AEGiS-Reuters: Chiron says HIV drug raises CD4+ cell counts

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Chiron says HIV drug raises CD4+ cell counts

Reuters NewMedia, Inc.; Wednesday, July 1, 1998

EMERYVILLE, Calif., July 1 (Reuters) - Biotechnology firm Chiron Corp. (CHIR - news) said Wednesday that its HIV treatment drug Proleukin has been shown to increase the CD4+ cell counts of patients infected with HIV. The company said that the results came from a Phase II study by the French National Agency on AIDS Research.

Proleukin is intended to restore the immune system.

Chiron also said it will ally with Gen-Probe, a unit of Japan's Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (4519.T), to make HIV and hepatitis screening tests for the world's blood supply.

The company said the tests, which are expected to enter clinical trials later this year, will "minimize the risk of transmitting viral diseases via blood transfusions."

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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