AIM ImmunoTech Inc. announced the publication of a new analysis of the ability of AIM’s drug Ampligen (rintatolimod) to inhibit the spread and replication of Ebola virus disease, which adds to the body of evidence supporting Ampligen’s potential as an early-onset prophylactic therapy against human Ebola outbreaks. Ebola virus (EBOV) is a highly infectious and lethal pathogen responsible for sporadic, self-limiting clusters of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Central Africa capable of reaching epidemic status. Previously announced data found that Ampligen provided 100% protection against EVD in a mouse model.

The newly published analysis supports a dual mechanism of action when Ampligen is used as a prophylactic therapy against EVD. As a TLR3 agonist, the drug induces and enhances the body’s innate immunological responses to EBOV infection. Additionally, Ampligen appears to inactivate the EBOV lethal factor (EBOV VP35), which is believed to be responsible, in part, for the high mortality rate observed in humans, by acting as a “competitive decoy.” VP35 is understood to sequester the dsRNA produced by EBOV during its replication, which inhibits the normal innate immune responses to viral infection.

These analyses provide supporting evidence to help explain Ampligen’s ability to provide protection against EVD in a mouse model at the generally well-tolerated doses frequently used in AIM’s clinical trials. Overall, the study data and new analyses give AIM additional confidence in Ampligen’s potential as a viable candidate to protect against exposure to EBOV.