PROGENICS REPORTS POSITIVE RESULTS FROM PHASE I CLINICAL TRIAL OF PRO 140

Progenics Pharmaceuticals has announced positive Phase I clinical findings regarding its investigational drug, PRO 140, a novel HIV entry inhibitor. PRO 140 is a humanized monoclonal antibody against CCR5 that is designed to protect healthy immune system cells from infection by HIV, the causative agent of AIDS.

Dose-dependent binding of PRO 140 to CCR5-expressing cells was reported in the clinical trial, with the highest PRO 140 concentration tested significantly coating CCR5 cells for at least 60 days. The CCR5 co-receptor is a key portal of entry used by HIV to infect immune system cells; therefore, blocking this molecular doorway represents an important therapeutic target.

The company also announced that it was awarded a $10.1 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for the development of PRO 140. Over the next three-and-one-half years, Progenics will work with Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Beth Israel Medical Center and Monogram Biosciences on the project.