| Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors |
The NRTIs disrupt the replication of the HIV viruses by acting as fake nucloetides, which the reverse transcriptase enzyme uses to changes the HIV's RNA into DNA. Because the reverse transcriptase enzyme can not produce the correct DNA with the fake nucleotides, the infected cell fail to produce new HIV viruses.
| Nucleoside Analogs in Development |
These drugs have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) for use against HIV.
Alovudine (MIV-310, FLT) by Boehringer Ingelheim (Phase II)
In laboratory studies, Alovudine proves effective against HIV viruses resistant to other NRTIs. However, it probably cannot be combined with AZT or d4T, and may cause anemia and other problems related to bone marrow damage.
For more information, please visit MIV-310.
DAPD (amdoxovir) by Gilead Sciences (Phase II)
DAPD appears to be effective against both hepatitis B and HIV that is resistant to other NRTIs. It has an unusual side effect of causing the lens in the eye to become less clear. However, vision is not affected. Gilead Sciences hope to make available the once-daily pill that contains DAPD and tenofovir together by 2005.
For more information, please visit DAPD(amdoxovir).
Elvucitabine (ACH-126,443, Fd4C) by Achillion Pharmaceuticals
Elvucitabine is a once-daily drug proves to be effective against hepatitis B and HIV resistant to other NIRTIs. Due a study in 2003, which showed bone marrow suppression in several patients, lower doses will be studied.
MIV-210 (FLG) by GlaxoSmithKline and Medivir (Phase I)
MIV-210 shows good activity against HIV with resistance to other nukes. It is in Phase I trials.
Racivir by Pharmasset Inc. (Phase II)
Active against HIV and hepatitis B in laboratory studies, Racivir showed anti HIV activity that lasted more than 2 weeks after the drug was stopped. The makers hope that Racivir can be used as a once-daily drug.
Reverset by Pharmasset, Inc. (Phase I)
Reverset shows activity against HIV that has resistance to 3TC and AZT.
SPD754 by Shire Pharmaceuticals
SPD754 has shown strong activity against HIV that is resistant to other NRTIs.
