Biotron's current primary focus is on development of new mode of action, small molecule antiviral therapeutics targeting HIV-1 and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Its lead drug BIT225 is a first-in-class new drug (p7 inhibitor) in development for treatment of HCV. BIT225 has been shown to be synergistic in vitro with interferon and ribavirin, the current approved drugs for HCV treatment, as well as with NS5B-inhibitors which are a new class in development. The use of BIT225 in combination with either the current standard of care treatment, or NS5B inhibitors, holds exciting potential therapeutic treatment of human HCV infections.
Biotron has recently completed a Phase 2a clinical trial of BIT225 in combination with Interferon and Ribavirin in HCV patients. Preliminary headline results were released in October 2011, with results demonstrating that BIT225 is able to reduce virus levels in patients over and above that seen with Interferon and Ribavirin.
BIT225 is also active against HIV-1. The drug targets the VPU protein of HIV - VPU stops cells infected with HIV from triggering an immune reaction, "hiding" the infected cells so that immune cells are unable to seek them out and destroy them. BIT225 specifically targets HIV growing in reservoir cells, offering the potential to eliminate pools of HIV that cannot be eliminated with existing drugs. A Phase Ib/2a HIV trial is currently in progress and anticipated to conclude early in 2012.
The Company’s partnering strategy remains flexible but anticipates forming alliances for further clinical development post-Phase 2. Biotron also has several backup candidates for the HIV and HCV programs and is seeking to develop follow-on drug candidates in alliance with a strategic partner.
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ASX:BIT