Pneumagen has announced the publication of phase 2 data showing its antiviral therapy, Neumifil, significantly reduced influenza infection and symptoms. The findings appear in the peer-reviewed journal Infectious Diseases and Therapy.
Neumifil is a broad-spectrum, intranasal antiviral developed for the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory tract infections. Pneumagen’s controlled human infection model (CHIM) trial tested the drug in healthy adults exposed to influenza virus.
The study, involving 104 participants, was randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled. Participants received Neumifil via nasal spray before being infected with influenza to evaluate infection rates and symptom severity.
Results showed Neumifil significantly reduced symptomatic influenza incidence versus placebo. Treated participants also reported fewer and less severe symptoms. The treatment was well tolerated with no new safety concerns.
Douglas Thomson, Chief Executive Officer at Pneumagen said: “We are proud to have the results of our phase 2 study of Neumifil published in a high-impact, peer-reviewed journal. This publication highlights the potential of our novel intranasal broad-spectrum antiviral therapy to dramatically improve outcomes for patients with virus-induced exacerbations and reduce the burden on healthcare systems worldwide.”
Dr Geoff Kitson, Chief Medical Officer and lead author, added: “There remains a significant unmet need in preventing viral-induced exacerbations in patients with underlying pulmonary diseases. In our study, we observed meaningful reductions in symptom severity and viral load, offering hope for a new, effective intervention for at-risk populations.”
Pneumagen plans further clinical development of Neumifil, focusing on its potential to protect patients with existing health conditions from virus-induced complications.
