Boosting the innate immune system of the lungs to prevent and treat respiratory v

7. Project Summary/Abstract Problem: Throughout the world, lower respiratory infections cause significant death and mortality. Seasonal influenza pneumonia alone causes more than 40,000 deaths a year in the U.S. Pandemic influenzas have even more impacts,with at least 50 million influenza-related deaths in 1918-9. Further, the anticipated avian- origin H5N1 influenza in human populations with its associated high mortality is of great concern with no immediate solution currently available. Pulmotect's Solution: Pulmotect has identified and is developing a novel technology to prevent respiratory infections. The lead drug (PUL-042) is a combination of two TLR ligands that stimulates the lung's own innate defense mechanisms to create a hostile environment for pathogens and prevent or attenuate respiratory infections. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have been completed to validate this technology and the drug is progressing through the regulatory process for a treatment to benefit cancer patients during pe