Tarrytown-based Progenics Pharmaceuticals announced that it is entering Phase II for PRO 140, an antibody that blocks HIV viral entry by blocking the CCR5 receptor.
What I find interesting is that they are looking to study this antibody in patients who have not received oral anti-retrovirals during the previous three months. Even more interesting is their attempt to develop a self-injectable, subcutaneous formulation.
So in theory, an HIV positive patient could undergo a shorter-term course of oral anti-retrovirals, then self-inject with PRO 140. If this pans out, it would be a substantially different way of attacking HIV and delaying disease progression.
This may also address some of the safety concerns that have emerged with oral CCR5 inhibitors. I'm specifically thinking of GSK's decision a few years ago to drop aplaviroc in Phase III due to hepatotoxicity issues.
Comments