Study Presented at XIV International AIDS Conference Examined REMUNE(R)'s
Impact on Chronic HIV-1 Infection in Conjunction With Antiretroviral Drug
Therapy
BARCELONA, Spain, July 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
The Immune Response Corporation (Nasdaq: IMNR) announced today the
presentation of data at the XIV International AIDS Conference which suggest
that REMUNE(R) induced helper T-cell immune responses aimed specifically at
HIV in chronically infected HIV-positive individuals taking HAART (Highly
Active Antiretroviral Therapy), thereby providing a possible treatment regime
for HIV-infected patients. Currently, helper T-cell responses (cell mediated
immunity) are thought to be important in controlling HIV-1 infection.
Dr. Bruce Walker, Director of the AIDS Research Center, Massachusetts
General Hospital, presented at a satellite symposium data from a double blind,
adjuvant controlled study involving ten patients with chronic HIV infection.
All ten participants in the study had previously achieved undetectable viral
levels through the use of HAART drug therapy. Five patients were treated with
intramuscular injections of REMUNE(R) once every three months for 52 weeks,
while the remaining five patients received injections of a placebo. Five out
of five REMUNE(R) treated patients showed a significant increase (p = 0.008)
in helper T-cell immune responses against HIV-1. None of the patients
receiving placebo exhibited helper T-cell responses. The study and
all of the Lymphocyte Proliferation Assays (LPAs, a measurement of helper
T-cell response) were conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The study was designed to assess the potential for REMUNE(R) to stimulate
HIV specific T helper immune responses in chronically HIV-1 infected
individuals. Previously, Dr. Walker published the results of several studies
examining helper T-cell responses in HIV-positive individuals. One study
suggested that HIV patients who receive early treatment retain the ability to
mount a helper T-cell response against the virus. The study suggested that
these patients also may be able to maintain control of viral levels during
structured treatment interruptions of HAART. A separate study of long-term
nonprogressors (individuals who are infected with HIV, but do not progress to
AIDS) demonstrated that these patients exhibit vigorous helper T-cell
responses, indicating their immune systems were able to recognize and respond
to the presence of HIV. Of significant importance is that this ability is
lost in many chronically HIV-infected individuals. The data from this study
suggests that REMUNE(R) may help to stimulate these critical helper T-cell
responses.
"This trial provides further evidence that HIV-1 specific immunity can be
stimulated in chronic HIV infection comparable to the level observed in
nonprogressors," Dr. Ronald B. Moss, Immune Response's vice president of
medical and scientific affairs said.
Lymphocyte Proliferation Assays (LPAs) were performed to determine the
immune system's ability to recognize and respond to HIV. LPAs involve testing
the efficiency of the immune system by exposing a blood sample to HIV proteins
and monitoring the intensity of the helper T-cell response.
Co-founded by medical pioneer Dr. Jonas Salk and based in Carlsbad,
Calif., The Immune Response Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company
developing immune-based therapies designed to treat HIV, autoimmune diseases
and cancer. The Company also develops and holds patents on several
technologies that can be applied to genes in order to increase gene expression
or effectiveness, making it useful in a wide range of therapeutic applications
for a variety of disorders. Company information is available at http://www.imnr.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results could
vary materially from those expected due to a variety of risk factors,
including, but not limited to, whether the Company will successfully raise
proceeds from financing activities sufficient to fund additional trials and
development of REMUNE(R), whether clinical trials of REMUNE(R) will be
successfully completed, and whether REMUNE(R) will be approved for marketing
or be successfully commercialized. These and other factors are discussed more
thoroughly in The Immune Response Corporation's SEC filings, including but not
limited to its report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 and
report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002. The Company
undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to
these forward-looking statements, which may be made to reflect events or
circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
NOTE: REMUNE(R) is a registered trademark of The Immune Response
Corporation.
SOURCE Immune Response Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.imnr.com
CONTACT:
media, James Lee of The Lee Strategy Group,
+1-310-229-5771, or fax, +1-310-229-5772, or
jlee@leestrategy.com, for Immune Response Corporation; or
investors, Kathy Lane of Immune Response Corporation,
+1-760-771-2236, or fax, +1-760-771-2140, or info@imnr.com
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