Influenza Virus Defective Interfering Particles for Use in the Prophylactic or Therapeutic Treatment of Coronaviridae Infection

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes the use of influenza virus defective interfering particles (DIPs)—which are non-infectious viral particles incapable of complete replication—for the prevention and treatment of infections caused by coronaviridae viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19). The invention shows that these DIPs can strongly suppress coronavirus replication in human cells, primarily by stimulating the body's innate immune response. The DIPs can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions for prophylactic (prevention) or therapeutic (treatment) use, with possible administration via mucosal, intranasal, oral, or injectable routes.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Treatment of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) to reduce viral replication and severity of disease.
• Prophylactic (preventive) administration to high-risk individuals (such as healthcare workers) to reduce the chance or severity of coronavirus infection.
• Therapeutic application to treat other coronaviridae family infections, such as those caused by SARS or MERS coronaviruses.
• Potential use as a broad-spectrum antiviral treatment for other interferon-sensitive respiratory viruses.
• Veterinary use in animals susceptible to coronaviridae infections, such as cats, dogs, ferrets, and minks.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a novel antiviral approach distinct from existing antivirals and monoclonal antibody therapies—can be effective even when antivirals or vaccines are suboptimal.
• The DIPs act by boosting the body's innate immune system, thus may provide broad protection, not limited to specific virus strains or variants.
• Can be used both before (prophylactically) and after (therapeutically) exposure to viral infection, increasing flexibility in clinical application.
• Demonstrates sustained antiviral activity at even high dilutions, suggesting potent and efficient suppression of viral replication.
• Non-infectious nature of DIPs reduces safety risks compared to live or attenuated viruses.
• Suitable for various administration routes (intranasal, oral, injectable), allowing both easy and rapid application during outbreaks.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates in a first aspect to the use of influenza virus defective interfering particles in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of coronaviridae infection. In particular, it has been recognized that defective interfering particles of influenza A have beneficial effects in the treatment of SARS coronavirus infection, in particular, SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for use in treating coronaviridae infection, in particular SARS-CoV-2.