Interferon-β ser As Prophylaxis Against Experimental Rhinovirus Infection in Volunteers

Abstract

The first test of intranasal recombinant human interferon-β_ser (IFN-β_ser) as prophylaxis against common colds is reported. IFN-β_ser was cleared from the nose like IFN-α. A total of 10 volunteers were each given a total of 2.6 × 10⁷ units of IFN-β_ser as 13 doses administered three times daily over 4 days and there were negligible symptoms that were not significantly different from those in 10 given placebo. Twenty-seven volunteers were then given the same regime and challenged after the fourth dose with rhinovirus types 9 and 14. Compared with 27 volunteers given placebo and virus, there were significant reductions in the mean total clinical scores, the amount of nasal secretion, and the frequency of virus excretion. It is concluded that IFN-β shows antiviral activity in the human respiratory tract and should be tested to determine whether it is tolerated on continued administration.