian-flu-drug/2006-01-17
[6] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/biocryst-shares-peak-on-hopes-for-bird-flu-drug/2005-10-12