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[Activity of "Ferrovir" preparation towards RNA and DNA viruses]
Abstract:
Ferrovir (trivalent iron in complex with native sturgeon milt DNA) is nontoxic, its 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) is at least 4000 micrograms/ml, 90% effective concentration (EC90) towards HIV-1 is 800 micrograms/ml. These effects do not depend on the cell culture or individual biological characteristics and subtypes of 7 strains of HIV-1 used in our study. The chemotherapeutic index of the drug is more than 20. Combined therapy with ferrovir and retrovir had an additive antiviral effect. Ferrovir reduced the titer of human CMV in fibroblast culture by 1-2 Ig TCD50. Ferrovir protected mice after intracerebral inoculation with lethal herpes simplex virus (type 1) (survival 33.7%, protection 27.1%, which is close to the reference group treated with zovirax). These facts evidence antiviral activity of ferrovir towards RNA and DNA viruses and prompt further study of this drug with the aim of its clinical application.
Insights
Ferrovir, an iron-DNA complex, shows broad-spectrum antiviral activity against RNA and DNA viruses, including HIV-1 and herpes simplex virus. Its low toxicity and significant efficacy suggest potential for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Ferrovir is a novel antiviral agent composed of trivalent iron complexed with sturgeon milt DNA.
- Existing antiviral therapies face challenges with resistance and toxicity.
- The study investigates the efficacy and safety profile of Ferrovir against a range of viruses.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the antiviral activity of Ferrovir against Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1).
- To assess Ferrovir's efficacy against human Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
- To determine the toxicity and therapeutic index of Ferrovir.
Summary:
- Ferrovir demonstrated significant antiviral effects against HIV-1 (EC90 = 800 µg/ml) and HSV-1 in vivo, with minimal toxicity (IC50 ≥ 4000 µg/ml).
- The drug reduced human CMV titers in fibroblast cultures and showed an additive effect when combined with Retrovir.
- Ferrovir's antiviral activity was consistent across different HIV-1 strains and cell cultures, yielding a chemotherapeutic index exceeding 20.
Impact:
- Ferrovir exhibits promising broad-spectrum antiviral properties against both RNA and DNA viruses.
- The findings support further clinical investigation of Ferrovir for treating viral infections.
- Ferrovir represents a potential new therapeutic option with a favorable safety profile.