Sangamo Biosciences Inc (SGMO)

[AndiA1]

Results From HIV Gene Therapy Trial Show Long-Term Positive Effects (CROI 2012)

Results from two Phase 1 gene therapy trials sponsored by Sangamo BioSciences indicate that infusion with genetically modified immune cells, called SB-728-T, lead to long-lasting effects on the immune system of HIV-positive individuals, including increased white blood cell counts and possibly suppressed HIV replication.

“The infusion of these genetically-modified [CD4] T-cells is safe and well tolerated,” said Dr. Pablo Tebas, director of the AIDS Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Pennsylvania and lead investigator of the study.

“[The therapy] leads to durable increases in total CD4 cells,” he added. “These cells engraft, expand, and persist for over a year.”

Dr. Tebas noted that researchers in future clinical trials will attempt to optimize the gene therapy procedure in an attempt to make it more efficient and effective.

The results were presented last week at the 19th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Seattle.