Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
- Alovudine (MIV-310, FLT): From Boehringer Ingelheim, this new med has shown good anti-HIV activity in virus that has resistance to other drugs in this class. In Phase II trials, side effects appear to be related to bone marrow damage.
- Elvucitabine (ASC-126, 443, Fd4C): Achillion Pharmaceutical's once per day drug that show good activity in HIV resistant to other drugs in this class. Unfortunately, trials with higher doses had to be halted due to severe bone marrow damage. Studies with lower doses are planned. The drug shows activity against hepatitis B as well.
- MIV-210: A drug in early Phase I trials, this entry from GlaxoSmithKline and Medivir has show good activity in HIV resistant to other meds in this class.
- Racivir: by Pharmasset is currently in Phase I & II trials. The goal for this drug is to be a once a day regimen. Studies have shown effectiveness even 2 weeks after the drug was discontinued.
- Reverset: by Incyte and Pharmasset is targeted for patients who have virus resistant to AZT and Epivir. Currently in Phase II trials, thus far the side effects appear to be minimal.
- SPD754: This entry from Shire Pharmaceuticals has shown good activity against virus resistant to Epivir. SPD754 is currently in Phase II trials.
Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
- Capravirine (AG1549):by Agouron Pharmaceuticals, this drug shows significantly better activity against wild type virus than Viramune or Rescriptor. In addition, in Phase II trials, resistance to Capravirine seems to develop much slower. It looks as if Capravirine will be dosed in 2 tablets taken twice daily.
- MIV-150: from Medvir and Chiron, this drug also shows good durability, remaining effective over longer periods of time before viral resistance occurs.
- TMC125: Currently in Phase II trials, this drug from Tibotec Virco is active against strains of HIV that have proven resistant to other NNRTIs.
- Calanolide A: Sarawak MediChem reports this drug crosses the blood brain barrier easier, possibly making it more effective in the treatment of PML. Derived from a plant found in the Rain Forest, it too is in Phase II Trials.
Protease Inhibitors (PIs)
- Aptivus (tipranivir): currently in Phase III Trials, this drug from Boehringer Ingelheim works well against virus already resistant to other PIs. It's being studied in combination with Norvir as a twice daily regimen. Unfortunately, GI side effects seems to be very common. Now Available
- GW640385: in very early Phase I trials, this drug from GlaxoSmithKline looks as if it will have good activity against wild type virus and virus resistant to other PI's. While dosing may be lower, it looks as if it will be combined with Norvir to boost its effectiveness.
- TMC114: another entry by Tibotec, this PI produces rapid drops in viral load but does cause significant GI side effects, headaches, and dizziness.
