ddI (dideoxyinosine) is one of a group of promising anti-HIV drugs called nucleoside analogues. Like AZT and other analogues, it works by inhibiting replication of HIV and reducing the rate atx which cells become infected with the virus. It has no effect on cells already infected with HIV, however, and is not a cure for HIV infection.
In June 1989, NIAID* Director Dr. Anthony Fauci proposed a "parallel track" system for the early release of drugs that have not been fully approved by the FDA*. When implemented, the program will make promising drugs available to people who do not qualify for clinical trials or who have failed on approved therapies.
Current public health guidelines call for prophylaxis against PCP for people with HIV infection who have fewer than 200 or less than 20% T-helper cells. Yet physicians of the County Community Consortium in San Francisco are reporting PCP among a significant number of patients with T-helper cell counts in the 200-300 range.
Neuropathy is the name given to a group of disorders whose symptoms may range from a tingling sensation or numbness in the toes and fingers to paralysis.
Several studies suggest that plasmapheresis is a safe, effective treatment for some individuals with HIV related peripheral neuropathy, specifically those with either Guillain Barr syndrome* or CIDP.
Two small uncontrolled* studies suggest that PWA who are infused with p24 antibody rich blood plasma* from healthy HIV positive individuals may experience at least transient clinical improvement.
Phase I trials of soluble CD4* in Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Bethesda show no toxic side effects with the doses tested. Results of earlier test tube studies demonstrated that the genetically engineered CD4 serves as a decoy that "tricks" HIV into attaching to it instead of white blood cells. Researchers hope the drug will act the same in humans infected with HIV, soaking up free floating virus and preventing it from infecting new cells.
"Its specificity is uncanny." Michael McGrath, MD, PhD, Director of the AIDS/Immunobiology Research Laboratory at UCSF affiliated S.F. General Hospital. Early Tests Promising For New AIDS Drug.
Donald Abrams, MD is the Assistant Director of AIDS Activities at San Francisco General Hospital, where he has been the principal investigator of dextran sulfate.
The Stanford AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) is actively recruiting patients for the following studies. For additional information about these trials or trials under development, call the Stanford AIDS Clinical Trials Unit office.
AIDS/HIV EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT DIRECTORY -- The American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR) publishes this quarterly manual. It is intended primarily for physicians. $10 per issue or $30 per year (free to PWA, PWARC, and HIV+).
This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.