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Initial In Vitro Results Show Multiferon(R) to Be
Effective Against Virus; Further Studies Needed
PLANTATION, Fla., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Viragen, Inc.
(Amex: VRA) and Viragen International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: VGNI) today
announced that preliminary in vitro studies conducted by a U.S. research
organization have found Multiferon(R) (multi-subtype, human natural alpha
interferon) to show significant anti-viral activity against the highly
pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza virus. These early-stage studies
found Multiferon(R) to be significantly more active against the virus than
recombinant alpha interferon, recombinant beta interferon or ribavirin.
Viragen officials believe these results suggest that Multiferon(R) may have
utility against this viral threat and is a prime candidate worthy of further
evaluation in additional avian influenza studies.
The studies were conducted by Birmingham, Ala.-based Southern Research
Institute, an independent, not-for-profit center for scientific research. In
the evaluations, Southern Research scientists exposed a standard cell line to
a range of concentrations of Multiferon(R), recombinant alpha interferon,
recombinant beta interferon and ribavirin, all of which were then separately
exposed to the H5N1 avian influenza virus. It was found that not only was
Multiferon(R) highly active against the virus, being able to protect the cells
against viral infection, but furthermore, it was found to be far more active
than the other three products tested. Multiferon(R) showed potent anti-viral
efficacy at low concentrations and was non-toxic to the cells.
While these studies represent only a preliminary evaluation, and success
in the in vivo or clinical stages cannot be guaranteed, the data suggests that
Multiferon(R) may have immuno-protective and anti-viral activity against this
particular strain of virus, and furthermore, may be more effective than other
anti-viral products, including recombinant alpha interferon.
The data obtained from these studies has been included to supplement
Viragens patent application filed with the United Kingdoms Patent Office in
February 2004 covering the use of natural, multi-subtype alpha interferon for
human treatment and prevention of avian influenza virus.
About Multiferon(R):
Multiferon(R) is a highly purified, multi-subtype, natural human alpha
interferon. Marketed as "the natural choice,"(TM) it is approved for sale in
ten international markets (non-U.S.) for the first-line or rescue therapy of a
broad range of infectious diseases and cancers. Earlier this year, Viragen
filed an application in Sweden to seek expanded approval for Multiferon(R) to
include the first-line adjuvant treatment of high-risk malignant melanoma. A
decision is expected imminently.
About Viragen, Inc.:
With global operations in the U.S., Scotland and Sweden, Viragen is a
biotechnology company engaged in the research, development, manufacture and
commercialization of pharmaceutical proteins for the treatment of viral
diseases and cancers. Our product portfolio includes: Multiferon(R) (multi-
subtype, natural human alpha interferon) targeting a broad range of infectious
and malignant diseases; and humanized monoclonal antibodies targeting specific
antigens over-expressed on many types of cancers. We are also pioneering the
development of Avian Transgenic Technology, with the renowned Roslin
Institute, as a revolutionary manufacturing platform for the large-scale,
efficient and economical production of human therapeutic proteins and
antibodies.
About Southern Research Institute:
Southern Research is an independent, not-for-profit center for scientific
research which conducts studies in preclinical drug discovery and development
for cancer, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Southern
Research has facilities in Birmingham, Ala., Frederick, Md., and Research
Triangle Park, N.C. Its scientists have discovered six of the FDA approved
anticancer drugs on the market, and are often on the forefront in therapeutic
research to address emerging public health threats.
For more information, visit: http://www.southernresearch.org
For more information, please visit: http://www.Viragen.com
Viragen, Inc. Corporate Contact:
Douglas Calder, Director of Communications
Phone: (954) 233-8746; Fax: (954) 233-1414
E-mail: dcalder@viragen.com
The foregoing press announcement contains forward-looking statements that
can be identified by terminology such as "expect," "potential," "suggests,"
"may," "should," "could" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
that may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.
In particular, managements expectations regarding future research,
development and/or commercial results could be affected by, among other
things, uncertainties relating to clinical trials and product development;
availability of future financing; unexpected regulatory delays or government
regulation generally; the Companys ability to obtain or maintain patent and
other proprietary intellectual property protection; and competition in
general. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made.
The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect
circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking
statements are made.
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