Abivax, a French pharmaceutical manufacturer, announced Dec. 21 the clinical trial of HIV/AIDS vaccine ABX464 is available.
The drug “is an orally available small molecule inhibiting HIV replication through an entirely novel mechanism, which may confer significant advantages over competing drugs,” Abivax
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Harmut Ehrlich said. “For the first time in the treatment of HIV infection, this molecule could deliver a long-lasting reduction of the viral load and potentially become the key to achieving a functional cure.”
Though the mechanism of action is new and unproved, with each clinical trial comes the hope of advancement toward curative drugs.
Efficacy of ABX464 is under study, but the method of action is not the only facet of the drug under consideration. Tolerance of the drug — something that affects almost all other HIV/AIDS drugs — is a significant focus of the trial. Additionally, long-term effects on HIV/AIDS viral load is the third significant target of the study. Careful measurement of HIV/AIDS viral load before, during and following administration of the drug is one of the best supported ways to test drug efficacy, and not the only measurement of drug effectiveness.
The trial has significant risk, and as with any experimental approach to treatment, conventional and medically recommended options should be carefully considered and attempted before pursuit of the trial is to be made. Additionally, no warranties or statements of improved condition or overall health are made by the manufacturer.
