What is "ibalizumab"

n. A nonimmunosuppressive monoclonal antibody being investigated as an HIV entry inhibitor.

Ibalizumab (TMB-355 previously known as TNX-355) is a non-immunosuppressive monoclonal antibody that binds CD4, the primary receptor for HIV, and inhibits the viral entry process. It is being investigated as an HIV entry inhibitor with the ability to block both CCR5- and CXCR4-tropic viruses, and is undergoing a Phase II clinical trial with an estimated study completion date in December 2010. Specific Research is also conducted at the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center under the direction of David Ho.

Results from a previous Phase II of ibalizumab, reported by the original developer Tanox in 2006, showed that persons with HIV who received the drug, in combination with an optimized background regimen (OBR), maintained a considerably greater reduction in viral load and experienced a statistically significant increase in CD4+ cells than did patients given placebo in combination with OBR. Thus, pending results of further trials, it is one of a limited number of viable alternative strategies to contain the virus without recourse to antiretroviral drug cocktails or a vaccine.