Chinese scientists have identified a promising new antibody for HIV treatment and prevention

A group of researchers from the University of Hong Kong have discovered a “powerful antibody” against HIV. BilA-SG, a tandem bi-specific broadly neutralising antibody (bnAb), has been developed and has undergone animal testing where it was shown to be effective in both preventing infection and as ongoing treatment. The results of the study have been published on the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) website.

Testing of the new bnAb was carried out of rhesus macaques. Because they are non-human primates the team evaluated the effects of the antibody treatment on the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) which is very similar to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The antibody treatment was delivered by a single intramuscular injection.

The study found that the compound proved 100% effective in prevention virus acquisition, preventing infection in all six macaques. When used as a treatment for the virus the injection delayed the progression of the disease and reduced the viral load to undetectable levels in 61.5% of the macaques.