Panacos Pharmaceuticals says that a Phase IIa clinical trial of its lead HIV drug produced a statistically significant reduction in HIV in the blood compared to placebo. PA-457 is reportedly one of a new class of maturation inhibitors that target tough new strains of HIV. A Phase IIb study is planned to get started in the first half of next year. Panacos shares surged 67 percent on the news. "This study indicates that PA-457 has potent anti-HIV activity, providing further clinical proof of principle for this new class of antiretroviral drugs," said Panacos COO Graham Allaway.
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