Eighth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection Glasgow, UK - 12-16 November 2006

Int Cong Drug Therapy HIV 2006 Nov 12-16;8:Abstract No. PL4.1

David Haas
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Potent antiretroviral medications greatly reduce morbidity and mortality due to HIV/AIDS, but drug toxicity limits treatment success in many individuals. In addition, some patients have suboptimal virologic or immunologic responses to therapy. The field of pharmacogenomics strives to understand the influence of human genetic variants on response to medications. Investigators worldwide are devoting considerable effort to identify associations among human genetic variants, predisposition to HIV drug toxicities, and likelihood of virologic response. Initial findings have included: 1) associations among abacavir hypersensitivity reactions, HLA type, and hsp70-hom genotypes; 2) among CYP2B polymorphisms, efavirenz pharmacokinetics, and central nervous system symptoms; 3) among both nuclear and mitochondrial genetics and toxicities of nucleoside analogues.

Pharmacogenomics also holds promises to suggest novel targets for drug development. This is highlighted by the discovery that a non-functional variant of the HIV receptor gene CCR5 protected against HIV infection, prompting development of therapeutic CCR5 antagonists. Through continued collaborative efforts, pharmacogenomics may ultimately benefit persons living with HIV worldwide by identifying new therapeutic targets, through individualized drug prescribing that is informed by human genetic testing, and through a better ability to predict responses at the population level.

Plenary Session: Clinical Pharmacology and Resistance

2006-11-12
PL4.1

Copyright © 2006 - Thomson ACUMED® All rights reserved. Thomson ACUMED® is an intelligent and innovative medical marketing and communications agency – a new division of The Gardiner-Caldwell Group Ltd, part of The Thomson Corporation, located in Tytherington, UK.

Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the authors.

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor. ©1980, 2006. AEGiS.