HIV Digest	HIV Digest Archive

Research presented at Ninth Conference on Retroviruses indicates a new approach to controlling HIV by blocking the virus' ability to get inside human cells.

The drug, an "entry inhibitor" called SCH C, was developed by Schering-Plough Research Institute. It is a small molecule that attaches itself to bumps found on human immune system cells, called ccR5 receptors. In order for HIV to enter a cell it must lock onto these receptors and SCH C blocks that entry.

In a preliminary eight-week study with 12 HIV patients who had been sick for many years, the SCH C drug proved reasonably effective without the aid of other HIV drugs. One side effect found is SCH C's effect on the uptake of calcium by heart muscle tissue. Patients who took the highest, and most effective, doses experience irregularities in their electrocardiograms. But taken in lower doses, in combination with other anti-HIV drugs, the effect probably would not be dangerous, said Dr. Jeffrey Laurence of New York Weill Cornell Center.

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One drug that could find its way into standard therapy for HIV is TNC-125 developed by the Belgian company Tibotec-Virco. TNC-125 affects the ability of HIV to replicate itself. TNC-125 is unique in its potency, which researchers found remarkable. Dr. Brian Gauvard of West-

minister Hospital in London tried the drug on 15 patients who were failing with other HIV therapies due to drug resistance. After one week on TNC-125, all patients showed remarkable decline in virus level. So far TNC-125 has showed no side effects more severe than headaches.

Editor's Note: from New York Newsday