POLB 002

POLB 002 is a first-in-class, intranasally administered RNA-based immunotherapy being developed by Poolbeg Pharma for prophylaxis and treatment of respiratory virus infections, in-licensed from the University of Warwick.[3][7][9] The drug is based on defective interfering (DI) influenza RNA/virus that closely resembles infectious influenza virus but lacks the ability to complete a full replication cycle, enabling it to both trigger nasal epithelial cells into an antiviral state and directly interfere with replication of co-infecting respiratory viruses.[3][7][11] Through this dual antiviral mechanism, POLB 002 is intended as a broad-spectrum, pan-respiratory antiviral candidate targeting infections such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory viruses, with potential use as a rapid-acting prophylactic and therapeutic, especially in high‑risk populations.[3][7][11][14]