GlaxoSmithKline reveals new Lexiva study

GlaxoSmithKline has shown that its protease inhibitor treatment, Lexiva, used as a treatment for HIV, may be used in conjunction with Nexium, the AstraZeneca drug, without any need for dose adjustments.

The results of a recent study found that blood levels of Lexiva remained unchanged after taking Lexiva as well as Nexium. Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat gastroesophageal reflux diseases and other disorders, which are common among HIV patients, according to GlaxoSmithKline. The company cites a survey which found that nearly 80 per cent used an over-the-counter antacid treatment, while 39 per cent used a proton pump inhibitor like Nexium.

The study was designed to see if the drugs interfere with one another.

Mark Shaefer, acting vice president of the HIV, infectious disease medicine development centre at GlaxoSmithKline, stated: “Drug interactions are an important consideration for all patients. Certain medications may be sensitive to the body’s normal environment.”

“If taken with another medication that lowers levels of stomach acid, it might have an effect on the levels of the protease inhibitor in the blood,” he added. The findings were published in the Journal of Acquired Immunodeficiency Disorder Syndrome.

Additionally, over-the-counter antacids were not found to have affected the levels of Lexiva found in the blood.

GlaxoSmithKline claims that Lexiva is the first protease inhibitor available without food or water restrictions. It was co-discovered by GlaxoSmithKline and Vertex.

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