Questions linger on best HIV drug strategy

Article Abstract:

Specialists are debating the best possible combinations of the three approved AIDS drugs, AZT (zidovudine), DDC (zalcitabine) and DDI (didanosine). Patients who take AZT may fail to progress, so some experts recommend switching to DDI, but other doctors believe combined DDI and AZT the best alternative. Gail Skowron of Brown University Medical School says that patients resistant to DDI may also become resistant to DDC. Suggested dosages of these and other antiviral agents are analyzed.

Evaluation, HIV infection, Drug therapy, HIV infections

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Detection of HIV markers may lead to improved therapy

Article Abstract:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) markers will help physicians test the effectiveness of drugs and antiviral therapies. For example, in an AZT (zidovudine) clinical trial that examined the HIV RT gene's 215 codon sequence, researcher Thomas C. Merigan Jr. showed that a mutation occurring at the 215 codon position was a marker foreshadowing a decrease in CD4 lymphocyte cell counts, which is a measure of immunological strength. Further clinical examples of HIV markers are discussed.

Usage, Genetic markers

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Study raises questions over early vs. late AZT therapy

Article Abstract:

A New England Journal of Medicine study concluded that early treatment of symptomatic HIV patients with zidovudine (AZT) delayed the onset of AIDS, but increased side effects and did not improve survival rates. AZT manufacturer Burroughs Wellcome Co and HIV experts question the study's design and recommend against physicians changing their clinical practice based on this study.

Management, Pharmaceutical industry, Zidovudine, Burroughs Wellcome Co.

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