Antiviral treatment of feline immunodeficiency virus-infected cats with (R)-9-(2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)-2,6-diaminopurine.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), the causative agent of an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in cats (feline AIDS), is a ubiquitous health threat to the domestic and feral cat population, also triggering disease in wild animals. No registered antiviral compounds are currently available to treat FIV-infected cats. Several human antiviral drugs have been used experimentally in cats, but not without the development of serious adverse effects. Here we report on the treatment of six naturally FIV-infected cats, suffering from moderate to severe disease, with the antiretroviral compound (R)-9-(2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)-2,6-diaminopurine ([R]-PMPDAP), a close analogue of tenofovir, a widely prescribed anti-HIV drug in human medicine. An improvement in the average Karnofsky score (pretreatment 33.2 ± 9.4%, post-treatment 65±12.3%), some laboratory parameters (ie, serum amyloid A and gammaglobulins) and a decrease of FIV viral load in plasma were noted in most cats. The role of concurrent medication in ameliorating the Karnofsky score, as well as the possible development of haematological side effects, are discussed. Side effects, when noted, appeared mild and reversible upon cessation of treatment. Although strong conclusions cannot be drawn owing to the small number of patients and lack of a placebo-treated control group, the activity of (R)-PMPDAP, as observed here, warrants further investigation.
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium elien.taffin@ugent.be.
Elien
E
Taffin
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
Dominique
D
Paepe
Okapi Sciences NV, Heverlee, Belgium.
Nesya
N
Goris
Okapi Sciences NV, Heverlee, Belgium.
Joeri
J
Auwerx
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
Mariella
M
Debille
Okapi Sciences NV, Heverlee, Belgium.
Johan
J
Neyts
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
Isabel
I
Van de Maele
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
Sylvie
S
Daminet
D000225:Adenine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002415:Cats; D016181:Feline Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D016089:Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline / Q000187:drug effects*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous / Q000662:veterinary; D017567:Karnofsky Performance Status; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects
C090125:9-(2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)-2,6-diaminopurine; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D000225:Adenine