Potential AIDS Drug Targets Different Viral Enzyme

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Potential AIDS Drug Targets Different Viral Enzyme

Chemical & Engineering News (11/27/95) Vol. 73, No. 48, P. 24

Unlike most other AIDS drugs, which block either reverse transcriptase or protease, a potential AIDS therapy called AR- 177 inhibits integrase, which HIV uses to insert its genetic code into the DNA of the host cell, according to Aronex Pharmaceuticals' Robert F. Rando and others. Aronex's oligonucleotide is made up entirely of deoxyguanosine and thymidine. The 17 nucleotides are connected by phosphodiester except at the ends, where phosphorothioate bonds are used to reinforce the compound against attack from cellular enzymes. The researchers claim that the molecule folds into a sturdy three-dimensional structure that seems to promote its means of action and lengthy half-life. Phase I clinical trials of AR- 177 were initiated in October.

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