GENEVA, Switzerland, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Viroblock SA has announced today that the first generation of VCCD Tech antiviral nasal spray formulation is active against human influenza. Viroblock's patented Cholesterol Catalytic Depletion Technology (VCCD Tech) inactivates enveloped viruses during the extra-cellular phase, by altering and destabilizing cholesterol-rich viral envelopes.

The two pre-clinical studies exposed ferrets to Influenza A Wisconsin/67/2005 and influenza A Panama/2007/99 strains, and were conducted by Retroscreen Virology Ltd, a recognized leader in the research and testing of antiviral compounds and vaccines. Both the direct inoculation and the natural transmission protocols have confirmed the effectiveness and the value of the antiviral nasal spray.

These in-vivo campaigns confirm all in laboratory in-vitro studies to date and demonstrate that VCCD Tech represents a breakthrough for inactivating a number of enveloped viruses and their strains.

Our depletion technology shows no toxicity at the dosage we tested thus far and allegedly limits the development of any viral resistance, and makes it effective on all families of enveloped viruses, such as human and avian influenzas, SARS, AIDS, Ebola and smallpox viruses.

This is an exciting development period for Viroblock and the most recent pre-clinical performance is a testament to our innovative and cutting-edge technology, the quality of our team, board of directors and investors.

We, at Viroblock, leverage all our technological assets for rapidly developing the next generation of antiviral nasal sprays; I am also confident that our technology will become an important element of pandemic influenza preparedness efforts.

Our ability to deliver tailored antiviral formulations, which can exist as colloidal suspensions, gels, creams, and aerosol sprays, opens promising business opportunities and a bright future for Viroblock., comments CEO Thierry Pelet.

About Viroblock SA

Viroblock SA is a Swiss start-up founded in 2005, which has become a pioneer and world leader in the blocking virus transmission technology.

Its patented VCCD technology allegedly inactivates all families and strains of enveloped viruses, like human and avian influenzas, RSV, SARS, AIDS, Ebola and smallpox viruses, and leverages a mechanism of action that limits the development of any viral resistance and toxicity. VCCD Tech products exist as colloidal suspensions, gels, creams, and aerosol sprays, having specific mechanical, physical and chemical properties

The W.A. De Vigier Foundation nominated Viroblock SA as one of the 10 best technology projects of the year 2006, and the Swiss Tech Tour 2007 Selection Committee has rated Viroblock SA as part of the top 50 technology companies in Switzerland.

Viroblock was founded by Dr. Donald F. H. Wallach who was a worldwide expert in artificial and bio-membranes, and non-phospholipid vesicles.

Additional information is available on the company's website at http://www.viroblock.com

Contact: Thierry Pelet Chief Executive Officer Viroblock SA Phone: +41-22-884-83-44 E-Mail: t.pelet@viroblock.com

Contact: Thierry Pelet, Chief Executive Officer, Viroblock SA, Phone: +41-22-884-83-44, E-Mail: t.pelet@viroblock.com