Pneumagen Showcases Broad Antiviral Activity of Neumifil in New Study

Pneumagen, a clinical-stage biotechnology firm based in St Andrews, UK, has recently published new preclinical data on its lead product, Neumifil (HEX17). The findings, detailed in the journal Antiviral Research, underscore Neumifil's broad-spectrum antiviral efficacy against a variety of respiratory viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, and rhinovirus. These results support the drug's potential as a pioneering intranasal prophylactic treatment for multiple respiratory viral infections.

Neumifil has previously shown promise in Phase 1 and Phase 2 human influenza challenge studies, where its clinical safety and efficacy were positively evaluated. The latest preclinical data further validate Neumifil’s ability to prevent viral infections by blocking the viruses from engaging with host receptors, thereby minimizing the risk of antiviral resistance. The drug's broad-spectrum activity is particularly notable in the context of recurring seasonal infections and newly emerging viral threats, which pose significant health risks to vulnerable groups such as the very young, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The research demonstrates that Neumifil consistently exhibits strong antiviral activity across multiple in vivo and in vitro studies. This antiviral prophylactic could be especially beneficial for high-risk populations, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of infections. Professor Garry Taylor, Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of Pneumagen, highlighted the urgent need for broad-acting antiviral strategies to combat respiratory tract infections. He emphasized that emerging and re-emerging viral diseases, including new genetic variants of existing viruses like H5N1, present severe threats to human health. Taylor affirmed that the comprehensive preclinical data supports Neumifil as a promising broad-spectrum antiviral that could significantly improve health outcomes for high-risk groups.

Douglas Thomson, CEO of Pneumagen, expressed confidence in Neumifil's potential based on the preclinical study results. He noted that these findings validate the drug's broad-spectrum activity and have accelerated its progression into clinical development. Thomson reiterated the company’s commitment to advancing Neumifil through further clinical trials, focusing on its ability to reduce exacerbations in COPD patients and other at-risk populations.

Neumifil is engineered as a multivalent Carbohydrate Binding Module (mCBM) that directly binds to and prevents the entry of viral pathogens into the host cells. This innovative mechanism was developed using Pneumagen’s proprietary GlycoTarge™ technology. The firm was established in 2016 as a spin-out from the University of St Andrews, leveraging the university's expertise in viral infections and glycobiology.

Overall, the new preclinical data solidifies Neumifil’s role as a potential game-changer in the field of antiviral treatments, offering broad-spectrum protection against a range of respiratory viruses. The continued clinical development of Neumifil is expected to bring a valuable new option for preventing and managing viral respiratory tract infections, particularly in populations most at risk from these diseases.