Researchers at The Pirbright Institute will partner with the Belgian biotechnology company ViroVet to develop the first antiviral drugs that act against African swine fever (ASF). In the absence of a vaccine, antiviral drugs could provide an alternative control method which would help limit clinical signs in pigs and lower virus replication. This could reduce the spread of disease and help to contain outbreaks, ultimately reducing the number of pigs lost to this deadly viral infection.
The research, part funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) LINK programme, will test antiviral drugs that have already been screened in the laboratory by ViroVet and shown to reduce viral replication in cells in the absence of cellular toxicity. So far these antivirals have demonstrated at least a 90% reduction in viral replication. The most successful candidates will be further tested at Pirbright’s unique high containment facilities.
Scientists will assess whether the antiviral drugs are effective at preventing 14 different types of ASF virus from replicating in macrophages - immune cells which the virus infects in pigs. Further research will pinpoint how the antivirals work, and allow researchers to optimise the drugs to increase their ability to inhibit replication of a wide range of ASF virus strains. The most efficient candidates will then be trialled in pigs to establish the doses required and safety before testing effectiveness in reducing ASF virus replication and disease in pigs.
Antiviral drugs are already used in human medicine to treat diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis C for which no vaccines are available, and have served as an effective control method for a similar pig disease called classical swine fever. As commercial vaccines are several years away, the development of an effective antiviral treatment for ASF could aid the control of a disease which has continued to spread across Eastern Europe and China, recently appearing in Vietnam and Cambodia, decimating pig populations and threatening food security.
The disease represents an increasing risk to the UK pig industry as well, which is valued at around £1.2 billion. The current control of ASF is reliant on quarantine, movement restrictions and culling, which would all have high impacts on the livelihoods of British farmers and others involved in the pig industry if ASF were to enter the UK. Exports, currently valued at about £350 million, would also be halted.
Dr Linda Dixon, Head of the African Swine Fever Group at Pirbright, said: “The unique experience of ViroVet make them the ideal company to partner with on this project. The results from this study will help us understand more about how the virus infects pigs, and will help to inform our vaccine development research. Without a viable vaccine, ASF is incredibly difficult to control owing to its ability to be spread by wild boar and through the consumption of contaminated pork and other products by pigs. Having a tool which could lower the risk of further transmission once pigs have been infected would go a long way in preventing the rapid spread of this disease.”
Dr Nesya Goris, Chief Development Officer and co-founder of ViroVet added: “This joint research will help us select a potent antiviral drug that could stop transmission of ASF from infected animals and prevent spread to healthy pigs. We are extremely proud and honoured to partner with the expert scientists of The Pirbright Institute. The study will help advance the new concept of ASF containment using antiviral drugs.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Pirbright is currently developing vaccines for ASF and carrying out fundamental research to understand more about the virus. For more information about this work and ASF, visit the Pirbright virus web page, which features a short video about the disease, a downloadable factsheet and images of clinical signs for veterinary reference.
For more information please contact communications@pirbright.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1483 231120.
Follow The Pirbright Institute on social media: Facebook Twitter
ViroVet develops antiviral drugs as well as plasmid launched live attenuated virus or PLLAV vaccines. For more information about the antiviral drugs or the PLLAV vaccine technology see the video or visit their website.
For more information please contact Erwin Blomsma, CEO of ViroVet NV eblomsma@virovet.com Tel: +32 (0) 16 299726
Follow ViroVet on social media: Facebook Twitter
About The Pirbright Institute
The Pirbright Institute is a world leading centre of excellence in research and surveillance of virus diseases of farm animals and viruses that spread from animals to humans. Based in the UK and receiving strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Institute works to enhance capability to contain, control and eliminate these economically and medically important diseases through highly innovative fundamental and applied bioscience.
With an annual income of nearly £32.1 million from grants and commercial activity, and a total of £14.3 million strategic investment from BBSRC during 2017-2018, the Institute contributes to global food security and health, improving quality of life for animals and people.
For more information about The Pirbright Institute see: www.pirbright.ac.uk
About ViroVet
ViroVet is a biopharmaceutical company with a clear objective to develop innovative technologies to improve the health and value of livestock. The company is headquartered in Leuven (Heverlee), Belgium and has a pipeline of antiviral drugs and thermostable vaccines. ViroVet is one of the top-20 disruptors & innovators in animal health and was named start-up of the year 2015 and 2017 by Animal Pharm (part of the Business Intelligence Division of Informa PLC).
For more information about ViroVet see: www.virovet.com
About BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government.
BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.
Funded by government, BBSRC invested £498 million in world-class bioscience in 2017-18. We support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
More information about BBSRC, its science and its impact: www.bbsrc.ukri.org
More information about BBSRC strategically funded institutes