Yonkers, NY, February 25, 1999 - Advanced Viral Research Corp. (OTC BB:ADVR) announced today that its scientists have discovered that its lead antiviral drug, Reticulose, inhibited the production of a key cellular receptor for HIV. Using CD4 positive T-lymphocytes, the scientists found that Reticulose markedly decreased the number of cellular CCR5 receptors. The CCR5 receptor is one of the three most important cell receptors needed by the AIDS virus, HIV, to attach to its target cells and initiate infection.
Interference with the function of the CCR5 cellular chemokine receptor is known to increase the resistance of T-lymphocytes and macrophages to HIV infection. A mutation in the CCR5 gene, especially prevalent in individuals of northern European descent, appears to render these individuals resistant to infection by HIV.
Commenting on this research, Dr. Shalom Z. Hirschman, President and CEO of Advanced Viral Research Corp., stated "The exciting discovery by our scientists that the immunomodulator, Reticulose, interferes with the production of the CCR5 receptor offers a novel approach to the development of therapeutic agents for HIV infection. This new finding may account, in part, for the beneficial effects of Reticulose in the treatment of HIV infected individuals observed in preliminary clinical trials. Furthermore, this new pathway of inhibiting HIV infection suggests that combination therapy with Reticulose may enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of the AIDS cocktails currently in use."
Reticulose is a peptide nucleic acid preparation produced by Advanced Viral Research Corp. which, based on previous history, has been show to be effective against a number of viral diseases. For further information, contact Mark Amster at 954-458-7636.
Note: This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with clinical development, regulatory approvals, including application to the FDA, product commercialization and other risks described from time to time in the SEC reports filed by ADVR. RETICULOSE is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any comparable agencies of any other countries