AIDS Vaccine shows promising results in non-human primates
Feb 6, 2007 - 11:35:38 AM
, Reviewed by: Dr. Rashmi Yadav
|
|
|
"Our preclinical trials, coupled with encouraging data from two ongoing human trials, help validate the science behind our vaccines and provide the impetus for accelerating the planning of Phase II human trials for our preventive vaccines."
|
|
Key Points of this article
|
|
GeoVax's DNA/MVA vaccines found effective in controlling the Simian ("SIV") AIDS virus through immune responses raised by the vaccines.
|
|
The promising results from this trial have resulted in preliminary plans to conduct human therapeutic studies.
|
|
|
|
By GeoVax,
[RxPG]
 |
| The ability to vaccinate those already infected with the AIDS virus, thereby inhibiting the virus' progressive and debilitating effects, would allow individuals to fight off normal infections, live longer and maintain a more normal lifestyle. |
GeoVax Labs, Inc. (OTC BB: GOVX), an Atlanta-based biotechnology company, today reported successful results from a preclinical trial using GeoVax's vaccines for the therapeutic treatment and prevention of Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease Syndrome ("AIDS") in non-human primates. The data demonstrate the effectiveness of GeoVax's DNA/MVA vaccines in controlling the Simian ("SIV") AIDS virus through immune responses raised by the vaccines. These promising results have resulted in preliminary plans to conduct human therapeutic studies utilizing GeoVax's vaccines.
In this trial, two monkeys were infected with the SIV AIDS virus and then placed on drug therapy. Thereafter, once early drug therapy had temporarily reduced virus levels, the monkeys were vaccinated with the SIV version of GeoVax's DNA/MVA vaccines. Six weeks after vaccination, drug treatment was discontinued. The SIV virus levels temporarily rose in the vaccinated individuals, but were later "controlled" (reduced to much lower levels) by immune responses raised by the vaccines.
The reduction of virus levels in the blood stream of these AIDS virus-infected non-human primates has continued for more than a year to date. Vaccination with the GeoVax DNA/MVA vaccines has curtailed the development of AIDS and its associated debilitating effects, resulting in healthy, asymptomatic individuals. The monkeys have gained weight and have not required any additional drug therapy.
"The results of this trial demonstrate the long-term promise of our vaccines in treating HIV-AIDS," said Don Hildebrand, CEO of GeoVax Labs. "Our preclinical trials, coupled with encouraging data from two ongoing human trials, help validate the science behind our vaccines and provide the impetus for accelerating the planning of Phase II human trials for our preventive vaccines."
The ability to vaccinate those already infected with the AIDS virus, thereby inhibiting the virus' progressive and debilitating effects, would allow individuals to fight off normal infections, live longer and maintain a more normal lifestyle. Such a vaccine, if approved for distribution, would be considerably more cost-effective and without the same side effects associated with current drug treatment programs.
The promising results from this trial have resulted in preliminary plans to conduct human therapeutic studies utilizing GeoVax's AIDS vaccines with the hope of extending the length and quality of life in people already infected with the AIDS virus.
Funding information and declaration of competing interests:
These studies were conducted at Emory University and were supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health.
|
Advertise in this space for $10 per month.
Contact us today.
|
 |
|
Subscribe to AIDS Newsletter
|
|
|
|
About Dr. Rashmi Yadav
|
This news story has been reviewed by Dr. Rashmi Yadav before its publication on RxPG News website. Dr. Rashmi Yadav, MBBS, is a senior editor for RxPG News. In her position she is responsible for managing special correspondents and the surgery section of the website. Her areas of special interest include cardiothoracic surgery and interventional radiology.
RxPG News is committed to promotion and implementation of Evidence Based Medical Journalism in all channels of mass media including internet.
|
|
Additional information about the news article
|
Safe Harbor Statement
All statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, whether; GeoVax can develop these vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax's vaccines will be determined to be safe for use in humans, GeoVax's vaccines will be effective in preventing AIDS in humans, the vaccines will receive the regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax can raise the required capital to complete development of its vaccines, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax's products, and other factors over which GeoVax has no control. GeoVax assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and does not intend to do so. Certain matters discussed in this news release are forward looking statements involving certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitations, risks detailed in the Companies Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports.
|
|
Feedback
|
For any corrections of factual information, to contact the editors or to send
any medical news or health news press releases, use
feedback form
|
Top of Page
|
