Advanced Viral Research announces encouraging diabetes trial data

The conclusion was drawn after an interim analysis of 30 patients treated with a 4ml dose of AVR118, as well as an additional three patients treated with a 1ml dose. Advanced Viral research also reported that, contrary to previous reports, AVR118 had no apparent effects on blood glucose levels in patients receiving oral hypoglycemic therapies.

Moreover, the company said, AVR118 had no demonstrable effect on blood chemistry, hematology, weight gain or lean body mass. These findings reinforce the belief that AVR 118 is extremely well-tolerated and has no apparent effect on glucose metabolism.

“The results of this study provide further evidence that AVR118 has a very innocuous side effect profile that should not preclude its use in patients unable to tolerate a sudden drop in blood sugar,” said Stephen Elliston, president and CEO of Advanced Viral Research. “Because AVR118 had no effects on serum glucose levels, it appears we can avoid a potential contraindication in this potentially large population of patients with type 2 diabetes.”

Based on this and other safety data, Advanced Viral Research now plans to continue with advancing AVR118 into phase II development, to establish the drug candidate’s efficacy in various disease states.

AVR118, Advanced Viral Research’s lead product candidate, represents a new class of complex cytoprotective agents that target, among other things, cachexia-related disorders. AVR118 has also been shown to have topical wound healing properties in animal models.

Various degenerative conditions associated with cachexia, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and chronic inflammation, are potential disease targets for AVR118 therapy.