Frog Skin Peptides for Treatment of Human Influenza Viruses

Application

A therapeutic peptide that treats Influenza A virus

Key Benefits

  • New method of action compared to antiviral drugs currently in use.
  • Therapeutic peptide is virucidal against drug resistant strains.

Market Summary

Worldwide seasonal influenza epidemics can impact 5 – 15% of the population. The occurrence of vaccine mismatch to circulating influenza strains has resulted in current vaccination strategies offering limited protection. Furthermore current antiviral medications are becoming ineffective due to mutations and drug resistant influenza strains.

Technical Summary

Emory University researchers have found that peptides secreted through the skin of native Southern Indian frogs ( Hyalarana malabarica) have potent virucidal effects against H1 hemagglutinin-bearing human influenza A viruses. The peptides effectively limit proliferation of H1N1 influenza strains and have the potential to be developed into potent antiviral therapeutics. When tested against drug resistant strains of H1N1, the peptide was found to significantly reduce the viral titers of all drug resistant virus strains.

Development Stage

Intranasal delivery of the peptide administered in mouse models.

Publication: Holthausen, D.J. et al. Immunity. 2017; 46: 587–595.

Patent Information

App Type Country Serial No. Patent No. File Date Issued Date Patent Status
PCT PCT PCT/US2017/064316   12/1/2017   National Phase Entered
Nationalized PCT - Foreign India 201917025597   6/27/2019   Pending
Tech ID: 16134
Published: 11/5/2021