Like pandemic flu, Zirus believes the only scientifically predictable answer to an unknowable terrorist engineered viral threat comes from finding common human host genes that many viruses use to replicate, and shutting the product of those genes down so the virus cannot replicate.

Drugs made to these targets could be effective against a broad spectrum of viruses. In addition, using two or three drugs to key human gene targets creates the possibility to one day treat any virus. Thus, we would go from a reactive to a proactive answer to bioterrorism.

Zirus has promising targets and siRNA drugs directed to the Pox virus and a variety of bioterror threats.