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.

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.

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.

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

John Daye, NAPWA's Health, Treatments & Research Portfolio Co-Convenor reports from the 15th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) held in Boston, USA from 3-6 February 2008

A major scientific conference on HIV has wound up with promising news on treatments which could signal a significant improvement in HIV treatment for the first time in some years.

Finding effective treatment options for people who have taken many treatments and have multiple resistance mutations continues to be a significant challenge for HIV clinicians, and their patients.

Two new drugs have recently become available through the Special Access Scheme, providing people with limited treatment options two important new possibilities. KIRSTY MACHON reports.

Special Access Scheme (SAS) programs are now open to allow early access to two new antiretroviral drugs. This scheme allows for access to these medications while they are still in the final stages of clinical research.