|
|
 |
Vicriviroc (SCH-D)
en español
Pronunciation(s): veye-KRIH-ver-rock
What is vicriviroc?
- Vicriviroc is an experimental entry inhibitor being developed by Merck & Co, after acquiring the drug through the purchase of Schering-Plough.
- Vicriviroc binds to a protein on the membrane of CD4 cells called CCR5. Once it does this, HIV cannot successfully bind with the surface of CD4 cells, thus preventing the virus from infecting healthy cells.
- Vicriviroc will need to be used in combination with other HIV drugs.
- On July 14, 2010, vicriviroc's developer, Merck & Co, announced that it was discontinuing development of the drug.
What is already known about vicriviroc?
- The vicriviroc dose being studied in clinical trials is 30mg, taken by mouth once a day.
- In January 2010, Merck announced that it would not be seeking U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for vicriviroc, at least not for treatment-experienced patients, after two Phase III clinical trials failed to prove its superiority over available HIV medications.
- A Phase II/III clinical trial of vicriviroc in people starting HIV treatment for the first time is ongoing.
 Vicriviroc might interact with other medications, including those used to treat HIV. It is important that your personal physician and/or the research nurse or study investigator be aware of all drugs you are taking, including those you buy without a prescription.
What about drug interactions?
- Studies have already indicated that the PI Norvir (ritonavir) can increase vicriviroc levels in the bloodstream by 500% (Kaletra can have the same effect). The NNRTI Sustiva (efavirenz) can decrease vicriviroc levels by 80%, although this can be corrected by adding Norvir. Another study found no significant interactions with five of the most commonly used protease inhibitors, all of them boosted with low-dose Norvir.
- Studies to determine potential drug interactions are currently planned or ongoing.
What is known about side effects?
- The side effects of vicriviroc have not yet been fully determined.
- Because vicriviroc blocks the CCR5 coreceptor located on some immune system cells, there is a theoretical risk of developing infections and cancers. However, rates of infections and cancer appear to be no higher among patients receiving vicriviroc, versus those receiving placebo, in clinical trials completed thus far.
Who should not take vicriviroc?
 It is not known whether vicriviroc will harm an unborn baby. It is very important to treat HIV/AIDS during pregnancy to reduce the risk of infecting your baby. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
 It is not known whether vicriviroc passes into breast milk and what effect it may have on a nursing baby. To prevent transmission of the virus to uninfected babies, it is recommended that HIV-positive mothers not breast-feed.
Where can I learn more about clinical trials of vicriviroc?
- If you would like to find out if you are eligible for any clinical trials that include vicriviroc, there is an interactive web site run by ACRIA, the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America.
- Another useful service for finding clinical trials is AIDSinfo.nih.gov, a site run by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. They have "health information specialists" you can talk to at their toll-free number at 1-800-HIV-0440 (1-800-448-0440).
|
|
|
vicriviroc
belongs to a class of anti-HIV drugs called 
Check My Meds
