Myriad Genetics Reports Advanced Pre-clinical Progress with Anti-HIV Drug

21-Sep-2001

Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MYGN), today reported pre-clinical data on its lead Anti-HIV compound, MPI-49839. The drug addresses a novel mechanism in the viral-host interaction and holds the potential for an entirely new class of AIDS therapeutics.

In pre-clinical tests, MPI-49839 has demonstrated strong anti-HIV activity without harming human cell survival. MPI-49839 is based on a novel drug target developed at Myriad that depends on an interaction between the AIDS virus and human cellular machinery. In order to replicate and infect other cells, the virus takes over a normal biological process that is used in all human cells. Myriad's anti-HIV compound prevents this action by the virus, thus preventing spread of the virus. Myriad intends to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA this fiscal year.

In a series of experiments designed to test the ability of the compound to inhibit viral replication, Myriad researchers infected purified white blood cells with the HIV virus. The virus was allowed to multiply in the cells and the new viruses were released into the extra-cellular medium. The extent of viral release was measured by quantifying an enzyme used by the virus to replicate. After adding MPI-49839, viral release was completely inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Increasing the concentration of the compound corresponded with lower viral load until it was virtually undetectable. Importantly, MPI-49839 exhibited a very low level toxicity and accomplished its antiviral activity without harming the human white blood cells.

"This pre-clinical data supports our view that Myriad has developed an important series of compounds that may be able to prevent viral proliferation in humans," said Dr. Adrian Hobden, President of Myriad Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "We also believe that, due to the drug's mechanism of action, the virus may have a very difficult time developing resistance against this compound."

Drug-resistant strains of the AIDS virus are a significant and rapidly increasing medical problem. A recent University of California study estimated that 42% of AIDS patients will have drug-resistant disease by 2005. New classes of drugs, using novel mechanisms, will be required to maintain long-term control over the virus in infected patients. An article describing the cellular pathway targeted by MPI-49839 has been accepted for publication by a major peer-reviewed journal and is expected to publish later this fall.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/4811/myriad-genetics-reports-advanced-pre-clinical-progress-with-anti-hiv-drug.html