Subgroup Analyses of Maraviroc in Previously Treated R5 HIV-1 Infection Oct 3, 2008
Methods We analyzed pooled data from week 48 from the two studies according to sex, race or ethnic group, clade, CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) delta32 genotype, viral load at the time of screening, the use or nonuse of enfuvirtide in optimized background therapy (OBT), the baseline CD4 cell count, the number of active antiretroviral drugs coadministered, the first use of selected background agents, and tropism at baseline. Changes in viral tropism and the CD4 count at treatment failure were... (New England Journal of Medicine)
A New Class of Anti-HIV Therapy and New Challenges Oct 3, 2008
1 Maraviroc binds to the human chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), which also serves as a coreceptor for a major phenotype of HIV-1, R5 tropic virus, and thereby interferes with an essential early step in viral replication. Maraviroc has shown activity both in vitro and in vivo against R5 HIV-1 strains. (New England Journal of Medicine)
New 'Trick' Allows HIV To Overcome A Barrier To Infection Sep 9, 2008
Earlier studies had shown that HIV relies on two CD4 coreceptors on the surface of T cells, CCR5 and CXCR4. CCR5 is expressed on activated, memory T cells where it plays a critical role in the susceptibility to HIV infection. (Science Daily)
Scientists Spot New Twist in HIV Infection Sep 5, 2008
When HIV seeks entry to the activated T-cell, it does so by latching onto a surface receptor called CCR5. But in more than 50 percent of patients, the virus begins to attack resting T-cells, too, via a receptor called CXCR4. (Health-Finder)
Gene Silencing May Stop AIDS Virus Aug 9, 2008
They used a siRNA cocktail: two siRNAs that inactivate different HIV genes and one siRNA that keeps T cells from expressing the CCR5 molecule to which HIV attaches. "In mice pre-treated with the siRNA cocktail and then infected with HIV, we could not find any signs of virus for a long period of time," Kumar tells WebMD. "And when we treated mice whose immune systems had been reconstituted with T cells from an HIV infected individuals, they were totally able to block expansion of the virus.". (WebMD)
Hope in HIV battle Aug 8, 2008
One of these is a human gene, CCR5, a molecule of choice for preventing the virus' entry into cells. But we also had short molecules of RNA targeting two other HIV genes to destroy the viral RNA if it gains entry into cells. (MSNBC -- Health)
AIDS Breakthrough? HIV Halted With RNAi In Mice Aug 8, 2008
One encodes a human protein called CCR5, which dots the surface of T cells and allows HIV to gain entry. The others encode proteins produced by the virus within cells upon infection. (Science Daily)
International panel updates treatment guidelines for HIV infection Aug 4, 2008
The appropriate use of new agents, such as raltegravir (an integrase strand transfer inhibitor), maraviroc (a CCR5 antagonist), and etravirine (a "second generation" NNRTI), in combination with older agents can help achieve the goal of maintaining a plasma HIV-1 RNA level below 50 copies/ml even in patients with high degrees of treatment experience and multidrug resistant virus. The authors write that despite advances in the treatment of HIV infection, "disease management remains challenged by... (EurekAlert!)
Study Provides Clues To Preventing And Treating Cancer Spread Jul 30, 2008
The UNC researcher's work with fibrocytes began when he wanted to figure out why "knockout mice" that are missing the cell receptor CCR5 get fewer cancer metastases than normal mice. CCR5 helps control the migration of cells through the body. (Science Daily)
Gene variation may raise risk of HIV, study finds Jul 17, 2008
Weiss said the red blood cell receptor was similar to another receptor, CCR5, which occurs on the surface of the white blood cells that are HIV's major target. A small percentage of Europeans have a mutation that prevents the CCR5 receptor from being displayed on the surface of white blood cells, and they are protected against HIV.. (International Herald Tribune)
Mobilizing White Blood Cells To The Lung: New Discovery Could Lead To An Improved Influenza Vaccine Jul 15, 2008
The Chemokine Receptor CCR5 Plays a Key Role in the Early Memory CD8. T Cell Response to Respiratory Virus Infections. (Science Daily)
Cells in Blood May Help Cancer Spread Jul 2, 2008
Van Deventer began to suspect fibrocytes when he was working with mice that were genetically engineered to lack the cell receptor CCR5, a cellular doorway that helps control the migration of cells through the body. CCR5 is the same entry point used by the human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS, to get inside immune cells ... But since the MMP enzyme works in conjunction with CCR5, he thinks they might be able to develop a drug that blocks both, allowing doctors to reduce the dose of the... (Newsmax)
Zinc Finger Proteins Put Personalized HIV Therapy Within Reach Jul 1, 2008
"By inducing mutations in the CCR5 gene using zinc finger proteins, we've reduced the expression of CCR5 surface proteins on T cells, which is necessary for the AIDS virus to enter these immune system cells," explains first author Elena Perez, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Penn. "This approach stops the AIDS virus from entering the T cells because it now has an introduced error into the CCR5 gene." ... Some people are born with a mutation on their CCR5 gene and therefore do not... (Science Daily)
Protein Linked To Alzheimer's Disease Also Has Role In HIV Progression Jun 18, 2008
The corresponding apoE4 isoform enhanced in vitro HIV fusion/cell entry of HIV strains that use both the CCR5 and CXCR4 chemokine coreceptors to enter the cell. However, the apoE4 gene did not increase the incidence of HIV-associated dementia. (Science Daily)
New England Journal of Medicine Publishes Results From a RELISTOR Phase 3 Clinical Study May 29, 2008
In the area of HIV infection, the Company is developing the viral-entry inhibitor PRO 140, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the HIV entry co-receptor CCR5, which has completed phase 1b clinical studies with positive results. In the area of prostate cancer, the Company is developing a human monoclonal antibody drug conjugate -- a selectively targeted cytotoxic antibody directed against prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein found on the surface of prostate cancer cells. (PR Newswire)
Treatment for HIV/AIDS May 22, 2008
A third FI, called maraviroc or CCR5 inhibitor, is the newest drug in this group. Licensed in 2007, this drug acts by blocking the CCR5 co-receptor of the human immune cells, thereby preventing HIV from attaching itself to the cell s surface and subsequently infecting it. (Suite101.com)
Initial Treatment for HIV Infection — An Embarrassment of Riches May 15, 2008
NRTIs, NNRTIs, and protease inhibitors remain the staples of highly active antiretroviral therapy, but other targets, such as the CCR5 receptor, the fusion peptide, and viral integrase, have recently yielded promising molecules. At this time, eradication of HIV is impossible. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Scherings HIV CCR5 antagonist vicriviroc will likely face similar hurdles seen with Selzentrys launch - analysis May 2, 2008
FT.com / Mergermarket - Scherings HIV CCR5 antagonist vicriviroc will likely face similar hurdles seen with Selzentrys launch - analysis ... Scherings HIV CCR5 antagonist vicriviroc will likely face similar hurdles seen with Selzentrys launch - analysis ... Scherings vicriviroc, an antiviral that inhibits the CCR5 receptor in HIV 1 strains, may face similar issues seen in Pfizers initial launch of its CCR5 antagonist Selzentry, physicians told Pharmawire. (FT.com -- Markets)
Gene Mutations Tied To Immune Comeback During Therapy For HIV-1 Apr 3, 2008
The two genes are CCR5, an HIV-1 co-receptor or portal of entry for the virus into CD4+ T cells, and CCL3L1, an HIV-suppressing molecule that binds to CCR5. Tailored therapy. (Science Daily)
"This Beautiful Gene" Apr 1, 2008
His rare mutation, of the CCR5 gene, delays the onset of AIDS by restricting the HIV virus' ability to enter white blood cells. Jake's father has the same mutation which is, doctors say, why he didn't contract the virus. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Way to target genes devised for gene therapy Mar 19, 2008
Animal trials are already under way to use the same targetted gene therapy to reduce chronic pain and to knock out a gene called CCR5, the docking point used by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus to invade white blood cells, called T-cells, in AIDS patients, leading to a supply of non-infectable T-cells, which will combat HIV and the other infections which occur in AIDS patients. Clinical trials are also in progress for stimulating the growth of new arteries in patients suffering from obstruction... (Telegraph.co.uk)
California Medicaid Establishes Coverage for Trofile(TM) Mar 17, 2008
Monogram introduced Trofile in August 2007, upon FDA approval of Pfizer's Selzentry(TM) (maraviroc), and since then, almost 5,000 tests have been performed for patients throughout the U.S. In January 2008 DHHS Guidelines for Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV - 1 infected Adults scents recommend the use of the Trofile assay whenever the use of a CCR5 inhibitor is being considered as well as to be considered for patients who exhibit virologic failure on a CCR5 inhibition ... These risks and... (PR Newswire)
Group Gets to Test New Merck AIDS Drug in Gel Mar 15, 2008
The nonprofit IPM has another agreement with Merck for a royalty-free license to develop another compound, L'167/CMPD167, which belongs to the class of molecules known as CCR5 blockers ... The microbicides group also has agreements with Pfizer to develop its CCR5 blocker maraviroc; with Gilead Sciences to develop tenofovir, a licensed HIV drug; with Bristol-Myers Squibb; and with Johnson on subsidiary Tibotec Pharmaceuticals to try to make a microbicide out of its HIV drug dapivirine. (MEDLINEplus)
Scientists discover possible key to HIV's attack on people Feb 12, 2008
Two other important receptors, known as CCR5 and CXCR4, were identified in 1996. CCR5 is a normal component of human cells and acts as a doorway for the entry of HIV. People who lack it because of a genetic mutation rarely become infected even if they have been exposed to HIV repeatedly ... For example, last year the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for AIDS treatment a Pfizer drug, Selzentry, or maraviroc, which works by blocking CCR5. (International Herald Tribune)
Newly Found HIV Receptor May Offer Therapy Target Feb 12, 2008
The binding is also independent of the other HIV receptors, CD4, CCR5 and CXCR4, the researchers showed. Signaling produced by the interaction of the gp120 loop and alpha-4 beta-7 led to activation of integrin LFA-1, which is involved in the establishment of virological synapses that allow direct cell-to-cell spread of HIV, Dr. Arthos and colleagues said. (MedPage Today)
NIAID scientists identify new cellular receptor for HIV Feb 10, 2008
Several other immune cell receptors bind to HIV. Most important among these, the CD4 molecule, identified as an HIV receptor in 1984, functions as the principal receptor for HIV. The CCR5 and CXCR4 molecules, discovered in 1996, serve as co-receptors that HIV uses to enter its target cells. In the new study, which appears online Feb. 10, 2008 in Nature Immunology, NIAID scientists identify a cell adhesion molecule known as integrin alpha 4 beta 7 as another potentially important receptor for... (EurekAlert!)
Vicriviroc Demonstrates Potent and Sustained Viral Suppression Through 48 Weeks of Therapy in Treatment-Experienced HIV-Infected Patients Feb 7, 2008
Results of VICTOR-E1 Phase II Study Presented at 15th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) BOSTON, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: ) today reported that final results of a Phase II clinical study showed vicriviroc, its investigational CCR5 antagonist, demonstrated potent and sustained viral suppression through 48 weeks of therapy in treatment- experienced HIV-infected patients, when administered once-daily as a single tablet in... (PR Newswire)
Schering says its drug subdues AIDS virus Feb 4, 2008
Vicriviroc may become the second medicine after Selzentry in a new family of drugs that work by blocking the CCR5 receptor, a chemical doorway the virus uses to enter human cells ... "This is a potent oral CCR5 antagonist that has significant potential for treatment of HIV," said Barry Zingman, professor of infectious disease at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, N.Y., during a presentation at the meeting. (Boston Globe)
Virology: The battle within Jan 24, 2008
A subtype of HIV, most often found in early infection, generally gains entry into the cell by binding the receptor CCR5. When HHV-6 infects first, however, it instigates production of an immune chemical that binds to CCR5 receptors, blocking HIV's access. (Nature News Service)
Proteins that Prey on AIDS ID'ed Jan 11, 2008
In August, the government approved sale of the first drug that works by blocking an HIV dependency factor, a cellular doorway called CCR5. The hope is that this longer list of those factors will point toward spots where similar drugs might work. (Time.com)
UK patients get newest HIV drug Nov 19, 2007
It blocks a microscopic doorway - the CCR5 receptor - which HIV uses to enter and infect human cells called CD4-T-cells ... Trials show that in suitable patients - those infected with only CCR5-tropic HIV-1 - it can help reduce the levels of virus circulating in the blood stream and increase the numbers of immune CD4 cells. (BBC News -- UK)
Genetic Influence On Pace Of HIV-AIDS Progression Identified Oct 25, 2007
They found that individuals who had specific combinations of two genes--CCR5, which helps facilitate HIV entry into the cell, and CCL3L1, an immune response gene--were much more likely to have reduced immune responses and a greater decline in CD4 T cells, two hallmarks of progressive HIV disease. Further, the researchers found that in HIV-infected subjects, viral load contributed only 9 percent to the variability in rate of progression to AIDS; variations in CCR5 and CCL3L1 combined accounted... (Science Daily)
Study finds genetic influence on pace of HIV/AIDS progression Oct 23, 2007
They found that individuals who had specific combinations of two genesCCR5, which helps facilitate HIV entry into the cell, and CCL3L1, an immune response genewere much more likely to have reduced immune responses and a greater decline in CD4 T cells, two hallmarks of progressive HIV disease. Further, the researchers found that in HIV-infected subjects, viral load contributed only 9 percent to the variability in rate of progression to AIDS; variations in CCR5 and CCL3L1 combined accounted for... (EurekAlert!)
Gene factor key in AIDS progression Oct 22, 2007
The genes in question are called CCR5 and CCL3L1, although other genes, still not fully explored, may also play a part. CCR5 controls a key receptor, or docking point, on the surface of the CD4 immune cell onto which HIV latches ... CCL3L1, meanwhile, controls an immune system signalling molecule called a chemokine that prevents the virus attaching itself to the CCR5 receptor. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
FDA approves important new AIDS drug Isentress Oct 14, 2007
This one blocks a structure on the surface of blood cells called CCR5, which the AIDS virus uses to wedge its way into cells. Martin Delaney, founder of San Francisco's Project Inform - a leading AIDS drug advocacy organization - and an activist in a group called the Fair Pricing Coalition, said Merck is not charging as much as he had feared. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Genetics' Super Summer Oct 10, 2007
This summer, a Pfizer (nyse: - - ) AIDS drug, Selzentry, is approved only for patients who carry a particular version of an immune system gene, CCR5. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve more drugs only for use with people with particular genes, and is drafting guidelines for companies. (Forbes -- Business)
Pfizer AIDS Drug Celsentri Given Final European Approval Sep 25, 2007
first in a new class of oral HIV medicines in more than a decade (Gay Wired)
New anti-AIDS drug unveiled in US Sep 20, 2007
The US Food and Drug Administration in August approved the use of Selzentry, which is the first in a class of drugs called CCR5 antagonists. They prevent the virus from entering the body's T-cells, rather than fighting the virus once it is already infected the cells. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Pfizer touts successful tests on new anti-AIDS drug Sep 19, 2007
The US Food and Drug Administration in August approved the use of Selzentry, which is the first in a class of drugs called CCR5 antagonists ... "Selzentry is the first in a class of drugs known as CCR5 antagonists, which block the CCR5 co-receptor, the virus predominant entry route into T-cells," Pfizer said in a statement. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Panel: HIV drug merits quick approval Sep 6, 2007
That drug is the first that works by blocking a crucial doorway, called the CCR5 receptor, that HIV often uses to enter white blood cells. All rights reserved. (Herald Online, SC -- Health)
Pfizers Selzentry TM Gets FDA Approval Aug 10, 2007
The FDA granted accelerated approval to Selzentry for combination antiretroviral treatment of adults infected with only CCR5-tropic HIV-1 detectable, who have evidence of viral replication and have HIV-1 strains resistant to multiple antiretroviral agents. A diagnostic test confirms whether a patient is infected with CCR5-tropic HIV-1, which is also known as R5 virus ... Selzentry is the first in a class of drugs known as CCR5 antagonists, which block the CCR5 co-receptor, the virus... (Ontario Now)
AHF Welcomes FDA Approval of Pfizer's Selzentry; Urges Industry to Show Restraint Pricing Newest AIDS Drugs Aug 8, 2007
According to a news item in today's Kaiser Family Foundation 'Daily HIV/AIDS Report,' "Maraviroc works by blocking a protein, called CCR5, on human immune system cells that HIV uses as a portal to enter and infect the cell. Pfizer has proposed using the drug to treat people with advanced HIV or AIDS who have not responded to other medications. Pfizer last month also announced that maraviroc can reduce HIV viral loads among people who have never taken antiretrovirals." However, AHF notes the drug... (PR Newswire)
Monday's Health Winners & Losers Aug 7, 2007
The drug is the first in a class (called CCR5 antagonists) that stop the R5 virus on the outside surface of cells before it enters, rather than fighting the virus inside as do all other classes of oral HIV medicines, according the company. "The approval of Selzentry for treatment-experienced patients is a significant breakthrough, and we continue its development in a spectrum of other patients living with HIV/AIDS," said Joseph Feczko, Pfizer's chief medical officer. (TheStreet.com)
Pfizer's AIDS Drug Maraviroc Wins US Approval (Update3) Aug 7, 2007
The medicine is the first in a new class that blocks the CCR5 receptor, a chemical portal used by HIV to get into healthy cells ... About half of the 1 million people in the U.S. with HIV are infected with a form of the virus that uses the CCR5 entryway. (Bloomberg)
IAS: Maraviroc Called Premature for New HIV Patients Jul 26, 2007
Note that this study says that maraviroc, the first of the new CCR5 antagonist class, did not meet its target for the treatment of newly diagnosed HIV patients ... But the CCR5 antagonist had better safety results than efavirenz, which is regarded as a preferred component of the initial therapy, Dr. Saag told a session with late-breaking results at the International AIDS Society meeting here. (MedPage Today)
Pfizer Inc UK Regulatory Announcement: Maraviroc Reduces HIV Viral Load in Treatment-Naive Patients, 48 Week Data Show Jul 25, 2007
Rates of virologic suppression in patients receiving Pfizer s novel CCR5 antagonist, maraviroc, compared to efavirenz (EFV) were 70 ... The 48-week MERIT trial (maraviroc versus Efavirenz Regimens as Initial Therapy) evaluated the antiretroviral activity of maraviroc (300 mg, twice daily) compared to EFV, a current standard of care (600 mg once daily), both dosed with zidovudine/lamivudine in CCR5-tropic HIV-1 infected patients who had never received antiretroviral therapy and had no evidence of... (BusinessWire)
Progenics Presents Additional Positive Clinical Results for HIV-Entry Inhibitor PRO 140 at International AIDS Meeting Jul 25, 2007
Significant and prolonged viral load reduction in HIV-infected individuals after treatment with single-dose of CCR5 monoclonal antibody PRO 140 ... D., Progenics Vice President, Research and Development, expanded upon top-line PRO 140 results announced in May 2007 in an oral presentation entitled, Antiviral Effects and Tolerability of the CCR5 Monoclonal Antibody PRO 140: A Proof of Concept Study in HIV-Infected Individuals ... All patients were screened prior to the study for the presence of... (BusinessWire)
Charlie Rose Science Series Features Discussion on HIV/AIDS Jul 24, 2007
In the ensuing years after the first AIDS drugs were approved, a promising new class of drugs has emerged called CCR5 inhibitors ... Because CCR5 drugs use a different strategy than previous classes, scientists are hopeful that they will be effective in patients whose HIV has become resistant to the medicines currently available. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Sangamo BioSciences Announces Presentation of Phase 1 ZFP Therapeutic Data at American Diabetes Association Meeting Jun 23, 2007
"The data obtained in this clinical trial demonstrate that SB-509 appears to have not only a neuroprotective but possibly also a neuroregenerative effect. Currently, the only treatment options are analgesics and antidepressants to control pain symptoms. In contrast, SB-509 is designed to address the actual nerve damage and therefore could have a profound impact on the lives of patients suffering with diabetic neuropathy." In addition, Sangamo announced today that two zinc finger nuclease (ZFN)... (PR Newswire)
Monogram Provides Update on Trofile(TM) Assay Jun 21, 2007
June 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monogram Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ) today announced that its collaborator Pfizer Inc. separately announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an approvable letter for maraviroc, a CCR5-antagonist under review as a therapy for treatment-experienced patients infected with CCR5-tropic HIV-1 ... As the only currently commercially available co-receptor tropism test, Trofile is needed to select patients for treatment with CCR5-antagonists ...... (PR Newswire)
Medi-Cal Expands Coverage of Baseline HIV Resistance Testing Jun 19, 2007
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the risk that regulatory authorities may not require a molecular diagnostic for patient selection for an HIV drug, risks related to the implementation of the collaboration with Pfizer; risks and uncertainties relating to the performance of our products; the growth in revenues; the size, timing and success or failure of any clinical trials for CCR5 inhibitors or entry inhibitors; the use of our Co-Receptor Tropism Assay for patient... (PR Newswire)
FDA panel supports new HIV drug Apr 26, 2007
It would represent the first so-called CCR5 receptor antagonist to be sold. The drugs block a secondary but crucial doorway typically used by the human immunodeficiency virus to enter white blood cells, which are important in the immune system. (Orlando Sentinel -- News)
FDA Advisory Committee Recommends Accelerated Approval of Pfizer's Maraviroc for Treatment-Experienced Patients Infected with CCR5-tropic HIV-1 Apr 25, 2007
April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monogram Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Antiviral Drugs Advisory Committee has voted unanimously to recommend that collaborator Pfizer, Inc.'s (NYSE: ) investigational HIV medication, maraviroc, be approved for use along with other antiretroviral agents for treatment-experienced adult patients infected with CCR5-tropic HIV-1 ... Information provided by Pfizer to the advisory panel indicates that... (PR Newswire)
FDA advisers get behind new type of HIV drug Apr 25, 2007
It would represent the first so-called CCR5 receptor antagonist to be sold ... Researchers have known for more than a decade that people who lack a working version of the doorway targeted by the drug the CCR5 receptor are highly resistant to infection by HIV or slow to develop AIDS once infected. (MSNBC -- Health)
FDA Panel Recommends Approval of New AIDS Drug Apr 25, 2007
The drug, Pfizer Inc.'s maraviroc, is in a class of agents called CCR5 antagonists ... "Viral load is the amount of the virus present in the blood, and CD4 T-cells are both an important component of the body's immune system and prime targets for HIV.The drug is designed to be used with other HIV-suppressing drugs, especially in people who have strains of the virus that are resistant to other medications, Laurence said.Maraviroc works by preventing the AIDS virus from entering cells. It does so... (Forbes)
US panel urges approval of new HIV drug Apr 25, 2007
Maraviroc blocks a receptor known as CCR5 in order to prevent HIV infection. Older Aids medicines attack the virus itself. (Xinhua)
FDA To Consider Approval Of First CCR5 Antagonist Against HIV/AIDS Apr 23, 2007
If approved, it will be the first drug available in the class called CCR5 antagonists ... CCR5 antagonists stop the virus from getting into cells by blocking the main entry point common to most people who have the infection ... CCR5 stands for chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5. (Medical News Today)
Pfizer AIDS drug is effective: FDA Apr 21, 2007
The drug, called maraviroc, could be the first drug on the market that blocks the CCR5 co-receptor that serves as a main entryway for the virus into cells ... But the CCR5 inhibitors have raised safety concerns. (Ninemsn)
Innovation through collaboration and confrontation Apr 21, 2007
More recently, the Forum has been active in addressing the safety and other issues involved in the development of CCR5 antagonists ... The results of this effort may be apparent shortly when an FDA panel meets on Tuesday to discuss Pfizer s CCR5 drug, maraviroc. (World Health Care Blog)
AIDS drugs sales to top $10 billion Apr 13, 2007
Notable new types of drugs include Pfizers maraviroc, a CCR5 inhibitor, and Mercks raltegravir, an integrase inhibitor, which are expected to be launched in 2007 and 2008 respectively. They will complement new generation forms of existing drug classes, such as Johnson & Johnsons recently approved Prezista, a protease inhibitor. (MSNBC -- Health)
Association of TGFB1, TNFa, CCR2 and CCR5 gene polymorphisms in chronic renal insufficiency among Asian Indians with type-2 diabetes Apr 12, 2007
We tested association of nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from TGFB1, TNFa, CCR2 and CCR5 genes among individuals with type-2 diabetes with and without renal insufficiency ... Allelic and genotypic contributions of nine SNPs from TGFB1, TNFa, CCR2 and CCR5 genes to diabetic CRI were tested by computing odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) ... SNPs Tyr81His and Thr263Ile in TGF B1 gene were monomorphic, and Arg25Pro in TGFB1 gene and delta 32 polymorphism in CCR5 gene were... (BioMed Central)
African Prostitutes, Gene Defect Spur Pfizer Hunt for AIDS Drug Mar 3, 2007
The gay men of European descent, the scientists found, were shielded from HIV infections by inheriting a defective version of the cell receptor, called CCR5. Pfizer scientists say this critical finding led them to believe they might be able to create a drug against the virus that worked by binding to the CCR5 receptor, thereby blocking the doorway HIV uses to infect cells ... Other drug companies, including GlaxoSmithKline Plc, based in London, and Schering-Plough Corp. of Kenilworth, New... (Bloomberg)
Pfizer says maraviroc 'significantly' reduces viral load in combination therapy Mar 2, 2007
Pfizer said the results support the accelerated US and European regulatory review of maraviroc as a treatment for patients infected with HIV that is 'CCR5 tropic. CCR5 tropic means HIV enters immune cells via a receptor called CCR5 ... A test determines whether a patient is infected with CCR5-tropic HIV.. (Forbes -- Markets)
Three new drugs promise options for HIV patients Mar 1, 2007
Maraviroc is the first HIV drug to block the CCR5 receptor, a chemical doorway used by the virus to slip into human cells. The drug works by changing the shape of a protein on the surface of healthy human cells, making it impossible for HIV to get a good enough grip to enter. (Boston Globe)
Drug 'stops HIV's entry to cells' Mar 1, 2007
The drug acts as a block to the CCR5 receptor which is the "doorway" which HIV uses to get into CD4-T-cells. HIV therapies have, for so long, focused on people needing drugs for their initial treatment. (BBC News -- Health)
