Activity of selenazofurin against influenza A and B viruses in vitro.

Activity of the new antiviral compound selenazofurin was compared with the known active compounds ribavirin and amantadine against influenza A and B viruses. In experiments with Madin Darby canine kidney cells, selenazofurin inhibited the cytopathic effect and yield of influenza A/NWS/33 virus, with 50% effective dose ranges of 0.7 to 1.4 micrograms/ml (virus rating [VR], 1.3 to 1.4). The 50% effective dose range for ribavirin was 1.2 to 1.6 micrograms/ml (VR, 1.0 to 1.3), and for amantadine it was 9 micrograms/ml (VR, 0.9). Selenazofurin and ribavirin were similarly inhibitory to influenza B/Lee/40 virus, whereas amantadine was inactive. Selenazofurin appeared somewhat cytotoxic in these studies at concentrations as low as 1 micrograms/ml.