Cenicriviroc is an inhibitor of CCR2 and CCR5 receptors,[4] allowing it to function as an entry inhibitor which prevents the virus from entering into a human cell. Inhibition of CCR2 may have an anti-inflammatory effect.[citation needed]
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study to assess the antiviral activity, safety, and tolerability of cenicriviroc was conducted in 2010. HIV-infected patients taking cenicriviroc had significant reductions in viral load, with the effect persisting up to two weeks after discontinuation of treatment.[5] Additional Phase II clinical trials are underway.[6][when?]
Phase IIb data presented at the 20th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in March 2013 showed similar viral suppression rates of 76% for patients taking 100 mg cenicriviroc, 73% with 200 mg cenicriviroc, and 71% with efavirenz. Non-response rates were higher with cenicriviroc, however, largely due to greater drop-out of patients. A new tablet formulation with lower pill burden may improve adherence. Looking at immune and inflammatory biomarkers, levels of MCP-1 increased and soluble CD14 decreased in the cenicriviroc arms.[9]
^Klibanov, OM; Williams, SH; Iler, CA (August 2010). "Cenicriviroc, an Orally Active CCR5 Antagonist for the Potential Treatment of HIV Infection". Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs. 11 (8): 940–50. PMID20721836.