Tenofovir, also known as Viread, is a type of anti_HIV drug called a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Tenofovir is not a major breakthough — it is not as potent as, say, the protease inhibitor indinavir (Crixivan). However, advantages with tenofovir include once_daily dosing and it may be useful against HIV that is resistant to 3TC (Epivir, lamivudine). Tenofovir will likely be approved for use only in people who have previously used anti_HIV medications.

Until then, the manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, is making tenofovir available at no cost for physicians to give to some people with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) in the following countries:

• Canada
• United States
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• United Kingdom

Gilead will consider requests for tenofovir from physicians in Canada for their patients with the following profile:

• 18 years or older
• viral load – at least 10,000 copies (Amplicor), or about 5,000 copies of bDNA (Chiron)
• CD4+ count – 100 or fewer cells OR between 101 and 200 cells if any opportunistic infections have occurred in the past 90 days
• failure of at least two protease inhibitors (PI) or a PI and a non_nuke

For more information about the tenofovir expanded access program or to register patients in Canada and the United States, physicians can phone: 1.877.226.8802. Physicians in Europe can call this number: 33.1.44.90.34.46

A CATIE Fact Sheet about tenofovir is in development and will be available shortly on our website at www.catie.ca.

20011010
CATE12208

Copyright © 2001 - TreatmentUpdate. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Editor, The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, 555 Richmond St. West, Suite 505, Box 1104, Toronto, ON, M5V 3B1 • Phone: 416-203-7122 • Toll Free: 1-800-263-1638 • Fax: 416-203-8284  http://www.catie.ca.

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. 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.