Altamira Therapeutics Ltd. (NASDAQ: CYTO) has announced positive results from Bentrio (AM-301) testing for therapeutics or prophylactic use in Influenza A virus treatment. Bentrio is being developed by Altamira therapeutics’ affiliate Altamira Medica as a nasal spray for protecting against allergens and airborne viruses.
Bentrio can minimise H1N1 influeza infection
The company investigated the ability of Bentrio to prevent or minimize human nasal epithelium infection by the H1N1 subtype of the Influenza A virus. The 2009 swine flu pandemic was one of the most well-known H1N1-type Influenza A epidemics in humans. Compared to saline-treated controls, both preventive and therapeutic benefits with Bentrio resulted in a statistically meaningful reduction in viral load. For example, on Day 4, the viral load was about 84% and 77% lower relative to controls, respectively.
Altamira Therapeutics CEO Thomas Meyer said, “Following the exciting results in SARS-CoV-2, we are very pleased to see the protective effects of Bentrio confirmed also in Influenza in a highly relevant in vitro model. Thanks to its triple mode of action, which is based purely on physical effects, Bentrio can help protect against various types of virus. These new results in Influenza add to the growing evidence for Bentrio’s broad range of protection against airborne viruses and allergens.”
Bentrio is being launched in European markets
Since 2010, Influenza has caused 9-45 million infections, 140,000-810,000 hospitalizations, and around 12,000-61,000 fatalities, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Currently, Bentrio is being launched in the first European markets for commercialization.
Bentrio produces a protective gel coating on the nasal mucosa after being inserted into the nose. This thin coating is intended to prevent viruses or allergens from coming into contact with cells, as well as to bind and aid in the discharge of such particles and to humidification the nasal mucosa. This is intended to lower the danger of upper respiratory tract virus infections while also assisting in the relief of allergy symptoms.
