This technology features a single-stranded DNA aptamer with a specific sequence selected via the SELEX process, serving as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical compositions and animal feed additives for the prevention and treatment of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1. The aptamer binds specifically to the H5N1 virus, inhibiting hemagglutination caused by the hemagglutinin protein.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 carries a high mortality rate in humans. Because its viral genome consists of eight segments, it poses a risk of reassortment with other subtypes, potentially creating new antigenic viruses. Existing treatments like amantadine and rimantadine face increasing resistance, while vaccines are limited by the potential for inaccurate strain prediction and the significant time required for implementation and antibody formation.
This technology uses an aptamer to directly block the hemagglutinin that the virus uses to attach to cells. It targets a different mechanism than existing antivirals and is designed to bind specifically to the virus even at low concentrations. The same aptamer can be used in both human pharmaceuticals and poultry feed additives. It can be applied as a treatment for human avian influenza infections, a feed-based preventative for poultry and duck farms, and a stockpiled antiviral for drug-resistant strains, providing an alternative to block H5N1 cell attachment during vaccine gaps or when dealing with resistant strains.
This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for the development of avian influenza antigen-detecting aptamers and multi-recognition aptamer polymers.
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