Janssen subsidiary Crucell discovers broad-spectrum flu treatment

Janssen subsidiary Crucell has announced the discovery of the first human monoclonal antibodies that could potentially be effective against all influenza B viruses.

Studies carried out alongside the Scripps Research Institute have isolated three antibodies that are able to combat any form of the disease by recognising conserved epitopes, binding sites on the viral surface which are not prone to mutation and structural change.

This gets around the problems associated with previous strain-specific therapies and represents a crucial link in the development of universal flu therapies and vaccines.

Tests carried out using mice revealed that the antibodies were able to protect the subjects against normally lethal levels of exposure to influenza B viruses, while one of the compounds – CR9114 – also proved effective against influenza A.

Jaap Goudsmit, director of the Crucell Vaccine Institute, said: "There is a strong need for development of new therapies that go beyond treatment or prevention of infection by single strains, especially with the growing problem of resistance to available antiviral drugs."

Crucell was bought out by Johnson and Johnson last year and now operates as one of the Janssen pharmaceutical companies.