Gemfibrozil (GF)

Gemfibrozil is the generic name for an oral drug used to lower lipid levels. It belongs to a group of drugs known as fibrates. Is an activator of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα), a nuclear receptor that is involved in metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, as well as adipose tissue differentiation. This increase in the synthesis of lipoprotein lipase thereby increases the clearance of triglycerides.

Gemfibrozil was administered intraperitoneally once daily from days 4 to 10 after intranasal exposure to the virus. If this principle translates to patients, a drug already approved for human use, albeit by a different route for another purpose, might be adapted relatively fast for use against influenza, conceivably including human infection with a derivative of the avian H5N1 strain.