An influenza study of with 80 mice will screen both of Immugen’s non-psychoactive compounds, which target the immune response but not the virus as a means of reducing the damage to the lungs caused by the infection.

We have learned that the current threat of the H1N1 influenza pandemic was not as great as originally predicted. Although the strain proved to be highly transmittable it was not virulent.  However, given the possible mutations which could result from the mixing with a more virulent swine or avian strain such as H5N1 (The Bird Flu), a newly recombinant, highly transmittable and virulent strain could have devastating consequences for mankind. Combined with the fact that the available anti-influenza drugs are no longer effective as well as the fact that vaccines can not be produced in a timely manner nor in a quantity sufficient enough to meet the global need, it is clear that an alternative approach to the treatment of the disease needs to be taken, especially since the available anti-influenza drugs are no longer effective.  Also, vaccines can not be produced in a timely manner nor in a quantity sufficient enough to meet global need.

A recently published study showed that THC reduced the infiltration of immune cells in the lungs of mice infected with a strain of H1N1 [see photomicrograph]. This altered immune response leads to a reduction in the influx of inflammatory cells into the lung. However, it is associated with a delayed clearance of the virus, which itself is otherwise harmless to the host. Not only will Immugen's  new study expand upon the previous experimental conditions, but it will determine examine if there are any differential effects produced by the route of administration, oral vs. nasal.  Immugen is poised to conduct these studies and to address this challenge with the development of its lead compounds. Ultimately, if the results are promising, the leading drug candidate will be submitted to the NIH for further screening in the ferret model.