Immuron moves to human trials for influenza drug

Australian biopharmaceutical company Immuron (ASX: IMC) has announced it intends to commence Phase I/IIa human trials for its influenza treatment, IMM 255. According to the company, previous animal studies in mice and ferrets conducted in Israel and Australia have supported the use of Immuron’s oral preparation against influenza viruses. Based on these results Immuron’s has committed to proceed with human trials, expected to commence this calendar year. The company anticipates that a placebo-controlled, Phase I/IIa study will be conducted at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem using healthy volunteers. The aim of the study will be to measure the extent to which IMM 255 will boost immunity against influenza virus. “We believe that we are en-route to developing a unique product with benefits that have global possibilities, especially in light of the human and economic burdens of influenza,” said Joe Baini, Immuron’s Chief Executive Officer.

“If all progresses according to expectations we anticipate having a commercial-ready product as early as two years after commencing this trial.”