Blocviroc – an innovative treatment for HIV/AIDS Steve English Development Head, Antivirals

The Context HIV/AIDs is the world’s greatest threat to human health Over 40 million people are infected worldwide There is no known cure. Treatments have improved but there are still problems with virus resistance and patient adherence Blocviroc is a novel treatment and patients would take one pill per day

Mode of Action Blocviroc treats the host rather than attacking the virus It binds to two receptors on the surface of human immune cells known as T-cells It prevents the virus entering the cell Blocviroc is more effective than existing therapies

CCR5 CD4 CCR5 antagonist Human immune cell surface HIV

Phase II Trials Excellent results. In just two weeks viral count dropped by 90% in volunteer patients Only minor side effects On stopping treatment, the viral count did not rise immediately

Phase III Trials Expensive – around $500 million 5,000 volunteers needed from all around the world Three year study Risks: –Similar compounds have caused liver damage – Not sure of the long-term effect of interfering with the immune system –A competitor might discover a vaccine

Market Considerations Not going to be a blockbuster Over 2 million people in Europe and North America have AIDS A treatment not a cure – patients will have to continue with the drug Manufacturing Blocviroc will be expensive Regulators will look favourably on a new treatment for HIV

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