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Viral Genetics HIV/AIDS Compound Researched by London Team.

SAN MARINO, Calif. -- June 14, 2010

Biotech company Viral Genetics, Inc., (Pinksheets: VRAL - News) has granted a renowned London research team the right to investigate its HIV/AIDS drug compound. The team is lead by scientist Dr. Robin Shattock.

“This alliance enables us to partner with leading scientists who have tremendous knowledge and resources at their disposal,” said Viral Genetics CEO Haig Keledjian.

Being explored for its potential to offer new therapies and new vaccines for the deadly HIV virus, the technology was discovered and developed by Viral Genetics’ lead scientist Dr. M. Karen Newell, Ph.D.

Viral Genetics’ Georgetown, Texas, team also continues refining a drug that successfully eliminated the viral load in some HIV patients in human clinical trials.

Shattock is professor of cellular and molecular infection in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at St George's, University of London. He directs scientists working to develop safe and effective vaginal microbicides, topical formulations designed to prevent HIV infection in women. The first generation of these drugs recently entered large-scale Phase III efficacy trials.


According to Shattock, “I am delighted to be working with Dr Karen Newell and Viral Genetics to understand the potential of a panel of newly defined peptides to modulate HIV infection. This represents a highly innovative approach and could provide important new leads in immune-based approaches to HIV prevention and treatment."

Shattock’s research is supported by a Grand Challenges for Global Health Initiative program grant, co-funded by the Wellcome Trust and Gates Foundation. Professor Shattock's team also received funding from the Medical Research Council (UK), European Commission, the National Institutes for Health (USA) and the International Partnership for Micorbicides.

Viral Genetics’ Senior Vice President Monica Ord added, “Professor Shattock is one of the foremost experts on microbicides in the world. This exciting agreement gives our team the opportunity to investigate multiple applications for our peptides in AIDS.”

“It’s encouraging to have so many talented scientists working on applications for our discoveries,” said Newell. “HIV is a terrible disease, and I’d like to see new treatments and new vaccines available as soon as possible.”