1592U89 & AZT

1592U89 & AZT

AIDS Treatment Update, No. 44, August 1996
Edward King

1592U89 is a new nucleoside analogue (similar to AZT, ddI, ddC, d4T and 3TC). Researchers reported on the safety and effectiveness of four weeks' treatment with 1592 alone, at one of three doses, followed by eight weeks of either continued 1592 monotherapy, or combination therapy with 1592 plus AZT. The study enrolled thirty people who had received less than 12 weeks of prior AZT.

During the four weeks of 1592 monotherapy, four out of five patients receiving the highest dose (400 mg/day) had viral load fall to undetectably low levels (below 200 copies/ml). The average fall in viral load after four weeks was between 1.2 and 1.9 log, with the highest dose producing the largest fall. This reduction was sustained for a further eight weeks in those who continued to receive 1592 alone, and fell further in those who added AZT. The combination of the highest dose of 1592 with AZT produced a average fall in viral load of more than 2.5 log after 12 weeks.

1592 caused side-effects of nausea, headache and insomnia, with the highest rate of nausea in the group receiving the highest dose. Four patients discontinued because they couldn't tolerate the drug; two due to nausea, and two with rash and fever.

In animals, 1592 has been shown to have good penetration into the central nervous system, and unlike AZT it does not affect mitochondrial DNA, thought to be the mechanism which leads to long-term muscle damage (Th.B.294).

960810
ATU4409

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1996. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

Copyright © 1996 - AIDS Treatment Update. Permission granted for noncommercial reproduction, provided that our address and phone number are included if more than short quotations are used. Subscription lists are kept confidential. NAM Publications 16a Clapham Common Southside, London, England SW4 7AB; TEL: 01-71-627-3200 (from outside the UK: +44-171-627-3200); FAX: 01-71-627-3101 (from outside the UK: +44=171-627-3101) info@nam.org.uk http://www.nam.org.uk

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1996. AEGIS.