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28 September 1998 |
Ref 98/234 |
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Australia's world-first influenza drug, Relenza ™ (zanamivir), is poised to enter the global market with regulatory approval being sought in Europe and Canada.
The drug is the first effective treatment for all strains of 'flu and the international market is estimated to be worth at least $2 billion a year.
Relenza™ is based on fundamental research by CSIRO during the 1980s, developed by the Victorian College of Pharmacy and funded by Australian pharmaceutical firm Biota Holdings. Global pharmaceutical giant Glaxo Wellcome is commercialising the drug and conducting clinical trials around the world.
Glaxo filed for regulatory approval in Australia earlier this
year, following successful clinical trials.
The 'flu virus has long been a problem because it mutates rapidly.
New strains are constantly emerging, which quickly render existing
vaccines ineffective.
On the surface of the virus, CSIRO's Dr Peter Colman and his colleagues found a region that occurs in all strains of influenza. Using computers they designed a special drug that 'locks' onto this section of the virus and stops it causing infection.
The clinical trials have shown that the drug significantly reduces the duration and severity of 'flu symptoms, especially if it is taken soon after a person is infected.
"We were delighted at the success of the Australian clinical trials which means the drug may be available in our pharmacies from next winter. And now we are equally pleased at these overseas developments which could see a global market opening up for this Australian discovery," says CSIRO Deputy Chief Executive Dr Bob Frater.
"Better still, the overseas applications seek approval to use the drug both as a preventative as well as a cure. In Australia it has only been filed for treatment of flu."
"This is exactly the type of Australian innovation that we showcased at Manufesto '98 in Melbourne last week," Dr Frater says.
More information:
Doug Gale or Warwick Glynn, CSIRO 03 9662 7332 or
0417 543 633
(Australia's largest scientific research organisation)
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