A leading Hunter virologist's results into a possible cure for the common cold have recently been published in one of the world's most prestigious virology journals. Dr Darren Shafren, in collaboration with researchers at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research has discovered a potential treatment to remove the cellular molecule that binds human rhinoviruses. Research grants from Hunter Medical Research and the National Health and Medical Research Council have made this research possible.
Rhinoviruses are the most important cause of mild upper respiratory illnesses in adults.
According to Dr Shafren, his research team has discovered a novel way to block rhinoviruses binding to healthy cells. The basis for the paper was that we've discovered a way of removing the molecule that causes common cold viruses to attach to cells. Dr Shafren's discovery could also provide some promising developments for some asthma sufferers. The next step, said Dr Shafren, is to continue checking that the treatment is successful in removing the molecule from a number of different human cells. Despite being preliminary, the research has generated interest from several pharmaceutical companies, which, with further research, could lead to new and improved treatments for upper respiratory illnesses.