Viriom successfully completes clinical safety trial with novel NNRTI, advances to efficacy studies in HIV-infected patients, and to development of HIV microbicide formulation
The Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies (known as Rusnano) in Moscow, along with a yet-to-be announced co-investor, plans to fund the development of up to 15 potential drug molecules that have unique mechanisms of action, taking them from the preclinical development stage through to Phase 2 clinical trials. "We expect that of the 15 compounds, a few will support the investment," says Andrey Ivaschenko, chairman of ChemRar, the Moscow-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology services company that will provide the first five target molecules. Although the investment is not a huge sum, he notes, a compound can be developed to the Phase 2 clinical stage in Russia for $5-10 million.
Rabochaya St. 2-a, bldg. 1
Khimki, Moscow
141400, Russia
Phone: +7 (495) 995-4944
Fax: +7 (495) 626-9780
www.viriom.com
Diagnosis
How is HIV infection / AIDS diagnosed?
Shortly after being infected with HIV the affected person may develop an acute illness with flu-like symptoms. These symptoms subside after a few days, however, replication of the virus continues insidiously and unnoticed. Even though the infected person may feel well, the virus has commenced its drawn-out battle with the immune system and is spreading further and further throughout the body. Because of this, the disease often remains undiagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage.
Methods of demonstrating the disease:
The HIV antibody test determines whether the virus has stimulated the body to produce immune substances, or antibodies. If HIV antibodies are found in the blood, the result is checked by means of a second blood test.
The direct virus test, which is based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), permits direct qualitative demonstration of the virus. Determination of the amount of virus present in the blood, i.e. the ‘viral burden’, is an aid to reliable monitoring of HIV infection and permits rational use of available therapies.
Resistance tests determine which medicines are effective against the virus – an essential precondition for effective treatment.
© 2009 F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd « Back