New data about IDX899, an experimental next generation NNRTI, was presented at the International AIDS Conference, showing reduced viral load in test tube studies both in wild-type HIV and strains with NNRTI-resistance mutations.

A presentation at the International AIDS Conference looked at nanosuspension, a formulation of very small crystals which have been reduced to approximately twice the diameter of an HIV particle.

Follow-up results from a Phase II study of rilpivirine (TMC-278), Tibotec’s experimental next generation NNRTI, indicate that when combined with Truvada or Combivir, rilpivirine has comparable results to the leading NNRTI, efavirenz.

An experimental NNRTI, RDEA806, appeared to have strong antiviral activity and a favourable safety profile in a Phase II study presented at IAS 2008.

With increasing numbers of people with HIV developing non-AIDS illnesses, physicians are debating whether to start treatment earlier than is currently recommended.

In a disappointing finding from the REAL study, little difference was shown in visceral fat levels from those who shifted to atazanavir/ritonavir versus those remaining on their existing boosted protease inhibitor.

The International AIDS Conference heard promising reports about the newer HIV treatments designed to help treat people with advanced and drug-resistant HIV, all of which are now available in Australia.

A New Zealand company is working on an antiviral agent that utilises the immune system to fight flu, hepatitis and HIV.

An encouraging outcome of the DUET studies is that etravirine is effective against HIV mutations resistant to existing NNRTIs, efavirenz and nevirapine.

A warning has been issued by Tibotec, the manufacturers of Prezista (darunavir) regarding the risk of developing drug- induced hepatitis while taking the treatment.