ANTIFLU (259842)

  https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/259842

  FP7 (2007-2013)

  Innovative anti-influenza drugs excluding viral escape

  Novel therapeutics against influenza. FP7-INFLUENZA-2010 (HEALTH.2010.2.3.3-4)

  virology  ·  pandemics  ·  influenza  ·  toxicology  ·  ergonomics

  2011-06-01 Start Date (YY-MM-DD)

  2016-11-30 End Date (YY-MM-DD)

  € 7,821,685 Total Cost

  Description

ANTIFLU is to develop innovative drugs against influenza virus infections based on a novel concept that precludes the development of viral resistance and ensures efficacy against upcoming pandemic influenza strains. Viral replication is known to depend on multiple host factors. Whilst traditional anti-influenza treatments usually target viral factors, ANTIFLU will aim at drugs interfering with host-response pathways. The concept of drugs targeting human factors, established in treatment of other diseases, has yet not been sufficiently explored for treatment of viral infections, although it bears compelling advantages over conventional antiviral therapies: (i) the avoidance of viral escape mutants and (ii) the broad coverage against unprecedented viral variants. ANTIFLU aims to fully exploit this potent approach to fill critical gaps in our current treatment and prevention options against seasonal and pandemic influenza virus infections. By building upon an existing panel of potent human targets and firm knowledge derived from FP6 project RIGHT, an interdisciplinary consortium will pursue the identification and validation of small molecule ligands and inhibitory RNA molecules effective against influenza infection. Promising modulators will form the basis to generate lead molecules that will be further refined to yield clinically applicable therapeutics. Initial preclinical studies will aim at providing proof of concept in animal models, safety and toxicology profiles. They will allow initiating complete clinical trials immediately after the phase of FP7 support, thanks to the commitment already taken by investors from the private sector. The consortium includes several SMEs, internationally renowned research groups and clinical institutions with extensive experience in anti-influenza treatment and clinical trials. An already agreed common exploitation model will provide a smooth route to market and optimal use of the project results.

  Complicit Organisations

1 Israeli organisation participates in ANTIFLU.