Interferon Alfacon1 is an Inhibitor of SARS-Corona Virus in Cell-Based Models, Antiviral Research

Preliminary data examining interferon alfacon1 treatment of SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome - corona virus)-infected patients suggests this therapy is well tolerated and of therapeutic benefit. We report herein that interferon alfacon1, has potent in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV. In a cytopathic effect (CPE) assay, interferon alfacon1 inhibited the generation of CPE in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0,001 g/ml, a clinically achievable level. Furthermore, interferon alfacon1 also demonstrated significant antiviral activity in yield reduction and plaque reduction assays. The in vitro activity of interferon alfacon1 against SARS CoV suggests continued evaluation of interferon alfacon1 as a therapeutic treatment for patients infected with SARS-CoV.