Chinese AIDs Drug Set for Clinical Tests

Chinese AIDs Drug Set for Clinical Tests: "Scientists are about to begin clinical testing of a new anti-AIDs drug developed in Shanghai, China. The orally-administered drug works by inhibiting a cellular surface protein known as CCR5 which facilitates the HIV virus’ entry into cells. According to an article in People’s Daily Online, the Chinese pharmaceutical industry generally lags behind other countries and the companies are inexperienced in global marketing of new drugs. However, a contract has already been signed with an Australian firm for international marketing of the new drug, called Nifeviroc. An American drug with a similar mechanism is already in third stage clinical trials. However, based on laboratory tests, it is anticipated that Nifeviroc will perform equally well, and it is expected to cost less than its foreign counterpart."