Interferon Inducers Revisited

Two years ago, local application of interferon-stimulating double-stranded RNA was evaluated in the human respiratory tract for prophylactic effects against viruses, with only slightly beneficial results.1 Recently, two groups2 , 3 have reported on the use of a small molecule interferon inducer in similar trials, with similarly unimpressive results. In the current issue of the Journal, Panusarn et al. present a more encouraging result with a newer microtized preparation of the latter material. In a well designed and controlled study, they demonstrate that prophylactic instillation of the drug clearly prevented symptoms and virus shedding in volunteers in association with production of elevated . . .