This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Chronic infections with HVB and HCV are major world wide health problems leading to end stage liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. These viruses are the 4th leading causes of death due to infectious disease world wide. The long term goal of these studies is to evaluate a newly developed compound for the ability to stimulate the immune system and combat HCV infection. In this initial phase, the pharmacokinetics will be evaluated in non-infected chimpanzees to ensure that the proper dose is being selected for the efficacy trial in infected chimpanzees. The compound has already been tested for toxicity and the ability to stimulate the immune system in small animals. It is not toxic and does stimulate the immune system. In this study, the compound will be tested for oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics (how long it remains in the blood) in two same sex chimpanzees. Two animals will receive a single oral dose and blood samples will be taken over a 12 hour period to determine PK. The animals will be rested for 2 weeks and the protocol will be repeated at a different dose based on the initial PK findings. It is anticipated that immunomodulators can be used to induce the immune system to clear hepatitis virus infections.
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