HIV Biologic Antiretroviral Ibalizumab Causes Decrease in Viral Load

Theratechnologies Inc. announced additional results related to the primary endpoint of the ibalizumab Phase III pivotal study, TMB-301.�The initial results were announced on May 24, 2016.

Patients with multi-drug resistant (MDR) HIV-1 experienced a significant decrease in viral load after receiving a loading dose of ibalizumab 2,000 mg intravenously (IV) in addition to their failing antiretroviral therapies (ART) (or no therapy), according to new data from the TMB-301 study presented by Theratechnologies' partner, TaiMed Biologics, in an oral presentation at IDWeek 2016TM. A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study. Seven days after the loading dose, 83 percent of patients achieved a 0.5 log10 decrease from baseline compared with 3 percent during the seven-day control period. These results were statistically significant (p

During the same period, 60 percent of patients achieved a decrease of greater than or equal to 1.0 log10 (p
More than 85 percent of patients had at least one identified mutation conferring resistance to the Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTI), Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTI) or Protease Inhibitors (PI) and more than 60 percent of patients had resistance to at least one Integrase Inhibitor (INI).

Study patients were infected with HIV-1 resistant to more than 75 percent of all drugs in the NRTI, NNRTI and PI classes and to 1-2 drugs from the INI class, on average.� Finally, 50 percent of patients had HIV-1 with resistance to all available drugs from at least three classes of ART.

Since the first HIV-1 infection was identified 35 years ago, the medical community has made strides in developing treatments to manage the disease and keep patients alive longer. While many patients can control the infection with currently approved treatments, some are in dire need of new treatment options because of HIV-1 MDR. �

As HIV multiplies in the body, the virus sometimes mutates to produce drug-resistant strains. When this occurs, HIV medicines that previously controlled a person's virus may no longer be effective, causing treatment to fail. Taking medication as directed can reduce the risk of drug resistance.

"These results are particularly exciting as ibalizumab, if approved by the FDA, would be the first long-acting biologic to show such efficacy in patients with highly resistant HIV-1," said Dr. Jacob Lalezari, Medical Director, Quest Clinical Research, a division of eStudySite. "The study suggests that when combined with other agents, ibalizumab could help these patients in dire need of new treatments options, and could change the way multi-drug resistant HIV is managed in the future."

Ibalizumab has received "Breakthrough Therapy" designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This designation is given if a therapy may provide a substantial improvement over what is currently available to address a serious and life-threatening condition. Ibalizumab also received "Orphan Drug" designation by the FDA.

The current ibalizumab Phase III study is the last pivotal clinical trial required for the submission of the Biologics License Application (BLA). This study was completed on October 24, 2016, and topline results of safety and secondary efficacy endpoints for the 24-week treatment period will be announced in the coming weeks.

"We understand the challenges faced by people living with HIV and are committed to improving their lives," said Luc Tanguay, President and Chief Executive Officer, Theratechnologies Inc. "We are excited about the potential benefits ibalizumab represents in the fight against HIV, and we will continue to work with our partner, TaiMed Biologics, towards the potential launch of ibalizumab in a timely manner."

About TMB-301, Ibalizumab Phase III Study

TMB-301 is a single arm, 24-week study of ibalizumab plus optimized background regimen (OBR) in treatment-experienced patients infected with multi-drug resistant HIV-1. The primary objective of the study is to demonstrate the antiviral activity of ibalizumab seven days after the first dose of ibalizumab.

Patients receiving their current failing antiretroviral therapy (ART), or no therapy, were monitored during a seven-day control period. Thereafter, a loading dose of 2,000 mg of intravenous (IV) ibalizumab was the only ART added to their regimen.

The primary efficacy endpoint is the proportion of patients achieving a greater than or equal to 0.5 log10 decrease in HIV-1 RNA seven days after initiating ibalizumab therapy, day 14 of the study. Ibalizumab is continued at doses of 800 mg IV every two weeks through 24 weeks on study treatment. A total of 40 patients have been enrolled in the study. After completion of treatment, patients are offered participation in the expanded access study (TMB-311).

Ibalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody developed for the potential treatment of HIV-1 infection. Unlike other antiretroviral agents, ibalizumab binds primarily to the second extracellular domain of the CD4 receptor, away from Major Histocompatibility Complex II molecule (MHC II) binding sites.

It potentially prevents HIV from infecting CD4+ immune cells while preserving normal immunological function. Ibalizumab is active against HIV-1 resistant to all approved antiretroviral agents. Ibalizumab has been tested in Phase I and II clinical trials and the Phase III study is the last pivotal clinical study necessary for the completion of the BLA.

Theratechnologies (TSX: TH) is a specialty pharmaceutical company addressing unmet medical needs to promote healthy living and improved quality of life among HIV patients.