Reverse transcriptase activity (RTA) in lymphocyte cultures of HIV-infected patients receiving short treatments of HPA 23. A biological evaluation.
Ammonium tungsto antimoniate (HPA 23) is a potent inhibitor of nucleic acid polymerases and reverse transcriptases of retroviruses. Its in vivo activity as an HIV inhibitor was previously published. However, its clinical use is limited by pharmacological parameters (short half-life and intravenous administration) and significant side effects (thrombocytopenia). In order to evaluate the place of this drug in the therapeutic strategy of HIV-infected patients, we administered 1.5 mg/kg of HPA 23 in 15 infected patients at various stages of the disease twice a day during 14 days. A significant decrease of reverse transcriptase activity (less than 15% of the initial value) was noticed in 13 patients. This activity remained low at least 6 weeks after the end of the treatment in 8 patients. Thrombocytopenia was the only significant side effect reported and was always transient. This study suggests that HPA 23 can be used as an induction treatment in patients infected by HIV. A maintenance treatment has to be defined, as well as the association to other drugs.
Vittecoq
D
D
Department of Immunology, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France.
Woerle
R
R
Barre-Sinoussi
F
F
Chermann
J C
JC
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000965:Antimony / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000201:enzymology*; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000097:blood*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014414:Tungsten / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017973:Tungsten Compounds
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D017973:Tungsten Compounds; C009613:ammonium tungsten antimonate hydroxide oxide; D000965:Antimony; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase; D014414:Tungsten