Synergism between anti-rhinovirus antivirals: various human interferons and a number of synthetic compounds.

DCF (dichloroflavan), enviroxime, chalcone Ro-09-0410 and HuIFN (Human interferon)-alpha 2, HuIFN-beta, HuIFN-beta X 401 and HuIFN-gamma, showed antiviral activity in vitro against RV2 (rhinovirus type 2) and RV9. Binary combinations of these drugs showed synergistic activity of which the combinations of HuIFN-gamma or HuIFN-alpha and enviroxime were of most interest. They were studied in more detail in tissue culture by virus yield experiments and in organ culture of human embryonic nasal epithelium and human embryonic tracheal culture in which there was a potent antiviral synergy. These results indicate that such combinations of drugs may be worthy of clinical study.