Delavirdine Mesylate; Can anybody tell me about it?

[Jonno]

I'm trying to find out about Delavirdine and would be grateful for
any information.

Jon.

[dmar...@bidmc.harvard.edu]

Delavirdine is an Upjohn Co. reverse transcriptase inhibitor currently
undergoing clinical trials across the country. It is a potent
non-nucleoside agent. Drug resistance can develop, as with other
agents. Contact the company for additional info.

[William Brunken]

It is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor;
that is it inhibits HIV replication by blocking RNA to DNA conversion
but by a mechanisms that is different than the nucleoside analogs (AZT,
ddI, 3TC etc). It is not yet available in the US as a prescription drug
but is available on compassionate access. I don't remember the name of
the company.

[JB&EB]

Jonno,
Delavirdine is a Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
(NNRTI), similar to FDA approved Nevirapine. Nevirapine is approved for use
in combo with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, although it is
being used with protease inhibitors. Delavirdine is in clinical trials and
is also available through expanded access for those who can't get on the
trials.
I've been using Delavirdine in combo with Crixivan, D4T, and 3TC for
over two months with great results, yet some side effects. Delavirdine is
known to increase Crixivan concentrations which in turn can increase side
effects from Crixivan. I've been experiencing spontaneous bleeding almost
daily, but I'm a hemophiliac and the general population hasn't had much
bleeding from protease inhibitors. The other side effect, which also occurs
with Nevirapine, is rash. For me it's been mild, and no major concern. Prior
to adding Delav. to Crix/D4T/3TC, my VL was 76,000 and CD4s 57. Two months
later my VL is <500 and CD4s 260, quite an improvement. I've had to cut my
Crix dose in half (400mg) to try to stop the bleeding, but that leaves a
risk for viral mutation and resistance, so we are watching it closely.
Delavirdine was recently denied recommendation for accelerated
approval by the FDA. You can probably get more info from Project Inform:
www.projinf.org.
Jeff Bonney