Chemokine-based microbicides: Bridging from a first-in-human study to a pathway to licence (360G-Wellcome-090561_C_09_Z)

HIV/AIDS is still a catastrophic public health problem. Recent estimates show 2.3 million new infections per year and 1.6 million deaths among the 35 million people living with the disease. The problem is 95%+ in the developing world: young people, especially women and girls, are particularly vulnerable. The highest risk in rich countries is from receptive anal intercourse, with both women and men involved. Although HIV/AIDS has become a largely treatable condition in rich countries, serious long-term complications are now emerging: cardiac, metabolic, mental health, cancer-related, accelerated ageing. Prevention is therefore key. A working vaccine still seems years away but another strategy is the use of ‘microbicides’, anti-HIV compounds applied to the genital areas to prevent infection during sex. One such substance is called 5P12-RANTES. It is among the most potent anti-HIV substances known, potentially safer than many alternatives, and much better at avoiding drug resistance. Thanks to previous support from the Trust, a means of manufacture has been found opening the way to cheap manufacture even in some developing countries. The proposed project by Professor Robin Offord and colleagues at the Mintaka Foundation will allow a potential major backer to trial it in rectal use; permit development of long-acting formulations for vaginal and rectal use; and further reduce production costs with a view to transferring manufacture to developing countries.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 110000
Applicant Surname Offord
Approval Committee Innovations Strategy Panel
Award Date 2012-07-16T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2011/12
Grant Programme: Title Strategic Translation Award
Internal ID 090561/C/09/Z
Lead Applicant Prof Robin Offord
Partnership Value 110000
Planned Dates: End Date 2013-06-30T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2012-07-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country Switzerland
Region International