BB-10010 is an analogue of the human chemokine MIP1-alpha. Chemokines are secreted by T-lymphocytes and are naturally occurring substances that are an important part of the immune response in fighting infections.

Three chemokines secreted by CD8 cells, including MIP-1alpha, have been shown to inhibit HIV replication in test-tube cultures. The receptor for MIP-1alpha on cells is also a co-receptor needed for the entry of HIV into certain cells. It is thought that BB-10010 blocks this receptor, preventing HIV from entering and infecting the cell.

A pilot trial of BB-10010 (300 mg/kg injected subcutaneously once daily for 7 days) in London found that it was well-tolerated, but there were no overall changes in recipients' HIV viral load or CD4 counts. Investigation has been discontinued.

BB-10010 is manufactured by British Biotech Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

References

Williams IG et al. A phase I/II study of BB-10010, an analogue of human MIP1-alpha, in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients with CD4+ cell counts less than 500 cells/ml. International Workshop on Drug Resistance, Treatment Strategies and Eradication, Florida, abstract 4, 1997.