Our lead candidate Alfacyte™, is being developed as a broad-spectrum antiviral for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections and is a promising novel therapeutic to tackle the threat of future pandemics, including coronaviruses.

Alfacyte™ has demonstrated activity against multiple viruses and we are progressing towards the clinic as a therapeutic treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Alfacyte™

Pleiotropic effects of AlfacyteTM

RSV is a common virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract for which there are currently no effective treatments. It is a serious threat to infants, the elderly and the immunocompromised and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in these groups. According to the World Health Organisation, globally RSV is responsible for approximately 33 million lower respiratory tract infections, more than three million hospitalisations, and around 60,000 deaths in children under five years.

Alfacyte’s™ broad mode of action targets multiple pathways:

  • Directly enhancing antiviral activity of airway epithelial cells
  • Promoting lymphocyte antiviral activity
  • Modulating specific cytokine networks, which alleviates the inflammatory response associated with tissue damage in the lungs and respiratory airways.

This pleiotropic activity compared with monoclonal antibodies and other antiviral agents means the development of resistance against Alfacyte™ is less likely. Furthermore, the broad-spectrum activity of Alfacyte™ means that it is well placed to tackle the threat of future pandemics.

Further work is also in progress to evaluate Alfacyte™ activity against other virus families, including tropical diseases, bio-terror threats and pandemic preparedness.