Large Potential Market as HIV Infection Continues Alarming Spread
YONKERS, N.Y., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Advanced Viral Research
Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board: ADVR) today announced that China has recently
granted the Company a patent for the treatment of AIDS patients with AVR118
(formerly known as Product R). The claims in the patent awarded by China cover
the administration of AVR118 in combination with other anti-HIV drugs.
As previously reported, preliminary results from an Israeli clinical trial
indicate that AVR118, a novel immunomodulator, may improve the quality of life
of the patient, including increasing appetite, weight gain or stability and
activities of daily living. AVR118 is also believed to be useful in enhancing
the therapeutic effectiveness of the HAART drugs, as well as serving to
mitigate the toxicity of HAART drugs.
The United Nations currently estimates that there are 1.5 million HIV
carriers in China. New HIV infections in China have been increasing annually
by about 30%. Chinese officials and the United Nations have warned that 10
million people could be infected by 2020.
"A recent United Nations Report on China found that the world is
'witnessing the unfolding of an AIDS epidemic of proportions beyond belief',"
said Eli Wilner, Chairman of the Board of ADVR. "The report went on to note
that China is on the verge of a catastrophe that could result in unimaginable
suffering, economic loss and social devastation."
"This patent not only further protects ADVR's intellectual property in a
potentially large market, but also serves as an additional opportunity for us
to broaden the awareness of what ADVR is attempting to accomplish in this
therapeutic category," noted James T. D'Olimpio M.D. "The announcement of
this patent can assist us in educating the world's researchers about ways to
combat AIDS." Dr. D'Olimpio is a leading expert in oncology research and
treatment who has focused on the areas of symptom control, palliative care,
and cancer cachexia. Dr. D'Olimpio serves as a consultant to ADVR helping the
Company to communicate the clinical results of AVR118 and speaking on issues
related cachexia. He also serves on the Company's Scientific Advisory Board.
ADVR recently announced the preliminary results of an Israeli clinical
trial from the first fifteen cachectic (body wasting) AIDS patients treated
with the novel immunomodulator AVR118. The results midway in this trial, first
publicly announced on November 10, 2003, showed improvement in appetite,
weight gain or stability, and enhanced quality of life in all patients. None
of the 15 patients reported any significant side effects from AVR118 therapy.
"The enhancement of quality of life and the increase in activities of
daily living observed in cachectic AIDS patients treated with AVR118 in the
Phase I/II clinical trial in Israel carries the promise of returning AIDS
patients to productive activity and relieve the economic burden imposed by
this disease on the individual and society. If ultimately proven in further
clinical trials, the value of AVR118 therapy in populations suffering with
AIDS may be especially important in third world countries that are
experiencing explosive growth, such as China," stated Shalom Z. Hirschman,
M.D., Chief Scientist at ADVR and author of the patent.
ADVR's AVR118 represents a biopolymer chemistry that possesses novel
immunomodulator activity. This peptide-nucleic acid, which to date has shown
no indication of human toxicity, appears to stimulate the proinflammatory
responses required to combat viral infections such as AIDS and human papilloma
virus and to dampen aberrant autoimmune-type inflammatory responses, such as
occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, AVR118 has been
termed a "switch-type" immunomodulator. AVR118 is in clinical trials in
Israel for the treatment of cachexia (body wasting) in patients with AIDS.
For further information regarding Advanced Viral Research Corp., please
visit our website at http://www.adviral.com.
Advanced Viral Research Corp., based in Yonkers, New York, is a
biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to improving patients' lives by researching,
developing and bringing to market new and effective therapies for viral and
other diseases.
Note: This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve
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 the Company. AVR118 (Product R)
is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any comparable
agencies of any other countries. There is no assurance that the Company will
be able to secure the financing necessary to continue and/or complete the
clinical trials of AVR118 or satisfy certain other conditions relating to
clinical trials including obtaining adequate insurance on terms acceptable to
the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the
information contained in this announcement whether as a result of new
information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
Contact:
Eli Wilner
914-376-7383
SOURCE Advanced Viral Research Corp.
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Related links:
http://www.adviral.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/903002.html
CONTACT:
Eli Wilner of Advanced Viral Research Corp.,
+1-914-376-7383
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