Avian Influenza (" Bird Flu "): Study of Combination Therapy Utilizing Biologic TNF Inhibitors and Neuraminidase Inhibitors May be Warranted
A potential new therapeutic approach utilizing biologic TNF-alpha inhibitors to attempt to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with both SARS and avian influenza (H5N1 influenza) (" bird flu ") in humans is described in a newly published research letter.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (PRWEB) January 29,2004 –-
A potential new
therapeutic approach to attempt to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated
with both SARS and avian influenza (H5N1 influenza) (" bird flu ") in humans is
described in a newly published research letter. The article, entitled "TNF-alpha
inhibition for potential therapeutic modulation of SARS coronavirus infection,"
authored by Edward Tobinick, MD of Los Angeles, has published in the
peer-reviewed medical journal Current Medical Research and Opinion, Volume 20,
No.1, 2004, pp. 39-40.
This article describes a theoretical approach to
ameliorate the immune-based pulmonary damage which can follow infection with
both SARS and H5N1 influenza ( bird flu ) ( avian influenza ) in humans. This
approach is the subject of a U.S. patent, 6,419,934 B1, filed September 5, 2000,
awarded to Dr. Tobinick, which describes the use of biologic TNF inhibitors,
including etanercept, in combination with oseltamivir, to treat influenza.
Experimental support for the use of TNF inhibitors to reduce viral pulmonary
damage published the following year in an article by Dr. Tracy Hussell and his
colleagues from the National Heart and Lung Institute at St. Mary's Hospital in
London entitled "Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor reduces the severity of
virus-specific lung immunopathology", Eur J Immunol. 2001 Sep; 31(9): 2566-73.
Further experimental support for this concept followed in 2002 in the form of an
article published in the Lancet by Cheung et. al.: "Induction of proinflammatory
cytokines in human macrophages by influenza A (H5N1) viruses: a mechanism for
the unusual severity of human disease?" Lancet. 2002 Dec 7; 360(9348): 1831-7.
Further study of this treatment approach is warranted.
The CMRO
article can be downloaded directly by typing in the web address
web.ingentaselect.com/vl=9310341/cl=11/ini=libra_cmro/
nw=1/rpsv/cw/libra/03007995/previews/2489.pdf
This press release was
issued by Institute Research Associates, A [private] Medical Group, Inc., 100
UCLA Medical Plaza, Suites 205-210, Los Angeles, California 90095 which is
solely responsible for its contents. This press release is for educational
purposes only and should not be construed as a treatment recommendation for
influenza or SARS without completion of the testing which would be necessary to
confirm both the safety and efficacy of this approach.
Note: Please see
www.nrimed.com for
more information regarding novel uses of biologic TNF-alpha inhibitors. Dr.
Tobinick has filed a patent application covering the use of certain TNF
inhibitors for the treatment of SARS.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/1/prweb101209.htm