Experimental HIV
treatment gets fast-track status

Progenics Pharmaceuticals of Tarrytown, N.Y., announces that the Food and Drug Administration has granted fast-track status to its PRO 140 therapeutic for the treatment of HIV. The drug, which is now in early-stage trials, is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against CCR5, a molecular portal that HIV uses to enter cells. Fast-track status streamlines the regulatory review process. The drug may also be considered for priority six-month review--instead of the standard 10-month review--and accelerated approval. (AP)