Pronounced anti-HIV-1 activity of foscarnet in patients without cytomegalovirus infection.

Abstract

Combined therapy using reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease inhibitors is the current established treatment for HIV-1 infection. Foscarnet is an RT inhibitor that is a product analogue, in contrast to the widely used nucleoside analogues. In this study, the anti-HIV-1 effect of foscarnet, 50 mg three times per day administered intravenously for 4 weeks, was evaluated in 10 patients with minor or no symptoms. Serious adverse events developed in 2 patients, although most patients experienced some side effects. The levels of HIV-1 RNA decreased from a median value of 4.7 to 2.6 10log copies/ml. The effect was sustained through 4 weeks. One week after cessation of treatment, HIV-1 RNA levels increased to baseline. In contrast, no increase in the number of CD4+ cells was observed. The anti-HIV-1 effect was considered to be a direct effect on HIV-1 replication because no patient had concomitant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.

• Authors: S Bergdahl, B Jacobsson, L Moberg, A Sönnerborg
• Journal: Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes and human retrovirology : official publication of the International Retrovirology Association (J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol) Vol. 18 Issue 1 Pg. 51-3 (May 01 1998) ISSN: 1077-9450 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9593458 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• RNA, Viral
• Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
• Foscarnet
• HIV Reverse Transcriptase

Topics

• AIDS-Related Complex (drug therapy)
• Antiviral Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Foscarnet (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• HIV Reverse Transcriptase (antagonists & inhibitors)
• HIV-1 (drug effects, genetics, physiology)
• Humans
• Male
• RNA, Viral (blood)
• Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Virus Replication (drug effects)