Ronald Moss
Ansun Biopharma, USA
Title: DAS181: A Novel Host Directed Approach to Prevent and Treat Severe Respiratory Virus Infections
Biography
Biography: Ronald Moss
Abstract
Vaccines and virus specific antivirals are currently the main approaches to prevent and treat respiratory virus infections. DAS181, a novel inhaled sialidase fusion protein, has shown in vitro and in vivo activity against many subtypes and strains influenza virus including H7N9, H5N1. In addition DAS181 has shown in vitro and in vivo activity against parainfluenza virus strains (PIV-1, PIV-2, PIV-3, and PIV-4) virus, and EV68, by inactivating the virus binding receptors. For parainfluenza, significant morbidity and mortality is observed in immunosuprressed transplant patients without any licensed vaccines or antiviral drugs. Recent data also suggests that DAS181 has activity against two important respiratory viruses, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Metapneumovirus. The host directed approach of DAS181 contrasts virus specific antivirals, by potentially circumventing considerable issues related to antiviral drug resistance and prediction of strains required for vaccines. DAS181, an investigational drug, is currently in phase 2 clinical trials of PIV infection. DAS181 has the potential to be utilized against a broad spectrum of severe respiratory infections. Preclinical and clinical data from studies of DAS181 will be presented.