Subject: Novaferon Labs Formulates a Drug To Inhibit AIDS Virus
Date: Published: 11/21/88 39 lines
Source:  Wall Street Journal.  Copyright Dow Jones & Co. Inc. 

    Technology:  
    Novaferon Labs Says
    It Formulated a Drug
    To Inhibit AIDS Virus

    AKRON, Ohio -- Novaferon Labs Inc. said one of its
 consultants, Nicola Di Ferrante, has formulated a new
 antiviral compound that inhibits the multiplication of the
 human immunodeficiency virus, the cause of the deadly
 acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
    The company said research has shown that the compound -- 
 called Novapren -- protects sensitive cells from HIV
 infection, prevents the death of cells already infected and
 inhibits reverse transcriptase, a key viral enzyme.
    Novaferon, which engages in biomedical research and
 development, said a patent application for the active
 ingredient in Novapren has been filed with the U. S. Patent
 and Trademark office.  Test results have been submitted to the
 National Institutes of Health for further evaluation, the
 company said.
    Novaferon added that it will apply for accelerated testing
 and approval of the new compound for clinical trials
 involving AIDS patients and individuals testing positive for
 HIV. In accordance with Food and Drug Administration rules
 that took effect last month, companies may apply for
 acceleration of the process.
    Dr. Di Ferrante, a biochemist, is a key researcher with
 Novaferon.  Another physician involved in the research, Jerzy
 Georgiades, designed experiments that were performed at the
 University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

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