Gilead Releases Data From HIV Cure Research Program on Vesatolimod, GS-986

   By Stephen Nakrosis 
 

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) on Tuesday released results from a pair of studies conducted as part of its HIV cue research program.

Gilead said 48 people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy took part in a double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 clinical study of vesatolimod, or GS-9620. Gilead said 36 of the participants were given escalating doses of vesatolimod while the others were given placebo. According to Gilead, "Vesatolimod at higher doses stimulated a range of immune responses."

"This study demonstrates that vesatolimod can be administered to people living with HIV at doses that may have immune effect and are well-tolerated. The results support studies into the potential role of vesatolimod as part of combination regimens aimed at achieving ART-free control of HIV," said Sharon A. Riddler, Director of Clinical Research in the Infectious Diseases Division, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and one of the study principal investigators.

The second study saw two rhesus macaques receive oral doses of the GS-986. The study indicated "GS-986 induced immune system activation with observed increases in peripheral plasma cytokines/chemokines and activation of immune cells," and was well tolerated, Gilead said.

The data were presented at the International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science in Mexico City.

--Write to Stephen Nakrosis at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 23, 2019 17:10 ET (21:10 GMT)

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