BACKGROUND:  Antiviral therapies for individuals chronically infected with viruses such as West Nile virus or hepatitis B and C viruses are currently aimed at preventing viral replication or at increasing the efficiency of the immune system. In the United States, approximately 3.2 million people have chronic hepatitis C infections, while approximately 1 million people have chronic hepatitis B virus infections. Treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C includes repeated doses of pegylated interferon alpha (Pegasys or PegIntron) for 24-48 weeks. There is an active interest in reducing the total number of doses required for therapy and for decreasing the side effects experienced by the patient due to this medication.

INNOVATION:  Researchers at UCLA have engineered an interferon molecule fused to an antibody, resulting in the first antiviral therapy that specifically targets cells infected with virus. Antibody-interferon chimeras show greater stability and have longer lasting effects compared to interferon alone. This may allow for lower doses of interferon administered to the patient, resulting in minimized side effects.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Treatment of chronic viral infections such as West Nile virus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C.

ADVANTAGES

• Specific targeting of infected cells
• Potential for reduced number of doses
• Potential for reduced side effects

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  UCLA researchers are currently using this technology to develop targeted therapies for Hepatitis B and C viruses.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2009-053