Immtech Consortium's scientists have evaluated a series of mono and dication compounds for activity against
a surrogate hepatitis C in a cell culture assay. These compounds have proved active against other viruses, including
influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rotavirus and HIV. The scientists at Auburn have used a bovine viral diarrhea
virus (BVDV) assay as a substitute for hepatitis C, since HCV does not grow in a cell culture system. The compounds
are being evaluated in mice and in a mouse model of chronic BVDV disease to see if they have in vivo activity.
The Company planned to enter into primate trials in late 2001. The company has recently published an article about
cationic molecules, which they hope will be effective against HCV (
) (Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, July 2003, Volume 47).
