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Therapy other than reverse transcriptase inhibitors for HIV infection.

Antiretroviral drugs against HIV infection have been developed that inhibit various stages of the HIV replication cycle. Agents other than reverse transcriptase inhibitors are reviewed with particular attention to those under study in clinical trials, including inhibitors of the virus-encoded protease enzyme. In addition, innovative strategies using gene therapy are described. It is concluded that combinations of agents may be the best approach for minimizing toxicity and reducing or delaying the emergence of drug-resistant virus during therapy.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[Impact of reverse transcriptase inhibitors on sperm mitochondrial and genomic DNA in assisted reproduction techniques].

For the last ten years, antiretroviral therapy (ARV) has improved the prognosis in HIV-1 infection and showed a better control of the viral excretion by reducing viral shedding in semen. However, nucleoside analogues reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) therapy reported important adverse effects. Most of these side effects observed seem to be linked with a common mechanism: mitochondrial activity alteration. Since the introduction of protocols for HIV-1 serodiscordant couples, with male infected partners under NRTI therapy, many results in the literature such as: semen characteristics and pregnancies, drew the attention of research teams. Many studies have suggested that NRTI has an affect on semen parameters, but proposed mechanisms of these effects have rarely been discussed. NRTI have a great affinity for the reverse transcriptase of HIV-1. Because many NRTI are not only inhibitors of reverse transcriptase but also inhibitors of the DNA polymerase beta and gamma, several toxic effects can be considered. Nevertheless, this specificity is not absolute and "accidental" incorporations of NRTI can occur on genomic sperm DNA. Only one study on genomic sperm DNA with patients under NRTI therapy was published without concluding results. Recently, studies have suggested that NRTI exposure could induce an alteration on mitochondrial energy-generating ability of spermatozoa. NRTI are known to induce an increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species, which results in the degradation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Deltapsim). This loss of Deltapsim can tend to release some specific apoptosis factors, such as cytochrome c, that initiates programmed cell death. Sperm DNA fragmentation, associated to apoptosis, was reported as a possible cause of recurrent pregnancy loss. If the incorporation of NRTI was reported in genomic DNA of somatic cells, the absence of data on the genomic sperm DNA justifies further studies concerning the effects of paternal exposure to NRTI on the genomic material of the male gamete, in particular because of its implication in the zygote development after fertilization.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance among patients failing a nevirapine plus protease inhibitor-containing regimen.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of nevirapine resistance in patients failing a nevirapine plus protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen, and whether these isolates remain susceptible to other non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI). DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective cohort study in two tertiary university hospitals. PATIENTS: Eighty-eight HIV-infected, NNRTI-naive patients receiving nevirapine plus PI as a rescue regimen after PI treatment failure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Genotypic and phenotypic resistance data at inclusion (73 and 60 plasma samples, respectively) and after 24 weeks (53 and 42 samples). RESULTS: Baseline phenotypic susceptibility to nevirapine was found in 70% of patients, and similar data were observed for efavirenz (91%) and delavirdine (71%). NNRTI resistance-associated mutations were found in 11 patients (12.5%). At 24 weeks, resistant isolates to nevirapine were found in 92% of patients, and correlated with similar resistance to efavirenz (68%) and delavirdine (73%). In the genotypic analysis, the Y181 C mutation was observed in 76% of mutants, and the most common changes were a combination of mutations at positions Y181C/K103N (23%) and the single mutation Y181C (15%). The development of nevirapine resistance was associated with baseline resistance to PI included in the regimen (P= 0.01). For isolates containing the single amino acid substitution Y181C, 29% remained fully susceptible to efavirenz, whereas 14% showed intermediate resistance to efavirenz and delavirdine. CONCLUSION: The failure of a nevirapine plus PI-containing regimen is associated with nevirapine resistance in most patients, with the most common mutation occurring at amino acid residue 181. Although there is a high degree of cross-resistance among NNRTI, nearly one third of resistant isolates carrying the single Y181C mutation remain susceptible to efavirenz.

Adult↗

Low prevalence of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level < 1 mmol/L in non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor recipients.

Our objective was to compare the prevalence of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) level < 1 mmol/L in non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and protease inhibitor (PI) recipients in an unselected HIV-positive population. All HIV-positive patients living in Oslo who attended our outpatient clinic from April 1, 2000 to April 1, 2001 were invited to a study of cardiovascular risk factors. In this substudy, 40 NNRTI recipients and 124 PI recipients were included. Prevalence of HDL-c <1 mmol/L was 7.5% in the NNRTI recipients compared with 35.5% in the PI recipients (P <0.001). In the multivariate analyses, use of NNRTI was a significant protective factor (odds ratio [OR] 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05-0.66; P = 0.01) and elevated triglycerides a significant risk factor (OR 3.40; 95% CI 1.47-7.86; P = 0.004) for low HDL-c level. Our study shows that NNRTI recipients have a more favourable HDL-c profile than PI recipients, even when possible confounding factors are taken into account.

Adult↗

Contribution of nucleoside-analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy to lipoatrophy from the population to the cellular level.

OBJECTIVES: It has been proposed that the contribution of nucleoside-analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) therapy to subcutaneous fat wasting involves adipose tissue-specific mitochondrial DNA toxicity. We have investigated the relationships between NRTI therapy, adipocyte mitochondrial DNA content, evidence of toxicity in adipose tissue and fat wasting in Caucasian male Western Australian HIV Cohort study participants. METHODS: Longitudinal mixed effects analysis of fat wasting was undertaken in individuals receiving initial stavudine- or zidovudine-containing highly active antiretroviral measurements). Adipocyte mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion was also assessed according to current NRTI therapy in 92 subcutaneous fat biopsies from 69 HIV-positive individuals and seven healthy controls, and results were correlated with fat wasting among a subset of patients with biopsy data receiving initial stavudine- or zidovudine-containing HAART (n = 22, 103 DEXA measurements). Confocal microscopy was performed in 22 obtained after initiating/switching NRTI therapy. RESULTS: Stavudine therapy was associated with more severe adipocyte mitochondrial DNA depletion (P < 0.001) and fat wasting over time (P = 0.002) compared with zidovudine therapy in independent analyses. Among patients with concurrent biopsy and longitudinal DEXA data, fat wasting was associated with duration of NRTI therapy (P = 0.001) and adipocyte mtDNA copies/cell (P = 0.01). In this analysis, the significant association between choice of stavudine versus zidovudine and fat wasting (P = 0.03) was lost after adjustment for the effect of mtDNA depletion (P = 0.13). Confocal analysis provided direct evidence of a relationship between severity of adipose tissue toxicity and mitochondrial DNA depletion. No significant effects of HIV protease inhibitor therapy were detected in these analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of subcutaneous fat wasting is primarily determined by choice of NRTI therapy (stavudine versus zidovudine) and by duration of exposure to the relevant NRTI. At the cellular level, evidence is provided that this effect manifests through NRTI-induced mitochondrial DNA depletion.

Adipocytes↗

Distribution of K103N and/or Y181C HIV-1 mutations by exposure to zidovudine and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Our aim was to identify whether zidovudine has a role in the emergence of the K103N resistance mutation in the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase gene on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). No difference was found in the exposure to zidovudine or major zidovudine mutations between the resistance patterns K103N-/Y181C+, K103N+/Y181C- and K103N+/ Y181C+, either in group A (patients on nevirapine and previously NNRTI naive) or in group B (on any NNRTI and experience of two or more NNRTIs including nevirapine). Group B patients had the highest prevalence of K103N+/Y181C+. In conclusion, zidovudine seems not to determine the emergence of K103N; however, there appears to be an accumulation of NNRTI resistance mutations with sequential use of NNRTIs.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and high-field nuclear magnetic resonance characterization of novel mixed diconjugates of the non-nucleoside human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor, efavirenz.

Efavirenz (Sustiva) is a potent and specific inhibitor of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and is approved for the treatment of HIV infection. The metabolism of efavirenz in different species has been described previously. Efavirenz is primarily metabolized in rats to the glucuronide conjugate of 8-OH efavirenz. Electrospray ionization-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses of bile samples from rats dosed with either efavirenz or with 8-OH efavirenz revealed three polar metabolites, M9, M12, and M13, with pseudomolecular ions [M-H](-) at m/z 733, 602, and 749, respectively. The characteristic mass spectral fragmentation patterns obtained for metabolites M9 and M13 suggested that these were glutathione-sulfate diconjugates, and the presence of a glutathione moiety in metabolite M9 was confirmed by liquid chromatograpy/nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of bile extracts. Metabolite M12 was characterized by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry as a glucuronide-sulfate diconjugate. Unambiguous structures of M9, M12, and M13 were obtained from one-dimensional proton and carbon NMR as well as proton-proton (correlated spectroscopy, two-dimensional shift correlation), proton-carbon heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation, and long-range proton-carbon (heteronuclear multiple bond correlation) correlated two-dimensional NMR analyses of metabolites isolated from rat bile. The mass spectral and NMR analyses of M10, which was isolated from rat urine, suggested a cysteinylglycine-sulfate diconjugate. The isolation of these polar metabolites for further characterization by NMR was aided by mass spectral analyses of HPLC fractions and solid phase extraction extracts during the isolation steps. The complete characterization of these novel diconjugates demonstrates that further phase II metabolism of polar conjugates such as sulfates could take place in vivo.

Alkynes↗

Pharmacokinetic properties of nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Options for antiretroviral therapy in patients infected with HIV continue to expand as new drugs are integrated into treatment regimens. Nonetheless, nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs/NtRTIs) remain the backbone of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). With the approval of emtricitabine in 2003, there are now 8 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved NRTIs/NtRTIs. Several of these agents are effective as once-daily therapy, including didanosine, lamivudine, extended-release stavudine (FDA approved, but not currently available), tenofovir DF, and emtricitabine. Recent results from pharmacokinetic and clinical trials indicate that another NRTI, abacavir, may also be effective as a once-daily therapy, and FDA approval of once-daily dosing is anticipated. NRTIs are inactive as administered, requiring anabolic phosphorylation within target cells to achieve their antiretroviral effects. All NRTIs are converted to nucleoside triphosphates, which serve as the active metabolites (the NtRTI, tenofovir DF, only requires conversion to the diphosphate form). Frequency of drug administration is closely related to the pharmacokinetic properties of a drug. The key parameter is the half-life; however, the plasma elimination half-life of the NRTIs/NtRTIs as administered is of little use in developing a dosing schedule. Rather, the intracellular half-life of the nucleoside triphosphate is the relevant parameter. This article reviews the pharmacokinetic properties, particularly those of the various phosphorylation steps, of the NRTIs/NtRTIs.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

In vivo dynamics of the K103N mutation following the withdrawal of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected patients.

To investigate the dynamics of the K103N mutation following the withdrawal of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), we selected the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected patients with the mutation at the time or after the failure of an NNRTI-containing regimen from an observational database. Of 62 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 39 continued antiretroviral treatment without NNRTIs (group A), whereas 23 discontinued all antiretrovirals after NNRTI failure (group B). A total of 149 tests were analysed, with a median (IQR) of two (2-3) tests/patient. The overgrowth of wild-type virus at position 103 was observed in 14 subjects in group A (36%) and nine in group B (39%). No significant trend was found in relation to the disappearance of K103N variants in either group, but patients tested while receiving antiretrovirals had a significantly higher probability of retaining the K103N mutation over 24 months than those tested during treatment interruption (P = 0.007). In conclusion, following NNRTI discontinuation, HIV variants carrying the K103N mutation are not overgrown for long by wild-type quasispecies at this position in the majority of patients, although treatment interruption favours their disappearance. This suggests that the K103N mutation per se has little impact on viral fitness in vivo.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase mutants resistant to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors do not adversely affect DNA synthesis: pre-steady-state and steady-state kinetic studies.

We have previously demonstrated that nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-resistant mutants have different levels of replication fitness relative to wild type; those with greater reductions in fitness are less likely to develop during therapy in patients. We have also found that reductions in rates of RNase H cleavage by mutant RTs correlate with reductions in fitness and that NNRTI-resistant RTs catalyze polymerization with a processivity similar to wild type. In this study, we evaluated the polymerase function of 3 clinically occurring NNRTI-resistant RTs (K103N, P236L, and V106A) in greater detail, under both pre-steady-state and steady-state conditions. The overall pathway of single-nucleotide incorporation was unchanged for the mutant RTs compared with wild type. In addition, the NNRTI-resistant mutants were each similar to wild type in rate of nucleotide incorporation (kpol), affinity for dGTP (Kd), and steady-state rate of polymerization (kss and kcat), using either RNA or DNA templates. These findings suggest that the close proximity of the NNRTI-resistance mutations to the polymerase active site does not affect the interactions of the enzyme with the incoming nucleotide or the primer-template sufficiently to affect polymerization and support the hypothesis that these reductions in RNase H activity contribute to reductions in replication fitness.

Base Sequence↗

Sublimation characterization and vapor pressure estimation of an HIV nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor using thermogravimetric analysis.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the sublimation process of DPC 963, a second-generation nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor for HIV-1 retrovirus, and to better understand the effect of sublimation during active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacture and formulation development, especially the drying processes. Sublimation of DPC 963 at 150 degrees C and above was determined by thermogravimetric analysis-Fourier transform infrared (TGA-FTIR). The rates of sublimation at different temperatures were measured using isothermal TGA. Condensed material was collected and analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and infrared (IR) spectrometry. Benzoic acid was used as a reference standard to derive a linear logarithmic relationship between sublimation/evaporation rate and vapor pressure specific to the TGA system used in this study. Sublimation and evaporation of DPC 963 were found to follow apparent zero-order kinetics. Using the Eyring equation, the enthalpy and entropy of the sublimation and evaporation processes were obtained. The enthalpies of sublimation and evaporation were found to be 29 and 22 kcal/mol, respectively. The condensed material from the vapor phase was found to exist in 2 physical forms, amorphous and crystalline. Using benzoic acid as a reference standard, vapor pressure of DPC 963 at different temperatures was calculated using the linear logarithmic relationship obtained. DPC 963 undergoes sublimation at appreciable rates at 150 degrees C and above but this is not likely to pose a serious issue during the manufacturing process. Vapor pressure estimation using thermogravimetric analysis provided sufficient accuracy to be used as a fast, simple, and safe alternative to the traditional methods of vapor pressure determination.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Intravaginal ring delivery of the reverse transcriptase inhibitor TMC 120 as an HIV microbicide.

TMC 120 (Dapivirine) is a potent non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that is presently being developed as a vaginal HIV microbicide. To date, most vaginal microbicides under clinical investigation have been formulated as single-dose semi-solid gels, designed for application to the vagina before each act of intercourse. However, a clear rationale exists for providing long-term, controlled release of vaginal microbicides in order to afford continuous protection against heterosexually transmitted HIV infection and to improve user compliance. In this study we report on the incorporation of various pharmaceutical excipients into TMC 120 silicone, reservoir-type intravaginal rings (IVRs) in order to modify the controlled release characteristics of the microbicide. The results demonstrate that TMC 120 is released in zero-order fashion from the rings over a 28-day period and that release parameters could be modified by the inclusion of release-modifying excipients in the IVR. The hydrophobic liquid excipient isopropyl myristate had little effect on steady-state daily release rates, but did increase the magnitude and duration of burst release in proportion to excipient loading in the IVR. By comparison, the hydrophobic liquid poly(dimethylsiloxane) had little effect on TMC 120 release parameters. A hydrophilic excipient, lactose, had the surprising effect of decreasing TMC 120 burst release while increasing the apparent steady-state daily release in a concentration-dependent manner. Based on previous cell culture data and vaginal physiology, TMC120 is released from the various ring formulations in amounts potentially capable of maintaining a protective vaginal concentration. It is further predicted that the observed release rates may be maintained for at least a period of 1 year from a single ring device. TMC 120 release profiles and the mechanical properties of rings could be modified by the physicochemical nature of hydrophobic and hydrophilic excipients incorporated into the IVRs.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

A randomized trial comparing regimens of four reverse transcriptase inhibitors given together or cyclically in HIV-1 infection--the Quattro Trial. Quattro Steering Committee.

OBJECTIVES: To assess if cyclical therapy with four reverse transcriptase inhibitors is less toxic and as active, based on virological and immunological markers, as the same four drugs given together over a 64-week period. METHODS: An open randomized trial comparing concurrent therapy (T4) with zidovudine, lamivudine, loviride and zalcitabine with the same four drugs given cyclically each for 8 weeks (C4) and with concurrent zidovudine and lamivudine (T2), all given for a total of 64 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in plasma HIV RNA level from baseline at weeks 32 and 64. Phenotypic and genotypic resistance, CD4+ cell counts, and clinical and laboratory assessments of safety were also compared. Patients were followed for up to a further 32 weeks beyond 64 weeks. Eligible patients had CD4+ cell counts between 50 and 350 x 10(6)/l and no prior antiretroviral therapy. RESULTS: One hundred individuals (34 T4, 34 C4, 32 T2) were recruited between 31 July 1995 and 11 July 1996, of whom 22 had AIDS; the mean (SD) HIV RNA at baseline was 4.9 (0.7) log10 copies/ml and the median (interquartile range) CD4+ cell count was 170 (100-260) x 10(6)/l. A total of 28 T4, 19 C4 and 26 T2 participants were still on the allocated regimen at week 64. A new AIDS event or death was reported in three T4, seven C4 and five T2 participants (P = 0.7). Serious adverse events that were likely to be drug related were observed in three T4, one C4 and four T2 participants. The reduction from baseline in HIV-1 RNA (log10 copies/ml) was greatest in the T4 arm; at 32 weeks the mean reduction (SD) was 1.45 (0.72), 0.42 (0.45) and 1.05 (0.70) in T4, C4 and T2 respectively (global P = 0.0001) and at week 64 1.24 (0.86), 0.73 (0.91) and 0.78 (0.55) respectively (P = 0.02). The pattern of CD4+ change mirrored the changes in HIV RNA. Very few mutations associated with resistance to loviride or zalcitabine were seen. The mutation at codon 215 associated with zidovudine resistance was detected (> 5% of population mutant) in 11 out of 24 T4 participants compared with three out of 21 C4 and 11 out of 20 T2 participants at week 64 (P = 0.02). Further assays of viral resistance including phenotypic assays are ongoing and results will be reported separately.

Adolescent↗

In vitro selection for different mutational patterns in the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase using high and low selective pressure of the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor HBY 097.

In vitro resistance of HIV-1 against high levels of HBY 097 ((S)-4-isopropoxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-3-(methylthiomethyl)-3, 4-dihydro-quinoxaline-2(1H)-thione) and other quinoxaline nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) is characterized by a specific amino acid substitution in the reverse transcriptase (RT), Gly 190Glu. This change results in decreased RT polymerase activity and in reduced growth properties of the corresponding viral variant. Here we show that the appearance of the crippling mutation at codon 190 can be prevented by lowering the selective pressure exerted by HBY 097. Under low selective pressure an accumulation of other NNRTI-specific mutations is observed. Up to five NNRTI-specific substitutions were detected in some of these virus lineages. In addition, we report novel RT amino acid changes which were not observed previously, including Val106lle, Val106Leu, and Gly190Thr. HBY 097 selects for different mutational patterns under high and low selective pressure conditions, respectively. Thus, the type of mutations which appear in HIV-infected patients undergoing therapy may be determined by the levels of the selecting drug.

Antiviral Agents↗

Cross-strand purine-pyrimidine stack and sheared purine.pyrimidine pairing in the human HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Cross-strand homo purine-purine (G-G or A-A) stacks and sheared purine.purine pairing have been found to be important motifs in nucleic acid duplex structures. We now report novel cross-strand purine-pyrimidine (A-C) and hetero purine-purine (G-A) stacks that are established from a sheared purine.pyrimidine (A.C) pair adjacent to a sheared G.A pair in the 5'-AA/GC-3' sequence. This "internal loop" sequence is conserved in two families of single-stranded DNA inhibitors of the reverse transcriptase of type 1 human immunodeficiency virus. The distorted backbone of these inhibitors, resulting from the unique helical twists and kinks in the 5'-AA/GC-3' sequence, may be responsible for the increased affinities of these single-stranded DNA inhibitors as compared with other regular B-form duplex substrates. Two simple rules have been generalized to account for all reported cross-strand stacks.

Base Pairing↗

Nonlinear pharmacokinetics of efavirenz (DMP-266), a potent HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor, in rats and monkeys.

Efavirenz (EFV, Sustiva, Stocrin, DMP-266, L-743,726) is a potent and selective non-nucleoside inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Pharmacokinetics of EFV was studied in rats and monkeys, the safety assessment species. In rats, after 2 and 5 mg/kg i.v. administrations, the mean CLp, Vdss, and T1/2 were 67 ml/min/kg, 5.0 liters/kg, and 1 h, respectively. EFV was metabolized completely, and the products were excreted almost exclusively via bile. At the higher dose of 15 mg/kg, the CLp was reduced by 36%, implying saturation of metabolism processes. A similar phenomenon occurred in monkeys, where the CLp declined by 60% as the i.v. dose was increased from 5 to 15 mg/kg. After oral dosing, the bioavailability of EFV in rats (10 mg/kg) and monkeys (2 mg/kg) was 16% and 42%, respectively. Higher doses in both species led to disproportionate increases in the AUC and higher Tmax values, suggesting saturation of metabolism and/or prolongation of absorption. The delay in Tmax was more pronounced in monkeys where the plasma concentrations reached plateaus and were sustained for 4 to 20 h. In rats, the prolongation of absorption was due to delayed gastric emptying as demonstrated by >10-fold slower transit of [14C]polyethylene glycol through the stomach of EFV-pretreated animals. The delayed gastric emptying in monkeys also was observed when the animals dosed at 160 mg/kg exhibited emesis, 8 h postdose, which was found to contain a substantial portion of the dose. These results demonstrated that in rats and monkeys, both delayed gastric emptying and saturation of metabolic processes played significant roles in the nonlinear pharmacokinetics of EFV.

Alkynes↗

Antiviral activity of 4-benzyl pyridinone derivatives as HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

In this overview, the antiviral properties of the Curie-pyridinone compounds, a new class of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) developed as anti-HIV agents, are described. These compounds are hybrids between hydroxyethoxymethyl-phenylthiothymine (HEPT) and Merck pyridinones. Several structure-activity relationships (SAR) studies between HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and the Curie-pyridinones are described. The Curie-pyridinones are potent inhibitors of both HIV-1 replication in cell culture and of HIV-1 RT activity in vitro. They are specific to HIV-1 and do not inhibit the replication of HIV-2. The mechanism of inhibition is non-competitive with respect to the natural substrate dGTP. For these reasons, the Curie-pyridinones can be considered as non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV-1 RT. Moreover, they have the unusual ability to reach the reverse transcription complex inside the extracellular virions and may therefore be useful as retrovirucides. This might lead to the design and synthesis of new drugs able to interact with the retroviral enzyme inside the viral core.

Journal Article↗

Expanded-spectrum nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors inhibit clinically relevant mutant variants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

A research program targeted toward the identification of expanded-spectrum nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors which possess increased potency toward K103N-containing mutant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and which maintain pharmacokinetics consistent with once-a-day dosing has resulted in the identification of the 4-cyclopropylalkynyl-4-trifluoromethyl-3, 4-dihydro-2(1H)quinazolinones DPC 961 and DPC 963 and the 4-cyclopropylalkenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-3, 4-dihydro-2(1H)quinazolinones DPC 082 and DPC 083 for clinical development. DPC 961, DPC 963, DPC 082, and DPC 083 all exhibit low-nanomolar potency toward wild-type virus, K103N and L100I single-mutation variants, and many multiply amino acid-substituted HIV type 1 mutants. This high degree of potency is combined with a high degree of oral bioavailability, as demonstrated in rhesus monkeys and chimpanzees, and with plasma serum protein binding that can result in significant free levels of drug.

Amino Acid Substitution↗