ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To detect the in-vitro effects of arbidol hydrochloride against 2009 new influenza virus A (H1N1). METHODS: The activity of arbidol hydrochloride against 2009 new influenza virus A (H1N1) was determined in MDCK cell cultures. Hemagglutination assay, observation of cytopathic effects, RT-PCR and quantitative RT-PCR tests were performed for determination of virus titers. Inhibition concentration 50% and cytotoxic concentration 50% were calculated with Chou's Menu of Dose-Effect Program. RESULTS: Arbidol hydrochloride showed low cytotoxicity (cytotoxic concentration 50%>100 µmol/L)and significant anti-2009 new influenza virus A (H1N1) activity in cell cultures. Inhibition concentration 50% were (5.5 ± 0.9), (3.4 ± 0.8), and (1.5 ± 0.2) µmol/L in hemagglutination assay, cytopathic effect test, and quantitative RT-PCR assay, respectively. CONCLUSION: Arbidol has low cytotoxicity and high anti-virus activity and can effectively trigger the activities of interferon and immune response, and therefore can be a valuable anti-influenza virus drug.
