Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Following topical cidofovir’s failure in clinical development, the need for an antiviral to treat adenovirus (Ad) ocular infections persists. The goal of the current study was to determine the antiviral efficacy of NMSO3, a novel sulfated sialyl lipid antiviral agent, on acute adenovirus (Ad) replication in the Ad5/NZW rabbit ocular model. Methods: In two trials, a total of 30 NZW rabbits were topically inoculated in both eyes, following corneal scarification, with 1.5 x 106 pfu/eye of Ad5. On day 1, the rabbits were divided into 3 topical treatment groups (n=10/group): I – 10% NMSO3, 5 times daily for 7 days; II – 0.5% Cidofovir (CDV), twice daily for 7 days; III – Control (saline), 5 times daily for 7 days. All eyes were cultured for virus on days 0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 14. Results:
* p < 0.03 compared to the Control. † p = 0.000 compared to CDV. Conclusions: Topical 10% NMSO3 was significantly more effective than the Control in reducing Ad Positive Cultures/Total (Days 1–14), Duration of Ad Shedding, and Mean Ad Titer (Days 1–5) in the Ad5/NZW rabbit ocular model. While cidofovir again demonstrated efficacy, its clinical toxicity (lacrimal blockade) ended development. Additional studies of NMSO3 are indicated to improve efficacy in the experimental Ad ocular model.
Keywords: adenovirus • antiviral drugs • conjunctivitis