Tuesday November 12 6:59 AM EDT
Aronex Reports Preliminary Clinical Results On Its Hiv Integrase Inhibitor, Zintevir(Tm)
Follow-On Dose-Ranging Trials Planned
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Aronex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq/NNM: ARNX) today reported preliminary results from Phase I trials of Zintevir(TM), the first of a new class of HIV integrase inhibiting compounds, in HIV-positive patients. Based upon these results, Aronex is planning follow-on multiple dose-ranging trials of Zintevir(TM).
A single-dose rising study and a two-week, multiple-dose escalation study, which involved a total of 27 HIV-positive patients, have been completed. Results indicate that Zintevir(TM), administered at doses up to 6 mg/kg, is extremely well tolerated. No clinically significant adverse events were reported. Results also indicate that Zintevir(TM) plasma concentrations exceeded in vitro inhibitory concentration for the HIV virus for periods of up to 10 hours following administration of the higher doses. These results provide valuable information for the further development of this novel compound as a potential therapeutic for treating HIV infection.
"Inhibition of integrase, one of the key steps in the life cycle of the HIV virus, may provide another means of inhibiting viral replication and may complement the currently available therapeutic approaches of inhibiting reverse transcriptase and protease," according to James M. Chubb, Ph.D. President of Aronex. "The planned follow-on study with Zintevir(TM) will explore several multiple dosage regimens designed to optimize activity, as measured by effects on viral load and CD4 counts."
Zintevir(TM) belongs to a class of novel oligonucleotides discovered by Aronex scientists. Preclinical studies have indicated that Zintevir(TM) inhibits the integrase enzyme, one of the key steps in the life cycle of the HIV virus. Preclinical studies have also shown that Zintevir(TM) is a very stable molecule widely distributed throughout the body, and that tissue concentrations of the drug are maintained for periods exceeding five days following single doses.
Aronex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a leading biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of proprietary innovative medicines to treat cancer and life-threatening infectious diseases. Aronex currently has four products (Nyotran(TM), Atragen(TM) (TretinoinLF), Annamycin and Zintevir(TM)) in various stages of ongoing clinical development and a number of products in preclinical development.
Any statements which are not historical facts contained in this release are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those relating to product demand, pricing, market acceptance, the effect of economic conditions, intellectual property rights and litigation and the outcome of governmental proceedings, competitive products, risks in product and technology development, the results of financing efforts, the ability to complete transactions and other risks identified in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. SOURCE Aronex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
