Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - November 10, 2003
UK-427,857 represents a new class of HIV drugs known as CCR5 antagonists. It works through a novel mechanism of action, blocking viral entry to cells where the virus typically replicates.
Dr Hitchcock has worked on the CCR5 compound for six years, taking it from chemical lead to Phase II clinical trials. In 1997 he was made Head of Discovery Anti-Infectives at the Sandwich laboratories, with responsibility for all pre-clinical aspects of antiviral drug discovery, including identifying target compounds and screening, to the nomination of drug candidates in the company's pipeline for development in patients -- UK-427,857 was one such candidate. In addition, Dr Hitchcock led its exploratory development, evaluating its safety, oral absorption, distribution and metabolism in healthy volunteers, and safety and antiviral activity in patients with HIV.
"I am delighted to be named a research leader by as prestigious a publication as Scientific American," said Dr. Hitchcock. "The honour is a testimony to the work of many talented scientists here at the Sandwich laboratories. The confidence to invest the substantial sums required to develop a new medicine stems from the evidence technology delivers. In the case of UK-427,857, we embraced human genetics studies undertaken in academic laboratories and leading-edge techniques, such as high throughput screening, to find CCR5 blockers in Pfizer's chemical files -- this was before we even identified the first experimental compound. Now we are using a wide range of technologies to collect the safety and efficacy data that will, hopefully, enable us to gain a license and make this therapy available to HIV/AIDS patients."
"Scientific American is in the business of encouraging the progressive use of technology to make a better future for people around the world. Every year we watch how certain individuals and organisations play pivotal roles in directing that future's emergence," said John Rennie, Editor-in-Chief of Scientific American. "The Scientific American 50 is our chance to shine a light on these incredibly deserving leaders in research, industry and policy" he added.
Dr Hitchcock joined Pfizer in 1989, working in the Discovery Biology department at the Sandwich laboratories. He was a member of the team responsible for discovering the anti-fungal medicine Vfend(TM), a breakthrough treatment for life-threatening fungal infections in patients with impaired immune systems, including patients with HIV. Before joining Pfizer he was a post-doctoral research fellow at Leeds University in the UK.
Pfizer believes that UK-427,857 could be an effective anti-HIV agent because, by binding to the CCR5 receptor on the surface of human white cells, it prevents the virus entering the cell and starting its replication cycle.
UK-427,857 has also been shown in laboratory tests to be effective against HIV strains that are resistant to the current class of anti-HIV agents by virtue of the new mechanism of action. The drug is in Phase II studies and the Pfizer development team expects that it will be prescribed in combination with standard HIV therapies.
Announced today, the Scientific American 50 appears in the magazine's December issue, available from 25th November and at http://www.sciam.com. The Scientific American 50 was selected by the magazine's Board of Editors with the help of distinguished outside advisors.
Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals, and many of the world's best known consumer brands.
SOURCE Pfizer Inc
Web Site: http://www.pfizer.com
http://www.sciam.com
031110
PR031117
Copyright © 2003 - PRNewswire. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through PRNewswire, Permissions, 810 Seventh Ave., 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10019 http://www.prnewswire.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .