New hope in Aids battle as novel HIV drug weakens virus for 28 days

In first human study, new anti-HIV antibody has shown promise.

A single infusion of an experimental anti-HIV antibody called 3BNC117 resulted in significantly decreased HIV levels that persisted for as long as 28 days in HIV-infected individuals, according to Phase 1 clinical trial at The Rockefeller University.

Before its first-in-human testing, the 3BNC117 antibody had neutralized many diverse HIV strains in laboratory tests and had protected humanized mice and macaques from HIV and its simian equivalent.

To determine if the investigational product would be safe and potentially effective in people, the research team conducted a small clinical trial among 29 volunteers, 17 HIV-infected and 12 uninfected individuals.

Study participants received a single intravenous dose of 3BNC117 of 1, 3, 10 or 30 milligrams. The investigational product was well-tolerated by all participants. Among HIV-infected participants, 3BNC117 had the greatest effect on the eight participants who received the highest dose, resulting in significant and rapid decreases in viral load. HIV resistance to 3BNC117 was variable, but some individuals remained sensitive to the antibody for 28 days.

Based on the findings, the authors conclude that 3BNC117 is safe in people and can have a substantial effect on controlling HIV levels and should, therefore, be explored further for use in HIV prevention and treatment.

Additionally, in the future the investigational antibody may be used to help eradicate HIV from latent reservoirs in an infected person's body, according to the authors.

The study is published online in Nature.