(ATDN) Boxwood (SPV-30)


(ATDN) Boxwood (SPV-30)

Treatment Review #17 - March 1995

SPV-30 is a herbal compound taken from an evergreen tree called Boxwood. The extract is made by a French company called Arkopharma. In lab tests, the extract showed anti-HIV activity. In a small placebo-controlled trial in HIV+ people, T4 cell counts increased an average of approximately 100 after 30 weeks of taking SPV-30. Researchers in France are doing Phase II and III studies in people with 250 to 500 T4 cells. Arkopharma has agreed to donate this extract to start 10 informal studies in the US. Each study will enroll 40-50 people and the study will last 6 months.

Contact David Stokes - his number is (617) 424-9195 - and he will mail you the study protocol and informed consent form. You will have to have blood tests done by your doctor, and will have to pay for these yourself if your insurance company doesn't cover them. A PCR test is requested, and this can cost as much as $200. If you are unable to get a PCR test, a p24 antigen test will be accepted.

If you have just started any new medications, you will have to wait 2 months before starting the SPV-30. You are asked not to change your other drug treatments and supplements for six months. Blood tests are required every 2 months. You are responsible for having the blood tests done and sending the results to the doctor who is overseeing the study. If your insurance doesn't cover the blood tests required for the study, or if you're unable to provide the required information on the forms, SPV-30 can also be bought from buyers clubs. Call The Network for a referral to a buyers club or for more information about this study. If you are already taking this proposed treatment, please call us and let us know about it.


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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

Copyright © 1995 - AIDS Treatment Data Network. If you want to copy, reproduce or excerpt this information, please give us a call at (800) 734-7104. This helps up to keep track of where and how this information is being used. You can also Email us at network@atdn.org  http://206.179.124.69/network/index.html

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1995. AEGIS.