New Data Indicate That the Antiviral 'Substance R' May Enhance AIDS Cocktail Therapy; Dr. Hirschman of Advanced Viral Research Corp. Presents Findings at Conference
MCLEAN, Va.--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 17, 1999--Shalom Z. Hirschman, M.D., President and CEO of Advanced Viral Research Corp. (OTCBB:ADVR), reported yesterday that the experimental drug, Substance R (Reticulose(TM)), appears to "turn on" the body's beneficial response to fight viral infections, including HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and HPV (human papilloma virus). Advanced Viral Research Corp. is developing Substance R, a non-toxic peptide-nucleic acid, as a broad spectrum antiviral drug.
Speaking at a Cambridge HealthTech Institute conference on chemokines and chemokine receptors -- proteins that play an important role in trafficking immune system function -- Dr. Hirschman, an internationally-recognized authority in infectious diseases, presented case studies of two AIDS patients treated with Substance R. Both patients were initially unable to tolerate the AIDS cocktail called HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy). When treated with a combination of Substance R and HAART, however, both experienced a dramatic drop in viral load, increases in weight and CD4 positive cell count, and an improved quality of life.
"Clinical results of the therapeutic efficacy of Substance R combined with HAART are very encouraging," said Dr. Hirschman. He cautioned against regarding Substance R as a "magic bullet," but expressed optimism about research findings to date.
Substance R Case Studies
Two patients were treated with Substance R combined with a HAART drug cocktail of azidothymidine (AZT), lamivudine, a protease inhibitor and nevirapine. Prior to combination therapy, both patients did not tolerate the cocktail treatment alone. Moreover, while solely on HAART, both experienced increases in viral load.
At the beginning of combination therapy, "Patient P" had a high viral load, a low CD4 positive cell count and weighed only 70 pounds. After three months on Substance R plus HAART, however, his viral load was undetectable. This patient felt so well that he discontinued treatment on his own, and his viral load increased. When he resumed treatment, his viral load again became undetectable and has remained so for over a year. "Patient P's" CD4 positive count is now about 130 cells per microliter.
"Patient N" began treatment with a high viral load and a CD4 positive cell count of only 50 per microliter. He weighed less than 100 pounds. After combination therapy, he weighs more than 200 pounds, his viral load is undetectable, and his CD4 positive cell count is greater than 400 per microliter.
Substance R + Cytokine, Chemokine Stimulation
Dr. Hirschman also presented data from experiments conducted at the company's Advanced Viral Research Institute, indicating that Substance R stimulates several chemokines, including interferon gamma and interleukin-8. Research also showed that Substance R interferes with viral replication and that it decreases production of CCR5 and CXCR4, the two co-receptors required for HIV attachment to cells.
About Advanced Viral Research Corp.
Advanced Viral Research Corp., based in Yonkers, New York, is a biopharmaceutical firm committed to researching, developing and bringing to market new, effective therapies for viral and other diseases, which will lead to the alleviation of human suffering and diseases worldwide. Its flagship drug, Substance R (Reticulose(TM)), is a non-toxic immunomodulator that has been shown to have beneficial therapeutic effects against viral diseases such as AIDS.
Note: This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks associated with clinical development, regulatory approvals, including application to the FDA, product commercialization and other risks described from time to time in the SEC reports filed by ADVR. Substance R (Reticulose(TM)) is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any comparable agencies of any other countries.
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