Gilead Sciences Inc. of Foster City, California, has reported the preliminary clinical findings of its anti-HIV compound GS 393, also known by its chemical acronym PMEA. This intravenously or subcutaneously delivered compound has been associated with decreased p24 antigen and transient increases in CD4 counts in treated patients with AIDS. Twenty-eight HIV+ patients have been treated with GS 393 at dose levels of 1.0 mg/kg or 3.0 mg/kg daily or three times a week for up to six months. GS 393 is generally well tolerated. Phase I clinical trials are now being conducted at the National Institutes of Health and the University of Washington.

Gilead has plans to pursue additional studies with GS 393 in patients who are receiving AZT, using low does subcutaneous injections of their drug. In addition, the company is developing an oral form of the drug.

(Henry E. Chang is a recovering biotech junkie and the director of research and development at Shared Medical Research Foundation in Tarzana. He can be reached at 818.345.2172.)

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