ST. LOUIS -- GenoMed, Inc. announces that it has launched clinical trials against common RNA viruses. These include monkeypox, which is endemic in West Africa, but which caused a recent outbreak in the Midwest; West Nile virus, which has plagued New York since 1999 and the Midwest since 2001; and the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. Monkeypox and West Nile virus have acute mortality rates up to 10 percent; with current anti-viral therapy, acute mortality from HIV has been greatly suppressed.
These trials complement GenoMed's efforts to combat SARS, which also has a mortality rate approaching 10 percent. GenoMed is using a non-conventional approach: to safely modulate the host's immune response. This approach can obviously be used where no antiviral therapy or vaccine yet exists, as for monkeypox, West Nile virus, and SARS. It can also complement antiviral therapy which may be toxic or expensive, as in HIV, or to cover individuals who failed to be vaccinated.
What all these diverse viruses appear to share is a dependence on angiotensin II for their disease severity. Flu-like symptoms (high fever, chills, muscle aches) come from two major cytokines: tumor necrosis factor- alpha, produced primarily by virally-infected macrophages, and interferon- gamma, made largely by virally-infected T lymphocytes ("T cells"). Severe complications, such as encephalitis in West Nile virus, or respiratory failure in SARS, appear to be caused by an over-exuberant immune response, not by the virus itself. T cells are involved primarily in West Nile virus, and macrophages in SARS.
Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) is expressed on the surface of activated macrophages and T cells. Since ACE makes angiotensin II, an important immune stimulator, a logical way to try to down-grade the immune response is to use an ACE inhibitor, or an angiotensin II receptor blocker. These two classes of drugs have been used quite safely in hundreds of millions of patients for many years.
Source: GenoMed, Inc.
Ensuring Safety and Comfort: The Urgent Need for Well-Fitted PPE in Health Care
April 5th 2024Personal protective equipment (PPE) stands as the first line of defense against infectious diseases in health care. Yet, the issue of ill-fitting PPE, especially for women, remains a significant challenge.
COVID-19 Harmonization: Balancing Risks and Benefits of CDC's Latest Move
March 11th 2024The CDC's recent decision to align recommendations for respiratory viruses, particularly COVID-19, has garnered support from the public and infectious disease societies. However, as the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) lends its backing to the CDC's harmonization efforts, concerns persist regarding the implications of this shift, especially considering the Omicron variant's unique characteristics and the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19's multi-system impacts.
Voices of Resilience: Q&A With the Editor of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter"
March 1st 2024Step into the diverse and poignant world of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter" with editor Lorraine Ash, MA. In this insightful Q&A, learn about the origins of this remarkable anthology, the challenges faced in capturing raw, unfiltered narratives of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lasting impact of these stories on readers and communities alike.
Rare Disease Day 2024: Spotlight on Rare Infectious Diseases
February 29th 2024Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.