Experimental HIV Drug Shows Promising Results in Study

An investigational HIV-1 attachment inhibitor being developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) achieved positive results during a recent phase 2 trial.

Researchers compared the compound, called BMS-663068, with the pharmacoenhanced protease inhibitor atazanavir sulfate (Reyataz) and ritonavir in 254 treatment-experienced HIV-1 patients. The researchers found that 61% to 82% of patients treated with BMS-663068 achieved HIV-1 RNA levels less than 50 c/mL compared with 71% of patients treated with Reyataz and ritonavir.

“The attachment inhibitor clinical development program exemplifies our commitment to focusing on patients living with HIV who have high unmet needs,” Douglas Manion, MD, head of specialty development at BMS, said in a press release. “This development is representative of a continued effort at Bristol-Myers Squibb to find innovative approaches to fighting this disease.”

The most common adverse events (AEs) reported by trial participants treated with BMS-663068 were headache and abdominal pain. The use of BMS-663068 was not associated with dose response safety signals or serious AEs related to treatment, and no patients discontinued the trial due to AEs.

As a result of the study’s positive results, BMS initiated a phase 3 clinical trial evaluating BMS-663068 in heavily treatment—experienced patients on February 23, 2015.

“Today, due to tremendous advancements in therapy, many patients living with HIV are able to remain healthier and live longer; however, this means that they are usually exposed to multiple therapies over time and may often develop drug resistance,” Jacob Lalezari, MD, director of Quest Clinical Research, said in a press release.