There is a free teleconference called " Boosting Immune Function: The Next Step in HIV therapy? on December 8, 1999 8 p.m. Eastern. With Ronald Baker Ph.D. editor HIV and Hepatitis.com; Eric Rosenberg M.D. from Harvard and Mass General; Calvin Cohen from Community Research Initiative of New England and Rsearch Cnsultant, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates; Michael Saag M.D. University of Alabama. The conference is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Agouron. To join the teleconference, register in advance 1-800-880-5121. Free taped replays are available within 24 hours at 1-888-207-2647, pass code 5161. Transcripts are available within two weeks at hivtreatmentlive.com.
"There is growing recognition that, in addition to anti-HIV therapy, the body's own immune response to HIV infection must be boosted in order to achieve any effective and durable defense against the virus. Researchers are now exploring ways to increase the number of cytotoxic (cell-killing) T. cell responses that are believed to help control HIV replication. Genetically engineered interleukin-2 (IL-2) may promote immune system function and recovery and is now under study in a large number of patients. Preliminary information suggests that "structured treatment interruption" (STI) may boost the natural immune response in certain patients. A large trial is now enrolling to evaluate the potential benefits of Remune, an HIV "treatment vaccine" that may help to restore immune function when used in combination with HAART."
"The HIV Treatment Live panel will review the basics of the immune systems natural defenses against HIV infection, the fundamentals of immune-based therapies, and specific immune therapies in development and in the research pipeline."
I still don't understand how this company could chose to raise such a small amount of money in a way that would obviously lower the stock price, when the money was not even needed. Supposedly, the 'Board of Directors' just decided they wanted to "get the financing over with" before the end of the fiscal year. The Board must really be clueless not to have anticipated the effect. The 20 day window for the 'financing' deal ended two weeks ago, on 11/18/99. Great timing, especially so close to tax loss selling.......
In spite of impressions raised by this deal, AGPH and IRC are still proceeding with all the clinical trials of Remune, and sponsoring this teleconference on immune function. There are many references to Remune in the literature as being the immunomodulator the farthest along in clinical trials that is able to boost a specific anti-HIV immune response, and unlike IL-2, it has no toxic side effects.
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