Researchers’ discovery has the potential to slow the next pandemic

A nasal spray that treats and reduces the spread of viruses such as coronavirus and influenza. Soon, a medical technology product could reach the market, believe Hazem Khalaf and Torbjörn Bengtsson, the researchers and innovators behind the company Virenc AB.

“We believe this product has enormous potential,” they say.

Ten years ago, Hazem Khalaf, Associate Professor of Cellular Microbiology at Örebro University, discovered a peptide in lactic acid bacteria with very special properties. It was able to attack disease-causing bacteria.

Together with Torbjörn Bengtsson, Professor Emeritus of Biomedicine, Hazem Khalaf began investigating which bacteria the peptide was effective against and how the process worked. When they discovered that the peptide acted by breaking down the bacteria’s lipid membrane—its fatty envelope—they were struck by an intriguing thought:

It is not only bacteria that have fatty envelopes. Many viruses—such as influenza viruses, coronaviruses, and mosquito- and tick-borne viruses—also have a lipid envelope.

Effective treatment against viruses

“The mechanism of the peptide is so unique that it should be able to attack viruses in the same way as bacteria. That is why we began testing it on different types of viruses, and during the pandemic we were also able, with the help of a virologist in Linköping, to test it against coronavirus and influenza viruses,” says Hazem Khalaf.

The tests were highly successful. They showed that the peptide was actually even more effective against viruses than against bacteria, both killing the virus and reducing its spread. Both Hazem and Torbjörn quickly realised the potential of their discovery.

“We have vaccines against some viruses, which is excellent from a preventive perspective, but they do not help someone who becomes ill today. And for around 90 per cent of all viruses, there are no medicines at all. An antiviral drug based on our peptide could target all viruses that have a lipid envelope. It would work in much the same way as broad-spectrum antibiotics are used to treat severe bacterial infections,” says Torbjörn Bengtsson.

Antiviral drug remains effective even if the virus mutates

Although the peptide acts against all viruses with a lipid envelope, the researchers have chosen to initially focus on viruses that affect the respiratory tract. The reason is that these infections can be easily treated with either a nasal spray or an inhaler.

“We are not trying to compete with vaccines; this is a complement. One of the disadvantages of vaccines is that viruses can develop resistance to them. Viruses cannot do that against our antiviral drug,” says Hazem Khalaf, adding:

“Vaccines must be constantly updated as the virus mutates. We do not need to do that with our antiviral drug, because the virus cannot change its membrane envelope.”

“During the pandemic, it took a year before we had a vaccine. During that time, many people became ill and many also died from the virus. If we had had an antiviral drug in place, we could have intervened at an early stage to treat the disease and also reduce its spread,” says Torbjörn Bengtsson.

“Difficult to start a life science company”

Torbjörn and Hazem contacted Örebro University Holding AB and received, among other things, support with financing to apply for a Swedish patent. When the company Virenc was formed, the holding company became a co-owner. Virenc has now received innovation funding from the Region of Örebro County, initiated an important collaboration with the Karlstad-based company Aurena Laboratories, which manufactures medical technology products, and applied for international patents.

“It is difficult to start a life science company. Developing a drug or a medical technology product is expensive, and it also requires a large number of thorough tests. The holding company has been a great help in terms of knowledge, contacts, and capital,” says Hazem Khalaf.

“We believe that this product—a drug that targets most viruses—has enormous potential. It can reduce human suffering, be highly beneficial for society, and serve as an important tool the next time we are affected by a viral pandemic. We are now laying the foundation by securing patents and the core technology,” says Torbjörn Bengtsson.

Antiviral drugs—an important tool in the next pandemic

More testing and verification are now required to ensure that the treatment works, is safe to use, has no side effects, and is effective. Before the product can reach the market, Virenc also needs to secure additional capital. If everything goes according to plan, it is not impossible that the product could be launched within a couple of years.

“Looking ahead, I hope that our products will be used and make a difference, especially in low-income countries where access to vaccines and medicines is limited. If we can reach them with a product that reduces transmission and cures viral diseases, we will have come a long way,” says Hazem Khalaf.

“We live in a world where the population is growing. The spread of both old and new viruses will become an increasingly serious challenge. It is only a matter of time before the next pandemic arrives. When it does, it is important that tools like this are available,” says Torbjörn Bengtsson.

Text: Jesper Eriksson