Immunomedics’ proprietary Dock-and-Lock (DNL) technology has been used to create the new anti-HIV agents.
Immunomedics’ president and CEO Cynthia Sullivan said they are delighted with the collaboration with two renowned Swedish research groups studying methods to control HIV.
"These studies build on the preclinical work our groups completed a few years ago, where we showed efficacy in controlling HIV-1 infection in mice with an antibody-drug conjugate developed by Immunomedics,” Sullivan added.
Karolinska Institutet professor Britta Wahren said the new molecules have three distinguishing features.
"First, each comprises four copies of enfuvirtide (Hoffmann-LaRoche), an approved peptide that prevents the virus from infecting immune cells," Wahren added.
"Second, the multiple peptides are linked to a humanized antibody without compromising their activity.
"Third, the incorporation of the peptides to the antibody confers additional benefits, such as enhanced anti-viral potency and improved pharmacokinetics."