Researchers at Brigham Young University report that the (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin) AAT protein can prevent the replication of the HIV retrovirus, preventing the development of AIDS. Kamada Ltd. (TASE: KMDA) is already using an AAT treatment, Glassia, to treat congenital emphysema and other respiratory diseases.
Brigham Young University chairman of chemistry and biochemistry Greg Burton and colleagues report that “at the right levels, AAT alters the activation of a separate protein that HIV needs to transcribe its genetic code in the replication process,” and without which HIV cannot replicate. The study is published in the "Journal of Immunology".
In February, Kamada announced that it will soon begin a Phase II clinical trial to test the efficacy of the AAT protein to prevent, slow the progression, and possibly cure, type 1 diabetes.
Kamada's share price rose 3% in morning trading to NIS 30.78, giving a market cap of NIS 823 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 15, 2011
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