"Clinical Trials of AIDS Drug Remain Crucial"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1989. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Clinical Trials of AIDS Drug Remain Crucial"

New York Times (12/20/89), P. A26
Valentine, Fred T.

Abstract: A Nov. 21 article in the New York Times describing clinical trials of dideoxyinosine (DDI) erred in reporting that individuals in the trials had an equal chance of receiving AZT or DDI, writes Fred T. Valentine, director of the AIDS Clinical Trials Unit, New York University Medical Center. Because the trials included different dosages of DDI, patients were actually twice as likely to receive DDI, writes Valentine. The researcher says there is no evidence or theoretical reason DDI will be more effective than AZT, because both drugs act by the same mechanism. The difference in the drugs' side effects, however, may make DDI more effective in the long run, Valentine comments. Careful clinical trials are best to determine the value of new drugs, writes Valentine, who nonetheless says AIDS patients who cannot take part in trials or who can't take AZT should be allowed to choose the new unproven drug. Valentine says researchers and infected individuals must cooperate to insure the prompt completion of clinical studies of DDI.

891220
AD892684

Copyright © 1989 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1989. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1989. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.