Stem cells containing protective genes may provide permanent control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in infected individuals, according to research presented at the American Society of Gene Therapy 12th Annual Meeting, May 30.

In a landmark study, researchers demonstrated that a hematopoietic stem cell therapy could safely and effectively provide long-lasting control of HIV.

“This study was the first phase II randomized, controlled, double-blind study for cell-delivered HIV gene therapy and the first controlled HIV gene therapy study to show positive impact on viral load and CD4 count,” said Geoff Symonds, PhD, senior research director at Calimmune, Inc. “This study is a major advance in the field and it paves the way for future treatment with this new therapeutic paradigm.”

Seventy-four patients were enrolled in the study’s two treatment arms. There were no serious adverse events reported from the gene therapy.

An estimated 1 million Americans and 35 million individuals worldwide, are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Conventional HIV treatments, such as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), are effective at slowing the disease’s progression by controlling the amount of virus in the body. These therapies, however, require a lifelong regimen of medications and are hindered by severe side effects and immense costs.

The American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGT) 12th Annual Meeting is the world’s largest scientific meeting surrounding the latest developments in gene and cell therapy, attended by nearly 2,000 researchers from around the world and featuring 60 scientific presentations.

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ASGT