CDiddy, If GM-CSF is low, does that indicate th
Post# of 148154
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If GM-CSF is low, does that indicate that therapeutics that suppress GM-CSF could exacerbate Longhaulers?
GM-CSG is an inflammatory cytokine, if it is low (no hyperactivity) it would indicate that there is no inflammatory response and a cytokine storm is not present. Basically, the patient has a "subdued/permanent inflammatory state" to put it in some way.
Dr. Patterson measured it just below the median (that is in the context of predicting LH was not determinant). But it measured as low in Long Covid, this is necessary for the normal functions (GM-CSF production of granulocytes and monocytes from stem cells stimulation) and therefore imo suppressing it would be counterproductive.
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If Dr. Patterson is correct that a CCR5 antagonist will normalize these markers, how do we compare to others such as Maraviroc? I know it has a black box warning, but I assume it could be used in short term safely.
Well, I am not sure how much Maraviroc is necessary to treat a LH (as opposed to how many injections of Vyrologix). Googling Maraviroc: $4176 monthly for 600 mg twice daily. However if I had to take it for a month I would start thinking in the black box warnings.
Also, we need to remember that VX goes through the BBB and, this might be necessary for the brain-fog reported by more than 30% of LH (second most prevalent symptom). The trial will tell us how effective it is.
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How many doses do we think Longhaulers will need? I know Dr. Patterson is advocating precision medicine, but I am curious if this is something that could be a one or two shot therapy.
We were able to reduce the viral load with only a couple of injections for some severe/critical patients. I don't know but don't think that many would be needed Again, the trial design says simply:
This is a Phase 2, two-arm, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled multicenter study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of leronlimab (PRO 140) in patients with prolonged symptoms caused by COVID-19. Patients will be randomized to receive weekly doses of 700 mg leronlimab (PRO 140), or placebo. Leronlimab (PRO 140) and placebo will be administered via subcutaneous injection.
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Does anyone know how we compare to Maraviroc with respect to cost, ability to manufacture, etc?
I think manufacture wont be an issue once we are approved. Cost is a different issue and I think we need to demonstrate first, that the drug works in LH, and, second, that is superior to other drugs (including Maraviroc).
BTW, Maraviroc does not have a LH trial yet ... they are evaluating it just for: Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Maraviroc in Patients Hospitalized for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and are not yet recruiting. So we are far away.
Of course, there is the issue of off-label use.