HIV antibody study results announced

An investigation into HIV antibody therapy ibalizumab has completed early stage development, but has offered mixed results.

The findings of a Phase II study of ibalizumab, raise more questions than answers but the researchers involved claimed that it definitely holds potential for HIV treatment veterans in need of novel therapies.

Developed by TaiMed Biologics, a biotechnology company with research facilities in Taiwan and Irvine, California, ibalizumab is an experimental entry inhibitor containing genetically engineered antibodies that bind to the CD4 receptor on CD4 cells.

Following this process HIV cannot connect to the surface of CD4, preventing the virus from infecting healthy cells.

The investigation resulted in no drug-related deaths, serious side effects or discontinuations, however some anomalies were noted.

Dr Stanley Lewis of TaiMed said that after 24 weeks of treatment, viral loads were reduced, with undetectable viral loads documented in 44 per cent of those in the 800 mg ibalizumab dose group, and 28 per cent in the 2,000mg dose group.