Medivir pursues very extensive research into compounds against HIV based on its knowledge of proteases and polymerases. During the year, scientists produced a CD (candidate drug) in the NNRTI group and embarked on clinical phase IIa trials with the compound MIV-310.

CD Selection
Medivir produced a series of new NNRTI compounds during the year from its HIV research program. In the autumn, Medivir selected the compound MV026048 as a CD from this series.MV026048 is highly active compared to competing preparations, and demonstrates good efficacy against viruses resistant to other pharmaceuticals. The compound has good pharmaceutical qualities and oral bioavailability and is likely to be functional in small dosages, which is a major patient benefit. Medivir is now preparing for forthcoming clinical trials including the development of synthesis methodologies for the compound, and the start of toxicity trials during the year.

MIV-310
MIV-310, alovudine, active against multiresistant HIV is a patented pharmaceutical compound in the NRTI class. When HIV RT builds strands of DNA, one of its building blocks is thymidine. MIV-310 mimics thymidine, but prevents further construction of the strand if embedded in it.

Normally, the virus mutates and develops resistance when it recognizes a pharmaceutical, but MIV-310 is such a good mimic of the regular building block, that the virus polymerase (RT) has problems distinguishing between MIV-310 and thymidine. The polymerase therefore accepts MIV-310, into the virus DNA, thereby disabling it.

In autumn 2001, a proof of concept phase IIa trial began. If successful, Medivir will out license MIV-310 for onward development. The next step is a phase IIb trial. Previous trials have demonstrated that MIV-310 elicits dosage-dependent reversible side-effects on the blood .Phase IIb trials will be directed towards identifying the optimal dosage to maximize virus reduction with acceptable side-effects. The market has an acute need for NRTI pharmaceuticals as part of the combination treatment used against HIV. Resistance development is increasing – explosively in some Western countries – and because MIV-310 is primarily directed towards multiresistant virus, there is a clear market.

MIV-310 is quite unlike the other market’s other offerings and may confer Medivir with major competitive advantages.