BiotronLimited (ASX:BIT)has revealed a successful outcome to the phase II trial of its lead drug BIT225in HIV-infected patients in combination with current antiretroviral drugs.
The results show that there are significant immunologicalbenefits in patients receiving antiretroviral drugs with 200 mg BIT225 comparedto antiretroviral drugs plus placebo.
Unique advantage of BIT225
Current antiretroviral drugs are extremely efficient atclearing the HIV-1 virus.
However, these antiretroviral drugs do not clear cellularreservoirs.
The data from the trial is consistent with the targetingand eradication of HIV-1 virus from these key reservoir cells in theBIT225-treated patients.
Biotron managing director Dr Michelle Miller said: “Weknow that antiretroviral drugs do NOT clear cellular reservoirs.
“HIV-infected people have to take drugs for theirlifetime to keep virus under control.
“This trial shows for the first time that there may be away to clear one of the main cellular reservoirs.
“This is a major step to the ultimate goal of curingHIV-1 infection.”
Ongoing analysis of trial data
The trial was designed to assess the safety and antiviralactivity of three month’s dosing of BIT225 in combination with antiretroviraldrugs in treatment-naïve HIV-positive subjects.
This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled studyundertaken at trial sites in Thailand.
Preliminary analysis of the safety data has shown thatBIT225 was well tolerated at the 200 mg once daily dose, with no severe adverseevents or withdrawals.
Analysis of the trial data is ongoing.
Biotron aims to present detailed data at scientificconferences and to potential commercial partners in late 2018/early 2019.
