Anadis in Merck Phase IV study

An antibody developed by Melbourne company Anadis (ASX: ANX) will be used in combination with a new integrase inhibitor developed by Merck in a multi-site Phase IV trial in HIV patients.

The Anadis product, a high affinity anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antibody called BioGard, is aimed at enhancing immune function and reducing local immune activation, particularly in the gastrointestinal system.

The trial will investigate its ability as an adjunctive therapy with Isentress (raltegravir), the first integrase inhibitor to receive FDA approval.

The multi-site, randomised double-blind placebo controlled study, named CORAL, is being sponsored by the Australian National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research (NCHECR).

The aim is to see if BioGard, supplementing Isentress, can reduce gastrointestinal immune activation and allow rebuilding of immune competence in HIV patients with continuing HIV viral replication.

Results are expected next year.