Roche brings forward new HIV treatments for development

Roche along with its partner US firm Trimeris are to bring two new HIV treatments into development.

The treatments, new HIV fusion inhibitor peptides TR-291144 and TR-290999, are to be developed.

Dr Nick Cammack, Roche head of virology research, said: “Early studies with these new peptide fusion inhibitors have shown very promising results.

“These studies, along with our other ongoing NNRTI and CCR5 discovery programmes, demonstrate Roche’s commitment to finding new and improved approaches to fighting HIV/AIDS.”

Results from initial studies will be presented at an international HIV congress in February.

Trimeris chief executive Steven Skolsky said: “We are very encouraged by the prospect of co-developing the next generation of fusion inhibitor peptides with our colleagues at Roche.

“This is a significant milestone which further validates our peptide technology platform.”

The fusion inhibitor, known as Fuzeon (enfuvirtide), was developed by the two companies and works by blocking the virus from entering human immune cells.

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