Immuron's BioGard HIV Antibody Into A U.S. Clinical Trial

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 15 Jan 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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Immuron Ltd. (ASX: IMC), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in oral immunotherapy development and antibody manufacturing, announced today approval for a Phase II human clinical study in HIV/AIDS patients at a prestigious U.S. AIDS research center, and the award of a prestigious research grant for an HIV antibody. The announcement was made during the 27th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco.

The study is being conducted by the Center for AIDS Research, a prominent NIH funded research program, at Case Western Reserve University. University Hospitals in Cleveland Ohio. The study is led by Professors Gopal Yadavalli, Benigno Rodriguez and Michael Lederman, Associate Director of the Center. The study aims to document the ability of Immuron's BioGard ™ hyperimmune bovine colostrum powder formulation to decrease translocation of gut-derived microbial products and decrease immune activation in patients with early stage HIV infection. BioGard contains a mixture of anti-LPS and other antibodies active at the mucosal surface. The study will begin in calendar Q1 2009 and positive results could open a window to expanded trials of BioGard as part of routine HIV/AIDS therapy regimens. The study complements a recently announced multi-site clinical trial sponsored by the Australian National Center in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research (NCHECR) examining the product's efficacy in HIV/AIDS patients undergoing intensified therapy for persistent immune activation.

Dr. Zeil Rosenberg, Immuron CEO, stated, "We are thrilled with the interest that the Center for AIDS Research has in initiating this study so rapidly. We are even more hopeful now that our oral antibodies can create a new paradigm for addressing an emerging need in HIV patient care."

Separately, Immuron announces that Associate Professor Damian Purcell, Head of the Molecular Virology Laboratory at the University of Melbourne, working with the Australian Centers for HIV and Hepatitis Virology, has been awarded a research grant by the Australian Department of Health and Aging to develop and test an Immuron produced hyperimmune colostrum powder formulation containing antibodies against HIV envelope antigens.

Dr. Oren Fuerst, VP Business development of Immuron stated: "Our unique technology platform allows for the rapid development of targeted antibodies. In addition to targeting HIV related inflammation, we are now developing antibodies against the virus causing AIDS itself."

Immuron Limited (IMC.AX) (formerly named Anadis) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on antigen-primed, dairy-derived health products. Immuron's proprietary and antibody manufacturing technology enables it to rapidly develop polyclonal antibody and other protein-based oral therapies to a range of important infectious and immune- mediated diseases, including Influenza, Oral and GI tract Mucositis, and HIV related intestinal damage.

Immuron Limited