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Vicriviroc is an experimental entry inhibitor developed by the Schering-Plough Research Institute. Vicriviroc is also sometimes called SCH-D, its former code name.
Vicriviroc binds to a protein on the membrane of T-cells called CCR5. Once it does this, HIV cannot successfully bind with the surface of T-cells, thus preventing the virus from infecting healthy cells.
Vicriviroc is believed to be more powerful than SCH-C, Schering-Plough's first entry inhibitor that is no longer in development.
Vicriviroc will most likely need to be used in combination with other anti-HIV drugs.
What is already known about vicriviroc?
A dose for vicriviroc has not yet been determined, though ongoing studies are investigating a dose of 30mg once daily. Vicriviroc is being studied in a pill form, which means that it can be taken by mouth. Vicriviroc will only need to be taken once a day.
Vicriviroc will likely be active against HIV that is resistant to other entry inhibitors, including Fuzeon (enfuvirtide).
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 determined. Other than pulmonary tuberculosis in one patient, no opportunistic infections were documented during an AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) study. There were no reports of liver toxicity or new cancers during the extended follow-up period.
In one phase IIb study people taking vicriviroc were no more likely to have side effects than people taking a placebo.
Studies are ongoing or being planned to determine what side effects may be associated with vicriviroc.
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).
Last Revised: January 13, 2009
This content is written by the editorial team at AIDSmeds.com.
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vicriviroc
belongs to a class of anti-HIV drugs called 
Check My Meds
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.
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.