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Quigley Pharma's anti-herpes keratitis drug fails in rabbit model

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DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — Quigley Pharma Inc. is ceasing development of a broad spectrum anti-viral drug as a treatment for herpes keratitis, the company announced in a press release.

The decision was made after the drug, called QR-435, failed to remain in the eyes of rabbits long enough to penetrate the corneal epithelial cells where the virus resides. The company plans to continue developing the compound as a treatment for respiratory viruses. In in vitro and ferret model in vivo studies, the drug showed significant antiviral properties against various strains of H3N2 and H5N1 influenza viruses, according to a press release from Quigley.