Pfizer to make HIV test globally available

Pfizer has announced it has collaborated with Monogram Sciences to make Monogram’s HIV co-receptor tropism assay available worldwide. Monogram describes the essay as a diagnostic tool which demonstrates tropism, or the ability to see the path taken by the virus to access human CD4 cells – white t-cells which are infected and incapacited by the HIV virus.

The information gathered from the tests is designed to help find what CCR5 antagonist drugs, which help to prevent viruses entering healthy cells, best suit particular patients.

As part of the agreement, Monogram will assume responsibility for the US marketing of the test, while Pfizer will market it globally. Pfizer will pay Monogram $25 million (13.5 million pounds) for the right to market the test.

John LaMattina, president of Pfizer’s global research and development operations, said: “CCR5 antagonists have a mechanism of action different from currently approved drugs.”

“With this collaboration we are working to advance global access to new diagnostics that may better assess the potential for CCR5 antagonists to fulfill an unmet medical need,” he added.

Pfizer said it had already used the tropism assay to select patients for enrolment in its phase III trial of maraviroc, a CCR5 inhibitor. Monogram is an American company which says it aims to advance individualised medicine to guide and improve the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer.

© Adfero Ltd