In November 1999, the FDA approved twice-daily dosing of the protease inhibitor Nelfinavir (Viracept). Instead of 750mg three times daily, one can take 1,250mg twice daily. This eliminates that middle-of-the-day dose so often overlooked and dovetails with such other drugs commonly taken twice-daily as Combivir, 3TC, ddI and d4T.
The fusion inhibitor that is the furthest along in development is called T-20. It interferes with HIV entering a cell by binding to part of the HIV envelope.
In the last issue of the Perspective, we reported on mitochondrial dysfunction as a possible suspect in causing lipodystrophy, the fat redistribution syndrome being experienced by many people with HIV. Since then, additional information has been presented on mitochondrial toxicity by Glaxo-Wellcome as a result of ongoing research it is conducting regarding lipodystrophy.
Following is Part I of a two-part interview with Dr. David Aboulafia, a leading Northwest oncologist in the field of AIDS-related cancer. Dr. Aboulafia, who heads the AIDS Malignancy Consortium, presented a two-hour community meeting on AIDS-related cancers titled "The Trouble With Tumors" on April 13 at Volney Auditorium in Seattle.
Jeffrey T. Schouten, M.D.; Richard March; and Brian Coppedge
The 7th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) continued to live up to its billing as the preeminent HIV meeting of the year. While no startling new information was presented, some reports about transmission risks have significant public health implications, and there were further encouraging reports on the new class of anti-HIV drugs, the "entry" inhibitors.
This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.