CCR5/CCR2 antagonist will be tested in CCR5-tropic, treatment-naïve HIV patients.
Tobira Therapeutics completed a $31 million Series B financing led by Novo A/S. The firm will use the money to move its lead candidate TBR-652 into a Phase IIb trial in HIV patients.
TBR-652 is a unique dual-action CCR5/CCR2 antagonist. The study will be conducted in CCR5-tropic, treatment-naïve HIV patients. “The sustained backing of Tobira’s original investors, along with participation from Novo A/S, underscores investor confidence in this promising compound and the management team’s ability to strategically advance TBR-652 into Phase IIb,” says Laurent Fischer, M.D., executive chairman and board director.
Earlier this year the company reported that the Phase IIa trial demonstrated potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity in treatment-experienced HIV patients. Potential for once-daily dosing, co-formulation with other antiretrovirals such as nucleoside-sparing or ritonavir-sparing combinations, as well as anti-inflammatory properties, distinguish TBR-652 from first-generation CCR5 antagonists, Tobira notes.
“With Novo A/S’ support and that of our current investors, we have the necessary resources to move ahead with plans for the Phase IIb study, which we anticipate will begin in the first half of 2011,” says James Sapirstein, president and CEO of Tobira.
