HIV treatments

Clinical Trials

Wed, 30 Jun 2004 07:00:00 -0700

This fact sheet provides you with information and some questions to ask if you are considering participating in a clinical trialA clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase I tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase II expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase III expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IV takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. .

Lower dose darunavir better all round

Graham Stocks — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:59:53 -0800

A new, once-daily, lower dose of the protease inhibitorA type of anti-HIV drug that works by preventing the production of an enzyme, protease, that HIV needs to replicate. darunavir (Prezista) is available on the PBS[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs. from 1 December.

To date, the recommended dose has been 600mg taken twice-a-day along with 100mg of ritonavir. But this new daily dose is just 800mg boosted with a single dose of ritonavir.

The lower dosage of both drugs appears to have a much better side effectAn unwanted effect caused by the administration of drugs. Onset may be sudden or develop over time. profile.

New trial needs volunteers

Graham Stocks — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:08:39 -0800

At the conference, Julian Elliot from The Burnet Institute in Melbourne spoke of our ‘combo-prevention future’, where a successful vaccine and cure could potentially end the epidemic.

Rilpivirine as good as efavirenz

Graham Stocks — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:54:17 -0800

Dr Mark Bloch from Holdsworth House in Sydney presented the 48-week results of the combined ECHO and THRIVE studies which determined that the new NNRTI rilpivirine (RPV) is as effective as efavirenz (EFV) for first-line treatment.

Everyone in the studies received a nucleoside backbone to their treatment – in ECHO it was Truvada, in THRIVE it was tenfovir/3TC or abacavir/3TC.

Consumer Guide to Clinical Trials released

Graham Stocks — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:56:44 -0700

The Clinical Trials Action Group (CTAG) was established in October 2009 to identify and progress necessary reforms to secure Australia’s competitiveness in the clinicalPertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science. trials sector.

Following the release of the CTAG's report, the Consumers Health Forum was funded by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research to develop a factsheet to provide consumer-friendly information about clinical trials, in response to a recommendation for improved consumer access to information on clinical trials.

New treatment briefs

Graham Stocks — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:30:02 -0700

Adrian Ogier gives the low-down on latest antiretroviralA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. treatments.

Tenofovir vs abacavir: the saga continues

Graham Stocks — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:16:26 -0700

Compared to abacavir, tenofovir does increase bone mineral density (BMD) loss but not fracture risk, according to the results from the STEAL trial reported at the IAS Conference in Rome.

Prolonged process for approved drugs

Graham Stocks — Wed, 25 May 2011 23:22:03 -0700

The government caused turmoil by announcing in February that all new medicines will now require cabinet approval before they can be subsidised on the PBS[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs..

Ways and means to lower lipids

Graham Stocks — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:31:54 -0700

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDAThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all drugs, biologics, vaccines, and medical devices, including those used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection, AIDS, and AIDS-related opportunistic infections. The FDA also works with the blood banking industry to safeguard the nation's blood supply. The Australian equivalent is the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).) recently issued a warning to people taking the highest approved dose of simvastatin, a common cholesterolAn essential component of cell membranes and nerve fibre insulation, cholesterol is important for the metabolism and transport of fatty acids and the production of hormones and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver, and is also present in certain foods. High blood cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and may be a side effect of some anti-HIV medications.-lowering medication, that they have an increased risk of muscle injury compared to people taking lower doses of the drug.

News from IAS 2010

Graham Stocks — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:09:07 -0700

Adrian Ogier gives a round up of treatments news from the Vienna Conference.