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Antigenics - AG707


helpiamconfused2

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I spoke with Investor Relations on 12/23. They are having talks w/potential partners to take this to phase II but there was only limited info she could share. They are going to have their results peer-reviewed which she believed would increase the interest in AG707 by the big pharma community.

This is a real nice looking drug based on phase I. I am surprised that big pharma isn't jumping all over it. Antigenics is mentioned in the newest petition, suggesting that maybe the gvt could step in and help them bring this to market...

In short, so close but yet so far and this is why we have to keep pushing with our petition signatures and any donations we can afford...

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I had to look up this info:

Antigenics's AG-707 vaccine has shown positive results in a Phase I study to treat herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2).

The vaccine triggered a cellular immune response, stimulating the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses needed to treat genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection.

In the four-arm Phase I trial, 35 HSV-2 seropositive patients were administered AG-707 with vaccine adjuvant QS-21, AG-707 alone, QS-21 alone, or placebo.

All patients who received AG-707 with QS-21 showed a statistically significant CD4+ T cell response to HSV-2 antigens and the majority (63%) demonstrated a CD8+ T cell response.

AG-707 is based on Antigenics's heat shock protein platform technology. This study is the first to show that heat shock protein complexed to viral antigens induces an antigen-specific T-cell response in humans.

Antigenics said the investigational drug has the potential to manage outbreaks and disease transmission in patients with genital herpes.

This looks like an immuno-modulator mechanism of action. Interesting. This is very different from the other anti-viral approaches. Unfortunately, it relies on the immune system and it won't rid the body of the virus.

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I had to look up this info:

This looks like an immuno-modulator mechanism of action. Interesting. This is very different from the other anti-viral approaches. Unfortunately, it relies on the immune system and it won't rid the body of the virus.

What will it do then? how will it be different than whats already out there?

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Stuggle are you sure about that? From what I have learned, the t cells that this vaccine helps the body make more of can clear the virus from spinal cords and neuronal tissue. Besides, if it stops all ob’s and shedding, it’s as good as a cure until a cure is available. Tell me if I’m wrong but try not to be pessimistic if you can my friend. I think this is very promising news.

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Stuggle are you sure about that? From what I have learned, the t cells that this vaccine helps the body make more of can clear the virus from spinal cords and neuronal tissue. Besides, if it stops all ob’s and shedding, it’s as good as a cure until a cure is available. Tell me if I’m wrong but try not to be pessimistic if you can my friend. I think this is very promising news.

I dont think the body can clear the virus regardless of how many T cells we have. Do you have a link for otherwise? None of the research has been able to clear the virus. This was what was so promising about Bavi. It was the first drug that could identify infected neurons. I could be completely wrong.

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Well, they have been able to do it in mice. http://jvi.asm.org/cgi/content/full/82/19/9678 This article is posted in the HCF website. Actually, there has not been any proof that I'm aware of where bavi could indentify infected neurons. There are a few scientist including Bloom who may be able to proove that there is enough of the ps target on infected neurons, but the majority of scientist, including Dr. Thorpe, don't believe enough of the target is there. Most do believe that when the virus leaves the neurons to replicate, bavi will knock it out. I sure hope that the mojority is wrong and Bavi can do it but we really dont know until Bavi is tested on infected neurons. According to one scientist I spoke to, there is a test kit for that. As far as we know at this point, Bavi only has the potential. I did see the NYT article where a scientist stated that we couldn't keep a level of high T cell counts all the time, but people who are immune to HSV have a high T cell count and they are fine. Sure seems like many scientist don't agree.

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Well, they have been able to do it in mice. http://jvi.asm.org/cgi/content/full/82/19/9678 This article is posted in the HCF website. Actually, there has not been any proof that I'm aware of where bavi could indentify infected neurons. There are a few scientist including Bloom who may be able to proove that there is enough of the ps target on infected neurons, but the majority of scientist, including Dr. Thorpe, don't believe enough of the target is there. Most do believe that when the virus leaves the neurons to replicate, bavi will knock it out. I sure hope that the mojority is wrong and Bavi can do it but we really dont know until Bavi is tested on infected neurons. According to one scientist I spoke to, there is a test kit for that. As far as we know at this point, Bavi only has the potential. I did see the NYT article where a scientist stated that we couldn't keep a level of high T cell counts all the time, but people who are immune to HSV have a high T cell count and they are fine. Sure seems like many scientist don't agree.

Interesting research article. I am learning waaaaaaayyyy too much about virology and immunology. :(

I think a key quote in that article is:

ithas been suggested that CD8+ T cells are predominantly responsiblefor clearance of infectious HSV-1 from nervous system tissuesduring a primary HSV infection

So it would seem that it is important in primary infection. I'm not sure how important or effective CD8 T cells is for latent infection.

I don't know about Bavi's efficacy at detecting infected cells. I thought it was effective, but maybe not according to your info.

I posted something recently on Bouncing Viral Particles. I think that we will be able to exploit this viral mechanism to flag infected cells if the PS method doesn't work.

EDIT: I am currently experimenting with Beta Glucan and I have ordered some Source Naturals NK-3 which both are supposed to stimulate immune response including increased T cells. I wonder if these would have a similar effect to the AG707 drug therapy in a more natural manner?

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What phase are they in this sounds great... I feel that something is going to pull together very shortly even if it is not a cure ... I just cant wait but im being patient I KNOW AG-707 IS AGAINT VIRAL SHEDDING BUT IS AIC 316 AGAINST VIRAL SHEDDING AS WELL?

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So AG-707 could be a cure for us?? by cure I mean no ob, no viral sheedding, stop being infectious?? it's so great that thery are starting phase II now, maybe in 3 more years (2013) they will be finishing the vaccine or puting it in the market. It sound close to me :p

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One thing to keep in mind is that Antigenics is a small pharmaceutical and the phase I trial should have been completed at least 3 years ago. Funding was clearly an issue with this vaccine. The company is hopeful to create more interest once the peer review is complete. We can only hope that a big enough pharmaceutical will move the next phases much faster. Especially since AIC316 has done so well. Oh, and yes AIC316 is supposed to stop shedding but we should wait for the final results of the phase II trial to know more.

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Struggle, you make a good point and I need to take another look at your bouncing particles thread again. I really don't know if a person can boost the immune system enough to have the same effect naturally or not. Of course, boosting the immune system period will have a positive effect. I do know one thing, some people are immune to this virus so if anyone has a partner who is H negative may want to ask them to have their doctor do testing to see if they are immune. Geez, I'm one of the few people who isnt allergic to poison ivy or oak. I sure whish I could have been one of the lucky few who are immune to HSV.

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So AG-707 could be a cure for us?? by cure I mean no ob, no viral sheedding, stop being infectious?? it's so great that thery are starting phase II now, maybe in 3 more years (2013) they will be finishing the vaccine or puting it in the market. It sound close to me :p

AG-707 could be a great drug. Keep in mind, it is a long way off. They need a partner to move it forward. At this juncture, they've been finished with Phase I for 6 months or better and still don't have a partner... So close but yet so far. So, we need to ask ourselves "what can we do?"

We need to pressure Congress to help the small companies like Antigenics by providing them with funding or providing a large tax break to a large pharmaceutical willing to step in and provide them with funding...

Help me push the petitions (blogs, groups, otherwise). The newest one specifically mentions Antigenics... Vical, another small company, has a similar drug and is in a similar situation.

In short, there are lots of drugs being developed but not going anywhere because of money.

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Struggle, you make a good point and I need to take another look at your bouncing particles thread again. I really don't know if a person can boost the immune system enough to have the same effect naturally or not. Of course, boosting the immune system period will have a positive effect. I do know one thing, some people are immune to this virus so if anyone has a partner who is H negative may want to ask them to have their doctor do testing to see if they are immune. Geez, I'm one of the few people who isnt allergic to poison ivy or oak. I sure whish I could have been one of the lucky few who are immune to HSV.

This is the first I've heard of anyone being immune to HSV. How is that scientifically determined/quantifiable? You would have to intentionally infect them, then watch for antibodies or symptoms. The problem is that even if you don't detect antibodies or symptoms it doesn't necessarily mean they are not infected. Only a biopsy upon autopsy could make that conclusion.

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is there a donation site for ag 707 or for aic316 because i will donate to them is there an address to send moneyorders ??????

Not that I know of... Keep donating to your researcher of choice and help me push the petitions. The newest one (about increasing employment) specifically mentions Antigenics... Help list those petitions on blogs, sites that will drive traffic to them. Next, re AIC 316, if the news is good from Phase II they will likely also have to have a partner to push it forward. If we determine the news is good we can maybe petition the FDA to let them release the drug commercially while doing phase III testing...

Since Phase II just concluded, I say we give it a month and reach out to them about their interest in us petitioning the FDA.

Now, these are just my thoughts/opinions which may or may not be right... but again, thanks for your enthusiasm re donating. If you are more interested in HSV2 vs 1 or vice versa, please be sure to indicate this on your donations to whomever...

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Stuggle are you sure about that? From what I have learned, the t cells that this vaccine helps the body make more of can clear the virus from spinal cords and neuronal tissue. Besides, if it stops all ob’s and shedding, it’s as good as a cure until a cure is available. Tell me if I’m wrong but try not to be pessimistic if you can my friend. I think this is very promising news.

It looks like it also had a response not just more of. Meaning it stimulated them. If it can clear the virus from the spinal cords and neuronal tissue why is that not a cure?

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This is the first I've heard of anyone being immune to HSV. How is that scientifically determined/quantifiable? You would have to intentionally infect them, then watch for antibodies or symptoms. The problem is that even if you don't detect antibodies or symptoms it doesn't necessarily mean they are not infected. Only a biopsy upon autopsy could make that conclusion.

I feel so genetically inferior (tear) I wish I didn't learn about that several days ago.

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so if it avoid viral shedding and ob, it means we wont be infectious and we dont get any ob so that means cure, i dont care clearence i am looking the pragmatically.

I guess the only reason I don't think like you do is because I'm territorial, I don't play that shit :D

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      Hey @WilsoInAus ok thank you, I will do my best to move on and stop trawling forums haha. 
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      Hey @sgt98 but there is no feasible infection or outbreak to suppress and antivirals do not suppress an initial outbreak in any event 
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      Hi @sgt98 it is not feasible to obtain a HSV-2 infection from receiving oral sex - only HSV-1 is feasible but you've already got that and immunity from any further infection with HSV-1. You do not need any further tests for HSV. You're feeling regret, try to forgive yourself and calm down, let the rational take over. You know the answer here and it won't be long until you believe it too.
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Without lesions, it is highly questionable that the ailment is related to herpes, yet testing is useful if you have concerns as you have done so.] About a month after that [herpes causes issues within days, if the first 'symptoms' are a month later - its extremely unlikely they are related to herpes], significant discomfort downstairs, however every test I have ever taken for HSV 1 and 2 has been negative. Here are the details: Face: Previously, some significant tingling and itching on the right side of my mouth, lips and chin (still there, but milder) [herpes does not cause general tingling and itching, it can cause a reasonably concentrated feeling of itch/throb from which a herpes lesion appears within hours]. Occasional hot flashes near my right eye, cheek and ear [herpes does not do this, it may be a immune response to something, or stress]. Sometimes it will feel like the skin is crawling on the right side of my face [herpes does not cause a general crawling sensation]. 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