To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: AIDS 2000: Viramune (Nevirapine) Combination Suppresses HIV In Advanced HIV/AIDS URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/1D96B2.htm Doctor's Guide July 12, 2000
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA -- July 12, 2000 -- Study results presented at the 13th International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa show a Viramune® (nevirapine, NVP) treatment combination suppressed HIV in the blood for up to one year in patients with advanced HIV disease and high baseline levels of HIV. Prof. Robin Wood presented an analysis today that evaluated 171 previously untreated patients with very high median baseline levels of HIV -- 142,883 copies/mL of plasma -- and low median baseline CD4+ cell counts of 97 CD4+ cells/mm3. Patients were randomized to receive ZDV and 3TC plus either Viramune or placebo (77 Viramune and 94 placebo) as a part of a large, international study (BI 1090) conducted in North America, Western Europe, South Africa and Argentina. "Results presented today demonstrate that Viramune in combination with ZDV and 3TC suppresses HIV in patients with advanced HIV infection and very high viral loads," explained Prof. Wood of the Somerset Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa. Since this trial was conducted, the triple combination of Viramune+ ZDV+3TC has become available in a twice-daily regimen (Viramune+Combivir) that requires a total of only four tablets per day. There are no food or fluid restrictions associated with this combination. Sixty percent (60 percent) and 44 percent of patients taking the triple drug combination (Viramune+ ZDV+3TC) achieved suppression of HIV below the limit of detection at six months and one year. This result was achieved using an assay that can detect virus in the blood as low as 50 copies/mL, and using a strict 'intent-to-treat analysis,' which accounts for all patients, including those who stopped treatment before the end of the evaluation period (therapy is considered to have failed in those who stopped prior to evaluation). At six months and one year, an 'as-treated analysis' found the percentage of patients taking the triple drug combination with undetectable levels of HIV (below 50 copies/mL using the Amplicor Ultrasensitive assay) was 71 percent and 65 percent. This analysis includes patients who did not stop therapy due to toxicity or loss to follow-up. Additionally, a mean 98 CD4+ cell increase was seen in these patients at six months; a 137 CD4+ cell increase was seen at one year. "We're pleased that this trial provided results that are relevant today. This study was designed in 1995 and was based on the standard of treating AIDS patients at that time," explained Prof. Wood. "With significant advances in HIV/AIDS treatment since the trial's inception, the dual-therapy comparator arm in this study is no longer considered standard of care. However, this study demonstrates that the Viramune triple therapy regimen is a viable treatment option for patients today, regardless of patients' viral load." Viramune, the first member of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) class of anti-HIV drugs to be approved, is indicated for use in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. This indication is based on analysis of changes in surrogate end-points, such as viral load or changes in CD4+ count. Viramune should always be administered in combination with other antiretroviral agents. The most clinically important adverse events associated with Viramune are rash (16 percent) and increases in liver function tests. Other commonly reported events include fever, nausea and headache. Cases of hypersensitivity reactions have been observed. Severe and life-threatening skin reactions and hepatotoxicity, including fatal cases of each, have occurred in patients treated with Viramune. Related Link: Viramune (nevirapine). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.