Earlier diagnosis of HIV infection is now possible by
screening blood samples in one big pool rather than separately. Researchers
'zoom in' on the infected sample(s) by repeatedly testing different pooled
combinations. This technique picks up new infections much earlier
FTC vs d4T
Triangle Pharmaceuticals announced that all patients receiving
d4T in study FTC-301 will be switched to the investigative drug emtricitabine
(FTC), after a review found that participants receiving FTC were significantly
more likely to have a viral load below 50 copies. FTC is a similar compound
to 3TC, and shares the same resistance profile. However, previous studies
have shown that the mutation M184V - associated with resistance to 3TC
- is much slower to arise if you take FTC, rather than 3TC, on a detectable
viral load.
Zambia to offer combo therapy
The Zambian Health Minister has announced that an HIV therapy
programme for 10,000 adults will begin before the end of the year. The
pilot scheme will begin at eight sites across Zambia and use a selection
of generic antiretrovirals .
page 8 of 8
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