GlaxoSmithKline drug recommended in new HIV guidelines

A GlaxoSmithKline co-produced drug has been recommended for the treatment of patients with HIV.

Lexiva, a HIV protease inhibitor, has been included in guidelines by the International Aids Society (IAS). The drug used in conjunction with ritonvair as a recommended option for protease inhibitor-based treatments for adults suffering from HIV.

Recent research suggested that Lexiva can offer similar efficacy and safety to Iopinavir when both are taken twice daily as part of HIV treatment for those starting therapy. As a consequence the IAS has included Lexiva as a recommended constituent of initial retroviral therapy.

PharmaLive reports that the new guidelines state that “choice of initial drug centres on acceptability; predicted tolerance; pill burden; comorbid conditions; short-term, mid-term and long term adverse event profiles”.

Mark Shaefer, director of clinical development of HIV medicine development at GlaxoSmithKline, commented: “We are pleased to see that the guidelines committee has recognized Lexiva as an important treatment option for patients with HIV.”

Lexiva is used for the treatment of HIV in combination other antiretroviral drugs, though patients have been advised that those suffering allergic reactions to it or to Agenerase should avoid the drug.

This is because certain patients have experienced high blood sugar and worsening diabetes with haemophiliacs experiencing worsening conditions having taken the drug.

Protease is an enzyme HIV requires in order to propagate new viruses. By blocking the protease inhibitors, HIV cannot replicate and hence infect new cells, hence reducing the chance of other opportunistic infections when taken in combination with other drugs.

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