Biotechnology company Abivax's therapeutic candidate ABX464 has demonstrated the first reduction in HIV reservoirs ever observed in chronically infected HIV patients.
This is as measured by total HIV DNA detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
Currently, no drugs have been able to eradicate HIV in humans because it evades therapy by hiding in what have been called “HIV reservoirs” by the scientific community.
Trials show thst ABX464 could lead to a reduction of the HIV reservoir and potentially become part of a functional cure for HIV patients.
The trial
In the ABX464-004 trial, 30 HIV patients received either ABX464 or a placebo, in addition to their current antiretroviral treatment.
Baseline and day 28 blood samples were taken to assess the potential effect of ABX464 on the HIV reservoir in PBMCs.
A reduction in viral DNA copies/mPBMCs was observed in 7/14 in evaluable patients. No responders were observed in the placebo group.
Responders were defined as patients who had a decrease greater than 25% in total HIV DNA in PBMCs and a reduction of at least 50 copies.
ABX464 was well tolerated and there were no severe adverse events in the treatment group.
Further trials
A separate Phase IIa clinical trial (ABX464-005) has started to study the effects of ABX464 on HIV reservoirs in gut tissues.
The study has the same structure, except thst rectal biopsies are being collected at certain intervals, allowing quantification of the viral load and level of inflammation in the reservoir.
Abivax plans to extend the treatment period to observe the longer-term effects of ABX464 on HIV reservoir suppression.
Other developments
The company say it is also possible that the Abivax' antiviral platform technology can be used against other viral diseases, such as dengue, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease.
In addition, based on the anti-inflammatory properties of ABX464, there is an opportunity for this molecule in inflammatory bowel diseases.