Claims for Patent: 4,771,041

Summary for Patent: 4,771,041

Title:	Method for combating virus infection
Abstract:	A method for the selective treatment of virus infections in animals and man comprising administering to a host so infected a therapeutically effective amount of phosphonoformic acid or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof.
Inventor(s):	Eriksson; Bertil F. H. (Tumba, SE), Helgstrand; Ake J. E. (Lund, SE), Misiorny, deceased; Alfons (late of Bandhagen, SE), Misiorny, legal representive; Karl H. (Sodertalje, SE), Stening; Goran B. (Sodertalje, SE), Stridh; Stig-Ake A. (Sodertalje, SE)
Assignee:	Astra Lakemedel Aktiebolag (SE)
Application Number:	06/793,575
Patent Claims:	1. A method for the treatment of virus-induced diseases in animals including man, by inhibiting transformation of virus-infected cells, characterized by administering to an animal so infected an amount of phosphonoformic acid or a physiological salt thereof effective to inhibit the transformation of said virus-infected cells. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the infected animal is treated with the tri-sodium salt of phosphonoformic acid. 3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the tri-sodium salt of phosphonoformic acid is orally administered. 4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the phosphonoformic acid or physiologically effective salt thereof is orally administered. 5. A method for inhibiting the replication of a retrovirus in animals including man, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment phosphonoformic acid or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof in an amount sufficient for inhibiting said replication. 6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the phosphonoformic acid or physiologically effective salt thereof is orally administered. 7. A pharmaceutical composition effective for treating virus infections or diseases in animals and man suitable for oral administration to humans comprising as an active ingredient phosphonoformic acid or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof in an amount effective to inhibit replication of the virus or multiplication of a virus-transformed cell, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier free of pharmaceutically unacceptable impurities and suitable for oral administration to humans. 8. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 7 in which the active ingredient comprises about 0.1% to about 50% of the preparation.