AIDS: toward a new treatment
A new molecule developed by researchers atthe Institute of Molecular Genetics in Montpellier ( IGMM) could revolutionize the lives of AIDS patients.
A less burdensome treatment with fewer side effects for a better quality of life: this is the hope offered to AIDS patients by a new molecule. Its name: ABX464. Its unique feature: it inhibits HIV replication through a completely new mechanism. ABX464 prevents the production of viral RNAs that are essential for the replication of the AIDS virus." explains Jamal Tazi of the IGMM, whose work led to the development of this new molecule by Abivax. "This is an approach that had never been used before.""the researcher explains.
Improving quality of life
With the molecules currently available, the AIDS virus remains under control as long as the patient takes their treatment, but it multiplies again as soon as treatment is stopped. As a result, patients must commit to taking these drugs for life. This is where ABX464 promises a minor revolution: with this new molecule, the viral load would remain very low even several weeks after patients have stopped taking the treatment. "This persistent effect has never been observed with existing drugs ," says Jamal Tazi. "The frequency of administration and duration of treatment with ABX464 could be lower than with current treatments." The benefit for patients is considerable: a drug that needs to be taken less often and for a shorter period of time is a big step towards improving quality of life.
Ongoing clinical study
When could this new treatment be offered to all patients? For now, the molecule has already successfully passed phase 1 trials, which demonstrated its safety and good tolerance by the body. Phase 2 trials, the results of which were unveiled in April 2016, confirmed the efficacy of ABX464 in HIV-positive patients. A Phase 3 clinical trial must now definitively validate Abivax's drug candidate, the final step before it could be brought to market in 2020.
Find the print version of this article in LUM magazine.
Jamal Tazi receives the CNRS Innovation Medal!
A professor at the University of Montpellier, Jamal Tazi was awarded the prestigious CNRS Innovation Medal this year alongside three other researchers. At the heart of his current work is the ABX464 molecule, currently in phase 2 clinical trials, which could play a key role in developing a functional cure for the AIDS virus.