The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7390 p257
4 March 2006

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Peramivir tests revived

Safety and efficacy trials for the neuraminidase inhibitor peramivir are starting this spring, BioCryst Pharmaceuticals director of peramivir development Shane Arnold, told the Bird Flu Summit held in Washington, DC, this week.

The antiviral has been shown to be effective in animals in inhibiting both influenza A and B neuraminidases. Dr Arnold said the drug is easier and quicker to manufacture than oseltamivir (Tamiflu), is potent against resistant strains and has been shown to have effects even if administered as much as 72 hours after infection.

Although developed in the late 1990s, progress on peramivir was halted based on lacklustre sales of other flu-related drugs. The spectre of a flu pandemic has revived the company’s interest in the antiviral. Tests are being conducted using peramivir in injectable and intravenous form since it did not perform as well in tests when administered orally.