Viral infections, predominantly those of the herpes virus family, account for up to 16% of all clinically significant
infections in
AIDS patients.
Acyclovir has provided successful treatment in
AIDS patients suffering from severe
herpes simplex and herpes zoster virus
infections. Preliminary results are presented on newly developed
acyclovir analogues.
Desciclovir, an oral
prodrug of
acyclovir which is metabolized to
acyclovir in vivo, allows treatment of
virus infections per os, where high serum levels are needed, e.g. in
Epstein-Barr virus infections. BW B759U, another analogue of
acyclovir, has been used for the treatment of life-threatening or sight-threatening
cytomegalovirus infections in
AIDS patients. More than 80% of the patients treated for
retinitis experienced stabilization or clinical improvement.
Antiviral efficacy was demonstrated in 73% of the patients.
Azidothymidine, a
nucleoside analogue of
thymidine, has been developed specifically to treat the
HIV infection. Its
antiviral activity is based on inhibition of
reverse transcriptase. Phase I studies have demonstrated that
azidothymidine is well tolerated. Its ability to cross the blood brain barrier makes it an attractive candidate for treatment of HIV. Trials to determine efficacy are in progress.