Canopus BioPharma has developed an anti-influenza combination therapy, Zofroxia™, a unique formulation of two prescription drugs, statin and caffeine.
Canopus has completed extensive tissue culture and animal model studies using the combination. It was concluded from these studies that Zofroxiatam effectively and significantly reduced influenza viral titre and lung damage in the three strains of influenza, H5N1, H3N2 and H1N1.
in vitro screening of Zofroxia™ against influenza A H3N2 and H1N1 demonstrated complete viral inhibition (100%) in both the prevention and therapy assays. Interestingly, Tamiflu™ was shown to be less effective than the combination
Zofroxia™ administered nasally was found to be as effective as Tamiflu™ in a mouse model
Screening against influenza A H3N2 in cotton rats demonstrated a 90% reduction in viral titre as well as limiting the damage to lung tissue
Zofroxia™ significantly lowered cytokine expression
Further influenza in vitro studies have demonstrated the synergistic effects of statin and caffeine
These results support Zofroxia™ as a superior alternative antiviral for the prevention and treatment of both pandemic influenza strains (such as the current 2009 H1N1 swine outbreak) and also all seasonal human influenza.
Canopus is currently in discussions with CRO companies regarding plans to evaluate Zofroxia™ in influenza clinical trials in the USA, Hong Kong and South Africa.
Canopus’ influenza research has been published in The European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Canopus has international patents pending relating to the use of statins and caffeine to treat viral infections. This application will be entered into the national phase in 2010. Canopus also has international patents pending relating to the use of statin alone to treat influenza infections. This application has already been entered into the regional/national phase in the required territories.