THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE OF CHRONIC ACTIVE HEPATITIS-B (CAHB) TO A NEW IMMUNOMODULATOR - AM3 - IMMUNOHEMATOLOGICAL EFFECTS

AM3, a biological response modifier (BRM) of polysaccharide/protein nature, was given by the oral route to 13 patients with chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB). After 12 months of daily treatment, 8 patients cleared serum HBV-DNA and HBeAg together with ALT normalization. Immunohaemotologic studies showed how time of inhibition of viral replication was related to significant decreases of CD4, CD8 and B cell blood lymphocytes. After serum viral elimination, however, a significant haematologic rebound of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMNC): CD3, CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes was seen. These data, suggest that the antiviral activities of AM3 may be due to its immunodulatory capacities. These promising results, together with the absence of any side effects, justify the entry to trials with a larger number of patients. Furthermore, treatment with AM3 may help to elucidate the pathophysiology of CAHB.