Gilead Sciences Inc. has begun Phase I/II trials of its drug GS 504 inbone marrow transplant patients who are at risk for life-threateningcytomegalovirus (CMV) lung infection (pneumonitis). The companyexpects to enroll 10 to 20 patients in the trial, which will be conductedat the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.The drug will be administered as an intravenous infusion once a weekfor five weeks at the time of the bone marrow transplant. It is intendedprimarily for cancer patients.Gilead, which is based in Foster City, Calif., also has GS 504 in PhaseII/III trials as a treatment for CMV-induced retinitis in patients withAIDS. Topical formulations of the drug are also in trials as potentialtreatments for herpes simplex virus infection and genital warts.0602094GILEAD

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