ViiV Healthcare Presents Early Data on VH184's Antiviral Activity Against Integrase Resistance

In a significant scientific development, ViiV Healthcare has revealed promising in vitro results for its investigational integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), VH4524184 (VH184). This announcement, made on 23 July 2024 in London, highlights VH184's potential to maintain antiviral activity, particularly against second-generation INSTI resistance. ViiV Healthcare, a leading HIV-specialist company predominantly owned by GSK, with Pfizer and Shionogi as shareholders, is optimistic about the future of VH184 based on these findings.

The research findings were shared at the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024), taking place in Munich, Germany, from 22 to 26 July 2024. The conference serves as a pivotal platform for presenting cutting-edge advancements in HIV research and treatment.

In addition to the promising in vitro results, ViiV Healthcare also presented data from a phase I study of VH184. The phase I trial provided crucial pharmacokinetic (PK) and safety data, which support the continued development of VH184. This phase is crucial in understanding how the drug behaves inside the human body, including its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. The safety profile observed in this phase I study is encouraging, suggesting VH184 could be a viable candidate for further clinical development.

The investigational drug, VH184, represents a new approach to addressing the challenges posed by second-generation INSTI resistance. INSTIs are a class of antiretroviral drugs that inhibit the integration of viral DNA into the host cell genome, a critical step in the HIV replication cycle. Second-generation INSTIs were developed to overcome resistance to first-generation drugs, but resistance to these newer drugs has also emerged. Therefore, the ability of VH184 to retain antiviral activity against these resistant strains is a noteworthy breakthrough.

ViiV Healthcare's commitment to advancing HIV treatment is underscored by its focus on innovative treatments like VH184. The company's majority shareholder, GSK, alongside Pfizer and Shionogi, brings extensive expertise and resources to the development of such pioneering therapies. The positive data from the in vitro studies and the phase I trial are promising indicators of VH184's potential impact on future HIV treatment protocols.

The International AIDS Conference provides an ideal venue for sharing these findings with the global medical community. This event gathers leading experts and researchers in the field of HIV and AIDS, fostering collaboration and the exchange of knowledge that drives the development of new therapies. By presenting their latest research at this conference, ViiV Healthcare underscores its role as a leader in the fight against HIV.

In summary, the investigational drug VH184 from ViiV Healthcare shows significant potential in combating second-generation INSTI resistance according to recent in vitro studies. Additional phase I trial data further support its development, highlighting its favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. These findings, presented at the 25th International AIDS Conference, mark an important step forward in the ongoing battle against HIV, offering hope for more effective treatments in the future.