AIDS: towards a new treatment
A new molecule developed by researchers at theInstitut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM) could revolutionize the lives of AIDS sufferers.
A lighter treatment with fewer side effects and a better quality of life: that's the hope offered to AIDS patients by a new molecule. It's called ABX464. Its distinctive feature: it inhibits HIV multiplication through a totally new mechanism. "ABX464 prevents the production of viral RNAs, which are essential for the replication of the AIDS virus." explains Jamal Tazi of IGMM, whose work is behind this new molecule developed by Abivax. "It's an approach that's never been used before." says the researcher.
Improving quality of life
With the molecules currently available, the AIDS virus remains under control for as long as the patient takes the treatment, but multiplies again as soon as the treatment is stopped. As a result, patients have to take these drugs for the rest of their lives. This is where ABX464 heralds a small revolution: with this new molecule, the viral load remains very low even several weeks after patients stop taking the treatment. " This persistent effect had never been observed with existing drugs ," points out Jamal Tazi. " The frequency of administration and duration of treatment with ABX464 could be lower than with current treatments ". The advantage for patients is considerable: a drug that has to be taken less often and for a shorter period of time is a major step towards improving quality of life.
Clinical study in progress
When will this new treatment be available to all patients? For the time being, the molecule has already passed the phase 1 study, demonstrating its safety and good tolerance by the body. A Phase 2 study, the results of which were unveiled in April 2016, confirmed ABX464's efficacy in HIV-positive patients. A phase 3 clinical trial is now due to definitively validate Abivax's drug candidate, the last step before a market launch that could take place by 2020.
Read the "paper" version of this article in LUM magazine.
Jamal Tazi receives the CNRS innovation medal!
Professor at the University of Montpellier, Jamal Tazi was awarded this year, alongside 3 other researchers, the prestigious CNRS Innovation Medal. At the heart of his current work is the molecule ABX464, currently in phase 2 clinical trials, which could play a key role in the development of a functional cure for the AIDS virus.