UBC researchers have developed a class of drug that takes a slightly
new approach to targeting drug-resistant strains of the flu.
“Our drug agent uses the same approach as current flu treatments – by
preventing neuraminidase from cutting its ties with the infected cell
and moving on to the next,” says UBC chemical biologist Steve Withers.
“But our agent latches onto this enzyme like a broken key, stuck in a
lock, rendering it useless.”
The solution, which Wither’s team has tested in mice, might remain
effective longer, since resistant virus strains can’t arise without
destroying their own mechanism for infection. Influenza affects three to
five million people globally each year, causing 250,000 to 500,000
deaths.
Read More » | Watch video »
|