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Biotech / Medical : ADVR: BULLS AND BEARS! -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Steve D. who wrote (8723)	2/16/2000 2:10:00 PM
From: KAKALAK	Read Replies (5) \| Respond to of 8902

ADVR NEWS!!! Human Genome Sciences Receives Patent On AIDS Virus Entry Point ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI - news) announced today that it was issued a U.S. patent on a human gene that produces what is believed to be the critical entry point for the AIDS virus. The gene, known as the CCR5 receptor gene, gives rise in human cells to a protein that functions as a receptor or docking site for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Scientists learned some years ago that people who lack a functional CCR5 receptor gene are resistant to infection with HIV. The discovery suggested that drugs that interfere with the receptor might be effective treatment for AIDS and triggered a global race to identify suitable compounds. HGS has provided several of its partners with licenses for the use of the CCR5 receptor gene in drug discovery. For example, on February 8, 2000, HGS concluded an agreement with Praecis Pharmaceuticals under which Praecis will seek to develop therapies for AIDS by employing the CCR5 receptor gene. ------------------------------------------------------------ YONKERS, N.Y.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 25, 1999--Advanced Viral Research Corp. (OTC BB:ADVR) announced Thursday that its scientists have discovered that its lead antiviral drug, Reticulose, inhibited the production of a key cellular receptor for HIV. Using CD4 positive T-lymphocytes, the scientists found that Reticulose markedly decreased the number of cellular CCR5 receptors. The CCR5 receptor is one of the three most important cell receptors needed by the AIDS virus, HIV, to attach to its target cells and initiate infection. Interference with the function of the CCR5 cellular chemokine receptor is known to increase the resistance of T-lymphocytes and macrophages to HIV infection. A mutation in the CCR5 gene, especially prevalent in individuals of northern European descent, appears to render these individuals resistant to infection by HIV. Commenting on this research, Dr. Shalom Z. Hirschman, president and CEO of Advanced Viral Research Corp., stated: "The exciting discovery by our scientists that the immunomodulator, Reticulose, interferes with the production of the CCR5 receptor, offers a novel approach to the development of therapeutic agents for HIV infection. This new finding may account, in part, for the beneficial effects of Reticulose in the treatment of HIV infected individuals observed in preliminary clinical trials. Furthermore, this new pathway of inhibiting HIV infection suggests that combination therapy with Reticulose may enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of the AIDS cocktails currently in use." Reticulose is a peptide nucleic acid preparation produced by Advanced Viral Research Corp., which, based on previous history, has been shown to be effective against a number of viral diseases. For further information, contact Mark Amster at 954/458-7636.