Grant: Proof of Principle Program - Phase I

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus that can lead to severe epidemics and deadly pandemics (ex. 1918, 1957, 1968, 2009). Only two classes of molecules are currently approved for influenza therapy and represent a multi-billion dollar industry, however both are plagued by the widespread development of resistance. The invention presented in this proposal relies on our discovery of a host enzyme involved in the activation of influenza virus hemagglutinin, and on the development of a specific inhibitor of this enzyme (patent pending), thus representing a new class of influenza antivirals that target the host and not the virus itself. In this proposal we are seeking to fund the further maturation of this discovery to bring it to commercialization by performing lead optimization, in vivo efficacy, route of administration, toxicity, and resistance studies to advance the project aggressively toward a preclinical candidate in order to interest industrial partners which are currently seeking compounds close to clinical development. The major impact of this research will be to establish a novel class of influenza antivirals that may become an essential component of an effective influenza response plan for which Canada could be a leader.