Brakes Put to CCR5 Studies

Brakes Put to CCR5 Studies
Although just a year ago entry inhibitors that aim to prevent HIV from latching onto CCR5 receptors on the surface of immune-system cells seemed to be the next big development for treatment, setbacks in clinical trials of the drugs has dampened that enthusiasm.

' GlaxoSmithKline halted human trials of aplaviroc when subjects showed signs of liver damage.

' Schering-Plough halted a study of vicriviroc when data showed it wasn't as effective as hoped.

' Pfizer has reported signs of liver problems with patients in its trial of maraviroc, but it is still unclear whether the problems are related to the medication.