Missed this news last week.
ST-246 Used to Treat Complications From Exposure to Recombinant Vaccinia Virus
NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SIGA Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGA - News) announced that its smallpox antiviral drug, ST-246, has been used to treat a Pennsylvania patient suffering from complications due to exposure to a live vaccinia-vectored rabies vaccine. Following consultation with the Pennsylvania Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration, an eIND (Emergency Investigational New Drug) was approved to permit the use of ST-246, an investigational drug, in the patient. After a single 14-day course of oral ST-246 therapy (2 capsules once per day), together with vaccinia immunoglobulin (VIG), the infection was resolved and the patient was discharged from the hospital.
In an effort to control wildlife rabies, bait sachets containing recombinant vaccinia virus expressing rabies antigens are distributed in the rural areas of the Eastern United States. The intent is to allow wildlife to self-vaccinate by ingesting the vaccine-laden bait sachets. They do not pose an immediate health risk to humans or pets, but should not be handled. In this particular case, through an unfortunate set of circumstances, an individual acquired an infection through direct contact with a bait sachet.
"This case illustrates the potential of ST-246 to treat orthopoxvirus-related infections, to treat vaccine complications and to diminish the threat posed by poxvirus bioweapons," said Dr. Eric A. Rose, SIGA's Chief Executive Officer.
About SIGA Technologies, Inc.
SIGA Technologies is applying viral and bacterial genomics and sophisticated computational modeling in the design and development of novel products for the prevention and treatment of serious infectious diseases, with an emphasis on products for biological warfare defense. SIGA believes that it is a leader in the development of pharmaceutical agents to fight potential bio-warfare pathogens. SIGA has antiviral programs targeting smallpox and other Category A pathogens, including arenaviruses (Lassa fever, Junin, Machupo, Guanarito, Sabia, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis), dengue virus, and the filoviruses (Ebola and Marburg). For more information about SIGA, please visit SIGA's web site at siga.com. |
