Researchers from the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, based at The Kids Research Institute Australia in Perth, are collaborating with Virex Pharma Ltd (Virex Pharma) to undertake vital research into a potential breakthrough treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in young children, thanks to a $499,241 grant awarded by the Western Australian Department of Health Innovation Seed Fund.
The Innovation Seed Fund is part of the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund initiative and provides funding for early-stage innovations with the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of Western Australians.
RSV is a common virus that causes respiratory infections in people of all ages. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, or respiratory droplets from sneezing or coughing.
In Western Australia, RSV is a significant cause of respiratory illness in young children, and is one of the most common causes of infant admissions to WA hospitals. Worldwide, RSV causes an estimated 3.2 million annual hospital admissions and 118,000 deaths in children aged under five.
Despite the urgent need for effective treatments, there is currently no specific treatment for RSV, with treatment being largely supportive and aimed at managing symptoms, such as providing fluids to prevent dehydration, using medications to reduce fever, and helping with breathing difficulties. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary to provide oxygen and other supportive care.
Virex Pharma, an innovative biopharmaceutical company specialising in antiviral therapies, is developing a unique inhaled antiviral nanoemulsion treatment for RSV, known as GlyXine, that has shown broad ranging anti-viral activity against respiratory viruses including RSV, influenza and COVID-19.
“The latest results of in vitro studies have shown that GlyXine has remarkable potential in inhibiting RSV replication in human cells,” Ms Rolee Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Virex Pharma said.
“We are extremely encouraged by these results, which demonstrate the antiviral activity and safety profile of GlyXine. They provide a strong foundation for further development, and pave the way for upcoming trials in primary cells and animal models.”
The innovation seed funding will enable Head of Airway Epithelial Research Associate Professor Anthony Kicic (pictured right), and Head of Respiratory Environmental Health Associate Professor Alexander Larcombe (pictured left) - both from the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre - to further test the safety, effectiveness and tolerability of GlyXine for treating RSV.
Associate Professor Kicic will carry out further in vitro testing of GlyXine in primary respiratory epithelial cells, and Associate Professor Larcombe will test the safety and efficacy of the drug formulation in RSV animal models.
“Virex Pharma’s drug formulation tailored for respiratory infections presents a potential breakthrough treatment for RSV,” Associate Professor Kicic said.
The active pharmaceutical ingredient used in GlyXine has long been used for intravenous treatment of viral hepatitis infections, and it is abundantly produced for commercial purposes, is readily available, and is cheap – so it offers a convenient treatment option.
“At the Wal-yan Centre we are well placed to carry out rigorous scientific research to further test the safety, effectiveness and tolerability of GlyXine, and to advance its development.”
Associate Professor Larcombe said that with limited treatment options for RSV, the development of an antiviral agent that can be used in non-clinical settings to treat this virus represents a significant unmet need, locally and globally.
We are thrilled to be collaborating with Virex Pharma on this important research which could benefit millions of people worldwide.
The Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre is a powerhouse partnership between The Kids Research Institute Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation and Perth Children’s Hospital.
About Virex Pharma:
Virex Pharma is an innovative biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing antiviral therapies for infections caused by RSV, COVID-19 and Dengue viruses. With a focus on addressing critical unmet medical needs, Virex’s research and development efforts aim to revolutionise the treatment landscape for viral infections. Through cutting-edge science, rigorous clinical investigations, and strategic partnerships, Virex strives to bring breakthrough therapies to patients worldwide. For more information, visit: www.virexpharma.com
Virex Media Contact:
Ms Rolee Kumar, Chief Executive Officer
Virex Pharma Ltd