PRO 140

PRO 140 is a monoclonal antibody designed for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. It is developed by CytoDyn, a biotechnology company based in the United States. PRO 140 works by blocking the CCR5 receptor, which HIV uses to enter and infect CD4 cells.

Mechanism of Action

PRO 140 is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that binds to the CCR5 receptor on the surface of CD4 cells. By binding to this receptor, PRO 140 prevents HIV from attaching to and entering the cells. This mechanism of action is different from other antiretroviral drugs, which typically target the virus itself or the processes it uses to replicate.

Clinical Trials

PRO 140 has undergone several clinical trials to evaluate its safety and efficacy. In Phase 2b/3 trials, PRO 140 demonstrated a significant reduction in viral load and an increase in CD4 cell count among participants. The drug was also well-tolerated, with few adverse events reported.

Regulatory Status

As of 2021, PRO 140 is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other regulatory authority. However, it has been granted Fast Track designation by the FDA, which is intended to expedite the review of drugs that treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need.

Future Directions

Research is ongoing to further evaluate the potential of PRO 140 in treating and preventing HIV/AIDS. In addition to its use as a standalone therapy, studies are also exploring the use of PRO 140 in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.