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Fighting Influenza
Dateline: 10/01/98
We've all either had it or known someone who has -- influenza. The coughing, the sneezing, the runny nose, and the watery eyes make us all miserable. Get the picture? Researchers at the University of Michigan recently announced a new agent that was effective in stopping the influenza virus. The agent, dubbed BCTP, was effective against influenza type A.
BCTP, developed by a pharmaceutical firm, is composed of soybean oil, a detergent, tri-n-butyl phosphate, and water. It consists of droplets of a lipid suspended in a solvent.
In the first of two studies, the researchers used Madin Darby canine kidney cells, known to be particularly helpful in determining the toxicity of a particular virus. Several different substances, including BCTP, were used on cells initially infected with influenza A. The BCTP was most potent in that in nearly 100% of the cells, the viral antigen levels were reduced.
The second study used mice as test subjects. The mice were subdivided into four groups: one group received water injected into their nasal passages; one received BCTP only; one received a mixture of influenza A and BCTP; while the final group received influenza A only. As suspected, the group that received influenza A only was the most affected. Several members of that group developed pneumonia. The members of the other groups remained healthy.
These important studies demonstrate that BCTP is effective at both the cellular and the organismal level. Furthermore, the substance appears to be non-toxic to the lining of the nasal passage.
While treatments exist for influenza, current vaccines take time for immunity and are only effective against particular strains. BCTP kills the virus on contact. Infection can be prevented when the virus enters the nasal passages. As an added benefit, scientists hope that this new treatment will be more cost effective.
Ultimately, researchers hope to test BCTP on humans. They also hope to see if BCTP and the virus can be administered with a time delay and still prevent infection by the virus.
What do you think? How important is method of action and cost for a particular treatment? Come over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions, and feelings. 'Til next time...
For additional information see:
- New Agent Kills Influenza Virus, Prevents Infection in Mice
News release from the University of Michigan.
