Development of a novel interferon-based therapy to treat and prevent bacterial and viral infections

Purpose and goal:

Consortium will deliver a universal interferon-based drug, InterferOx, with the unique ability to treat and prevent bacterial and viral infections in cattle. Infection management approaches highly rely on antibiotics, causing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Interferons activate the immune system and provide a highly desired alternative for the treatment of various infections.

Our goal is that by the end of the project the drug is ready for large-scale field trials for the first target indication. Expected results and effects:

AMR is a serious threat to human and animal health, estimated to cause 700 000 human deaths annually, but predicted to rise to 10 million deaths by 2050. The increase of AMR is substantially impacted by overuse of antibiotics in animal health, with a shocking 80% being used in livestock. The consortium has the vision to be a game-changer by providing a solution to keep animals healthy without antibiotics that are essential in human health. Our approach has a great potential to reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock.

Approach and implementation:

The IMMOONITY project will deliver a preclinical data package on InterferOx potential. Bovine interferons obtained in the laboratory and their combinations will be tested in vitro on bovine cells against selected bovine pathogens. The formulation of the selected interferon combination will be developed and produced in the lab-scale.

Manufacturing will be upscaled in a newly accredited GMP manufacturing facility, while Proof-of-Concept of the lead formulation will be demonstrated in vivo in a new model for infected calves.