The findings provide support for planned clinical trials of PRO 140 as a promising new mode of therapy for HIV infection. We look forward to advancing this innovative product into human clinical testing. Developed at Progenics, PRO 140 blocks HIV infection at concentrations that do not affect CCR5's normal function, which involves activation of certain immune system cells. Although they act in different ways, all entry inhibitors prevent HIV from penetrating and infecting healthy cells. The entry inhibitor category includes attachment inhibitors, co-receptor inhibitors and fusion inhibitors.
Fusion inhibitors block the subsequent fusion of viral and cellular membranes.
Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development and commercialization of products for the treatment and prevention of cancer, viral, and other life-threatening diseases. The Company's most advanced product, GMK, is a cancer vaccine in pivotal Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of malignant melanoma. The Company is also prepared to commence Phase II trials with a second cancer vaccine, MGV, with broad application to a variety of cancers. GMK and MGV are the subject of a collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. The Company is also developing a novel small-molecule antioxidant, DHA, to treat stroke and other disorders.