October 17, 2000

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A study under way at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is testing the first antiviral medication, called Pleconaril, to fight colds in children. “There are several antiviral medications on the market, but none to treat viruses that cause respiratory infections, like colds,” says Dr. David Kimberlin, assistant professor of pediatrics at UAB.

The drug is designed to relieve nasal congestion and cough and lessen the duration of the virus, but treatment has to begin early. “Parents must bring children in within the first 24 hours of cold symptoms — runny nose, temperature or sneezing,” Kimberlin says.

UAB is one of 50 sites nationwide participating in the study, funded by ViroPharma Inc., in Exton, Penn. Overall, 300 children, ages 2 to 12, will be enrolled in the study. Following an initial screening and exam, half of the children will be given Pleconaril, in liquid form, to take three times a day for five days. Other children will be given a placebo.

Children participating in the study will make four follow-up visits to the clinic over a two-week period of time. The study will run through November. “Earlier studies have shown the drug to be safe and well-tolerated by children,” Kimberlin says. “This short-term study will further evaluate the drug’s safety and tolerance, as well as effectiveness. The next phase will test the drug in a larger group of children to further evaluate its effectiveness.”