AEGiS-Glasgow [KL1] Antiretroviral therapy 2004

Seventh International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection

Glasgow, UK - 14-17 November 2004

[KL1] Antiretroviral therapy 2004

Int Cong Drug Therapy HIV 2004 Nov 14-18;7:Abstract No. KL1

Patrick Yeni
Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France

Since it became clear that HIV infected patients might need a lifelong toxic therapy, efforts were developed in two directions: A limitation in drug exposure, and an improvement in drug characteristics. In terms of strategies limiting drug exposure, therapeutic vaccine, chemokine therapy and structured treatment interruption still remain confined to the clinical research arena. On the contrary, the concept of a delayed initiation of antiretroviral therapy in asymptomatic chronically infected patients has gained wide acceptance in the last few years. In terms of drug characteristics, the availability of new drugs has led to considerable progress in convenience, tolerance, toxicity and activity of antiviral therapy. Potent therapy alternatives based on two pills once a day without food requirement already exist, and are essential in chronic therapy in order to maintain a high level of adherence. In addition, new drugs of existing classes may show less potential for mitochondrial toxicity or lipid changes. Finally, drugs from existing or new classes have been developed that retain significant antiviral activity against multiple resistant virus. Investigating the strategies of utilization of these drugs, and identifying new drugs, are ongoing efforts that raise hope for a continuous improvement in antiretroviral therapy.

KEYNOTE LECTURES

2004-11-14
KL1

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