NVR-PACAP

NVR-PACAP is an experimental targeted nanomedicine developed by Nanoviricides, Inc., designed to treat viral infections and associated neurodegeneration, with a primary focus on HIV-1 and Neuro-AIDS. The drug candidate consists of a proprietary, flexible polymeric micelle (the "nanoviricide" or NVR core) that is functionalized with Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) as a targeting ligand. The mechanism of action is dual-fold: the nanoviricide core acts as a biomimetic "decoy" that binds to and neutralizes viral particles (such as the HIV-1 gp120 protein) by mimicking the host cell surface, thereby preventing viral entry into healthy cells. Simultaneously, the PACAP component targets and activates VPAC1, VPAC2, and PAC1 receptors, which are expressed on immune cells and in the central nervous system. This agonism provides intrinsic neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, aiming to mitigate the neurological damage often associated with chronic viral infections while reducing systemic viral load.

Other names

NVR + PACAPNanoviricide-PACAPPACAP-functionalized nanoviricide