Title:  Target therapies for treating common viral infections

United States Patent:  6,362,225

Appl. No.:  478722

Therapies and compositions are described for use in the treatment of a variety of common viral infections such as those of the upper respiratory tract, eye, stomach and intestines, and such viral lesions as cold sores, canker sores and those caused by genital herpes. The effective ingredient in the various therapies and compositions is the compound L-Lysine monohydrochloride (lysine). The crystalline lysine is ground into a fine powder and dispersed in a variety of aqueous media and other carrier systems. A solution in the form of a spray is administered to the nasal membranes, the mouth and throat, and to the lungs. Lozenges are designed to be dissolved in the mouth, both above the tongue and sublingually, and gels and solutions are applied directly to the lesions. Lysine is also administered in the form of drops, chewing gum, suppositories and by enema. In microcrystalline powder form the lysine may be administered directly into the lungs. When used at specified time intervals throughout each 24 hour period the duration of the symptoms of the viral infections is noticeably diminished. There are no side effects and no toxic levels of lysine. The various compositions are quite stable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may provide safe and effective therapies for treating common viral infections such as colds, flu, sore throat, lung congestion, eye inflammations, herpes outbreaks and intestinal disturbances. A solution or suspension of L-lysine monohydrochloride in an aqueous medium or water soluble medium may be administered in a variety of delivery systems such as a spray, inhalant, lozenge, chewing gum, drops, suppository, or enema, or as a topical application such as in a gel or in a combination of two or more of these delivery systems. Lysine in the form of a microcrystalline powder may also be applied to certain target areas. The application of L-lysine monohydrochloride may be made directly to the target areas at regular intervals during the duration of the viral infection.

It is an object of the present invention to provide easily administered preparations that can be used by adults and children to effectively shorten the duration of common viral infections.

It is another object of the present invention to provide preparations with minimal side effects.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide preparations that can prevent or lessen the symptoms of common viral infections if taken at the very onset of such symptoms.

Another object of the present invention is to provide preparations that will shorten the duration of cold sores and other viral lesions.

A further object of the present invention is to provide preparations that can prevent outbreaks of certain viral lesions.

An object of the present invention is to provide the therapeutic agent in combinations of delivery systems resulting in more effective treatment of common viral infections.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a medicament that has a long shelf-life and requires no special storage facilities.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide preparations that are easy to administer and can be carried and used anywhere so the user can continue the therapies throughout the day.

A further object of the present invention is to able to target the therapies to the specific area or areas of high concentration of the virus.

A method for treating viral infections caused by influenza and rhino viruses comprising the step of administering by inhalation to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system of an individual in need of such antiviral therapy an effective dosage of a solution containing from 10 mg to 10,000 mg L-lysine monohydrochloride per 44 ml of an aqueous carrier every one to six hours during the duration of the viral infection whereby the L-lysine monohydrochloride is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through said mucous membranes.

A method for treating viral infections caused by influenza and rhino viruses and causing the symptoms of running nose, cough , sinus inflammation, sore throat and ear fullness comprising the step of administering by inhalation to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system of an individual in needed of such antiviral therapy an effective dosage of a solution containing from 10 mg to 10,000 mg L-lysine monohydrochloride per 44 ml of an aqueous carrier every one to six hours during the duration of the viral infection whereby the L-lysine monohydrochloride is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through said mucous membranes.

A method for treating viral infections caused by influenza and rhino viruses and causing the symptoms of running nose, cough , sore throat and car fullness comprising the step of administering by inhalation to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system of an individual in need of such antiviral therapy an effective dosage of L-lysine monohydrochloride in the form of a microcrystalline powder every one to six hours during the duration of the viral infection whereby the L-lysine monohydrochloride is absorbed directly in to the bloodstream through said mucous membranes.

A method for treating viral infection caused by influenza and rhino viruses and causing the symptoms of running nose, cough, sore throat, ear fullness and stomach upset comprising the step of administering to the mucous membranes of an individual in need of such antiviral therapy an effective dosage of a solution containing L-lysine monohydrochloride in an aqueous carrier every one to six hours during the duration of the viral infection whereby the L-lysine monohydrochloride is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through said mucous membranes.

A method for treating viral infections caused by influenza and rhino viruses and causing the symptoms of running nose, cough, sore throat, car fullness and stomach upset comprising the step of administering by inhalation to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system of an individual in need of such antiviral therapy an effective dosage of L-lysille monohydrochloride every one to six hours during the duration of the viral infection whereby the L-lysine monohydrochloride is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through said mucous membranes.

A method for treating viral infections caused by influenza and rhino viruses and causing the symptoms of running nose, cough, sore throat, ear fullness and sinus inflamation comprising the step of administering by inhalation to the mucous membranes of an individual in need of such antiviral therapy an effective dosage of L-lysine monohydrochloride every one to six hours during the duration of the viral infection whereby the L-lysine monohydrochloride is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through said mucous membranes.

A method for treating viral infections caused by influenza viruses comprising the step of administering by inhalation to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system of an individual in need of such antiviral therapy an effective dosage of a solution containing from 10 mg to 10,000 mg L-lysine monohydrochloride per 44 ml of an aqueous carrier every one to six hours during the duration of said viral infection whereby the L-lysine monohydrochloride is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through said mucous membranes.

A method for treating viral infections caused by influenza viruses comprising the step of administering by inhalation to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system of an individual in need of such antiviral therapy an effective dosage of L-lysine monohydrochloride every one to six hours during the duration of said viral infection whereby the L-lysine monohydrochloride is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through said mucous membranes.

Claim 1 of 43 Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for treating viral infections caused by influenza and rhino viruses comprising the step of administering by inhalation to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system of an individual in need of such antiviral therapy all effective dosage of a solution containing from 10 mg to 10,000 mg L-lysine monohydrochloride per 44 ml of an aqueous carrier every one to six hours during the duration of the viral infection whereby the L-lysine monohydrochloride is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through said mucous membranes.

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