Biotech Values

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>> Several companies have tried to develop CCR5 inhibitors, but with limited success. In 2005, GlaxoSmithKline discontinued its CCR5 blocker aplaviroc after people taking the drug suffered liver problems, and Schering–Plough's development of vicriviroc, once on track with maraviroc, has slowed owing to concerns about the risk of cancer in those taking the drug.

"Maraviroc seems to be the best in class, in terms of safety profile and activity," says John Mellors, Chief of Infectious Diseases at the University of Pittsburgh, USA (who has no financial ties to Pfizer). <<



There are a LOT of other CCR5 inhibitors in development. One worth keeping an eye on is Incyte's INCB9471. Very early stage, but besides knocking down viral load by 2.1 logs in a small 14 day study, the half-life is 60 hours vs 16 hours for maraviroc, which may well provide advantages as regards dosing, combinations with other therapies, and 'forgiveness' to patients who occasionally miss taking their medicine - which apparently happens a lot more often that one might think.

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