New Study Released On World AIDS Day Measures HIV Anti-Retroviral Regimens Safety And Efficacy
Story Summary: Among the 797 patients initiating therapy with higher viral loads (100,000 copies per milliliter or more), the researchers found that those given Epzicom (a combination of abacavir and lamivudine) had twice as many virologic failures as those given Truvada (a combination of tenofovir DF and emtricitabine) after a median of 60 weeks of treatment. As we mark Worlds AIDS Day this year, we can celebrate the fact that there are many effective therapeutic options for the treatment of HIV-infected individuals and much ongoing research, like this study, to further refine and optimize the management of this disease. Those regimens included Epzicom or Truvada with either Sustiva(efavirenz) or Reyataz(atazanavir) plus Norvir(ritonavir). The researchers checked on the patients medical conditions at 4, 8, 16 and 24 weeks after they entered the trial – then every 12 weeks thereafter for the duration of the study. Among the research volunteers who initiated therapy with high viral loads, viral failure occurred in 57 patients receiving Epzicom and in 26 patients taking Truvada. This study and others like it help guide physicians and their patients in determining the optimal therapy for each individual with the goal of providing the safest and most effective regimens possible, said Dr. Daar. The study, entitled Abacavir-Lamivudine versus Tenofovir-Emtricitabine for Initial HIV-1 Therapy, appears in the Dec. 3, 2009 issue of NEJM. Source New England Journal of MedicineAny medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions. For more information, please read our terms and conditions….Read the Full Story
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