Abstract: The present invention is directed to the induction and characterization of a humoral immune response targeting “entry-relevant” gp41 structures. In its broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to methods of raising a neutralizing antibody response to a broad spectrum of HIV strains and isolates. The present invention targets particular molecular conformations or structures that occur at the cell surface of HIV during viral entry into host cells. Such a humoral response can be generated in vivo as a prophylactic measure in individuals to reduce or inhibit the ability of HIV to infect uninfected cells in the individual's body. Such a response can also be employed to raise antibodies against “entry relevant” gp41 structures. These antibodies can be employed for therapeutic uses, and as tools for further illuminating the mechanism of HIV cell entry.

Abstract: Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by disrupting the processing of the viral Gag capsid (CA) protein (p24) from the CA-spacer peptide 1 (SP1) protein precursor (p25) is disclosed. Amino acid sequences containing a mutation in the Gag p25 protein, with the mutation resulting in a decrease in the inhibition of processing of p25 to p24 by dimethylsuccinyl betulinic acid or dimethylsuccinyl betulin, polynucleotides encoding such mutated sequences and antibodies that selectively bind such mutated sequences are also included. Methods of inhibiting, inhibitory compounds and methods of discovering inhibitory compounds that target proteolytic processing of the HIV Gag protein are included. In one embodiment, such compounds inhibit the interaction of the HIV protease enzyme with Gag by binding to the Gag proteolytic cleavage site rather than to the protease enzyme.

Abstract: Derivatives of pyrazolopyrimidine compounds represented by Formula I are disclosed: These pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these derivatives are useful in the treatment of HIV mediated diseases and conditions.

Abstract: Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by disrupting the processing of the viral Gag capsid (CA) protein (p24) from the CA-spacer peptide 1 (SP1) protein precursor (p25) is disclosed. Amino acid sequences containing a mutation in the Gag p25 protein, with the mutation resulting in a decrease in the inhibition of processing of p25 to p24 by dimethylsuccinyl betulinic acid or dimethylsuccinyl betulin, polynucleotides encoding such mutated sequences and antibodies that selectively bind such mutated sequences are also included. Methods of inhibiting, inhibitory compounds and methods of discovering inhibitory compounds that target proteolytic processing of the HIV Gag protein are included. In one embodiment, such compounds inhibit the interaction of the HIV protease enzyme with Gag by binding to Gag rather than to the protease enzyme.

Abstract: Betulin and dihydrobetulin acyl derivatives according to the present invention have been found to have potent anti-HIV activity. The compounds of the present invention have Formula I as described herein, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; wherein R1 is a C2-C20 substituted or unsubstituted carboxyacyl or ester thereof; R2 is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl or —OR3, R3 is C2-C20 substituted or unsubstituted carboxyacyl; and R4 is hydrogen or C(C6H5)3; wherein the dashed line represents an optional double bond between C20 and C29.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinations comprising a viral maturation inhibitor and another therapeutically effective pharmaceutical agent. The invention is also directed to methods of treating a viral infection by administering such combinations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the induction and characterization of a humoral immune response targeting “entry-relevant” gp41 structures. In its broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to methods of raising a neutralizing antibody response to a broad spectrum of HIV strains and isolates. The present invention targets particular molecular conformations or structures that occur at the cell surface of HIV during viral entry into host cells. Such a humoral response can be generated in vivo as a prophylactic measure in individuals to reduce or inhibit the ability of HIV to infect uninfected cells in the individual's body. Such a response can also be employed to raise antibodies against “entry relevant” gp41 structures. These antibodies can be employed for therapeutic uses, and as tools for further illuminating the mechanism of HIV cell entry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crystalline polymorphs of 3-O-(3?,3?-dimethylsuccinyl)betulinic acid di-N-methyl-D-glucamine salt (“DSB•2NMG)”), pharmaceutical compositions of the same and use of the same as an active pharmaceutical agent in the treatment of HIV related disorders.

Abstract: Salts of 3-O-(3?,3?-dimethylsuccinyl)Betulinic acid (DSB) are disclosed. Particularly, the preparation, pharmaceutical evaluation, and in vivo bioavailability evaluation of N-methyl-D-glucamine and alkali metal salt forms of DSB are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions including these salt forms are used in methods of treating HIV and related diseases. Methods of making the salts of DSB and the pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel synthetic derivatives of triterpenes and the use of such derivatives as pharmaceuticals. The present invention is directed to novel compounds of Formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein R1 is a carboxyalkanoyl, where the alkanoyl chain can be interrupted by a nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen atom, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Betulin and dihydrobetulin acyl derivatives according to the present invention have been found to have potent anti-HIV activity. The compounds of the present invention have Formula I as described herein, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; wherein R1 is a C2-C20 substituted or unsubstituted carboxyacyl or ester thereof; R2 is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl or —OR3, R3 is C2-C20 substituted or unsubstituted carboxyacyl; and R4 is hydrogen or C(C6H5)3; wherein the dashed line represents an optional double bond between C20 and C29.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the induction and characterization of a humoral immune response targeting “entry-relevant” gp41 structures. In its broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to methods of raising a neutralizing antibody response to a broad spectrum of HIV strains and isolates. The present invention targets particular molecular conformations or structures that occur at the cell surface of HIV during viral entry into host cells. Such a humoral response can be generated in vivo as a prophylactic measure in individuals to reduce or inhibit the ability of HIV to infect uninfected cells in the individual's body. Such a response can also be employed to raise antibodies against “entry relevant” gp41 structures. These antibodies can be employed for therapeutic uses, and as tools for further illuminating the mechanism of HIV cell entry.

Abstract: 3′,4′-di-O-camphanoyl-(+)-cis-khellactone analogs according to the present invention have been found to have anti-HIV activity. The compounds of the present invention have the following formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, X, and Z are set in the specification. The invention is also directed to pharmaceuticals compositions comprising one or more compounds of Formula I, optionally further comprising one or more anti-viral agents or immunostimulating agents. Further, the invention is directed to the use of compounds of Formula I for the inhibition of a retroviral infection in cells or tissue of an animal, for the treatment of a patient suffering from a retroviral-related pathology, for the prevention of transmission of HIV infection from an HIV infected pregnant woman to a fetus, and for the prevention of transmission of HIV infection during sexual intercourse.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for identifying compounds that decrease the ability of a virus, such as HIV-1, to infect previously uninfected cells by inducing conformational changes in viral envelope proteins, and the compounds discovered by such methods.

Abstract: Betulin and dihydrobetulin acyl derivatives according to the present invention have been found to have potent anti-HIV activity. The compounds of the present invention have Formula I as described herein, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1 is a C2-C20 substituted or unsubstituted carboxyacyl, R2 is hydrogen, chloro, bromo, or hydroxy, R4 is hydrogen or C(C6H5)3; wherein the dashed line represents an optional double bond between C20 and C29.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a methods for identifying compounds that inhibit or prevent infection of cells by enveloped viruses such as HIV-1 by preventing or disrupting conformational changes in the viral transmembrane protein that are required for virus fusion with those cells, and the compounds discovered by such methods. The invention also includes using these assays as diagnostic assays to detect antibodies in virus infected individuals that inhibit the viral entry processes.

Abstract: 3′,4′-di-O-camphanoyl-(+)-cis-khellactone analogs according to the present invention have been found to have anti-HIV activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds that are analogs of the natural product suksdorfin. Compounds of the present invention include those having Formula IV: wherein R20 through R26, M and Z are defined herein. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using these compositions for treating retroviral infections.