inosine-pranobex and Influenza--Human

Inosine pranobex (IP), commonly known as inosine acedoben dimepranol, isoprinosine and methisoprinol, has been proven to positively impact the host's immune system, by enhancing T-cell lymphocyte proliferation and activity of natural killer cells, increasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and thereby restoring deficient responses in immunosuppressed patients. At the same time, it has been shown that it can affect viral RNA levels and hence inhibit growth of several viruses. Due to its immunomodulatory and antiviral properties, and its safety profile, it has been widely used since 1971 against viral infections and diseases, among which subacute sclerosis panencephalitis, herpes simplex virus, human papilloma virus, human immunodeficiency virus, influenza and acute respiratory infections, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus infections. Following an analysis of almost five decades of scientific literature since its original approval, we here summarize in vivo and in vitro studies manifesting the means in which IP impacts the host's immune system. We also provide a synopsis of therapeutic trials in the majority of which IP was found to have a beneficial effect. Lastly, positive results from limited studies, suggesting the putative future use of IP in new therapeutic indications are briefly described. In order to support use of IP against viral infections apart from those already approved, and to establish its use in clinical practice, further well-designed and executed trials are warranted.Funding: Ewopharma International.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Antiviral Agents; HIV Infections; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Influenza, Human; Inosine Pranobex; Noncommunicable Diseases; T-Lymphocytes; Virus Diseases

Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Chickenpox; Child; Encephalitis; Enterovirus Infections; Female; Herpesviridae Infections; Humans; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Influenza, Human; Inosine Pranobex; Male; Measles; Mumps; Rubella; Virus Diseases

Topics: Amantadine; Antiviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Dosage Forms; Drug Evaluation; Encephalitis; Hepatitis; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster; Humans; Idoxuridine; Influenza, Human; Inosine Pranobex; Interferons; Levamisole; Rimantadine; Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis; Trifluridine; Virus Diseases

Topics: Amantadine; Animals; Antiviral Agents; Cytarabine; Herpes Labialis; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Idoxuridine; Influenza, Human; Inosine Pranobex; Interferon Inducers; Interferons; Keratitis, Dendritic; Levamisole; Methisazone; Ribavirin; Smallpox; Vidarabine

The development of antiviral agents has been hindered by a variety of problems. There are fundamental biological differences between viruses and other infectious agents. Viruses are strictly dependent on cellular metabolic processes and possess very limited intrinsic enzyme systems and building blocks which may serve as targets for drugs. Antiviral drugs must also possess the ability to enter the host cell. Viral replication consists of a series of events, each of which can be interfered with, leading to interruption of the viral replication cycle. Currently, the major antiviral agents in therapeutic use are amantadine, idoxuridine and vidarabine. Methisazone and isoprinosine are also used in some areas. Immunoglobulins have some antiviral activity. Immune serum globulin and high titred hepatitis B immune globulin have both been used in prophylaxis of viral hepatitis. However, studies in this area have not been well controlled and results in some areas are conflicting. Interferon appears to be the most exciting antiviral agent yet discovered. However, its potential is limited by its availability, which remains dependent on biological method. Significant progress has been made recently, though, which may lead to the chemical synthesis of interferon and thus to an antiviral agent active against many viruses.

Topics: Amantadine; Antiviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Cytarabine; Humans; Idoxuridine; Influenza, Human; Inosine Pranobex; Interferons; Levamisole; Methisazone; Ribavirin; Vidarabine; Virus Replication

Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Adolescent; Adult; Clinical Trials as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Influenza A virus; Influenza, Human; Inosine; Inosine Pranobex; Male; Middle Aged

Isoprinosine appears to have a relatively low degree of both acute and chronic toxicity in both rodent and nonrodent species. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that isoprinosine can inhibit the growth of both DNA and RNA viruses as well as potentiate cell-mediated immune response both in vitro and in vivo. Clinical studies with rhinovirus, herpesvirus, and influenza virus infections in man demonstrated that isoprinosine treatment reduced clinical symptoms and enhanced certain cell-mediated immune responses compared to placebo-treated controls.

Topics: Animals; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Haplorhini; Herpes Simplex; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Influenza, Human; Inosine; Inosine Pranobex; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Mice; Pregnancy; Rats; Rhinovirus; Virus Diseases; Virus Replication

Topics: Humans; Influenza, Human; Inosine; Inosine Pranobex