Disease



Acquired immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is an illness caused by a chronic infection with a retrovirus named Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The breakdown of the immune system resulting from HIV infection leads to increasing susceptibility to other infections and immune disorders. It is estimated that over 33 million people are currently infected with HIV.

Therapy and Challenges



Since the first reports on AIDS in the early eighties, significant progress has been made. The impact of combining antiretrovirals from different classes in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the morbidity and mortality of HIV-infected individuals has been dramatic. HIV/AIDS is becoming more of a manageable, chronic illness.



However, challenges remain to be met. Due to the combination of extremely high levels of virus production and a high mutation rate, growing resistance causes some anti-HIV drugs to become less effective over time. Hence, for some classes of anti-HIV agents, compounds with improved potency to resistant HIV and a higher genetic barrier to resistance development are needed. Sub-optimal drug levels also facilitate the emergence of resistant HIV, making adherence to therapy very important. Adherence could be improved by more patient-friendly dosing regimens. Tibotec is currently exploring long-acting drug combinations that may allow once monthly injections to replace the current daily pills.



In addition, long-term toxicity resulting from both the infection and the use of existing treatments are an increasing concern. The only way to truly address the long-term toxicity issue is to eliminate the need for treatment and to that end Tibotec is actively engaged in research to cure HIV/AIDS by finding agents and treatment regimens that will reactivate the latent virus in the body and thereby eradicate the reservoir that causes viral rebound following cessation of HAART therapy.



For more information on HIV and AIDS, please visit www.tibotec-hiv.com.