Where can I get information about amprenavir, a new PI, curretnly available only through clinical research studies?

Thanx,

D. Apgar, Pharm.D.

Well - you can certainly send in your questions to us - since I am a co-investigator on Phase III studies of amprenavir and have followed the data carefully as it has been presented. Or you can call Glaxo - as they have a team on the research side who can send what is publicly available so far.

But briefly, it is an active protease inhibitor, with potency likely to be similar to the others in the market though of course it is too soon to know for sure. It is dosed twice a day, without regard for food intake. Initial side effect pattern has most frequently been a rash - mild, transient - in about 20%. Other side effects - diarrhea, fatigue, and such, are relatively infrequent and usually mild in severity. And it has a resistance pattern that has differences at least initially from others in current use.

In terms of efficacy - the largest study presented so far showed about 80% suppression in the first 24 weeks in the usual azt/3tc/amprenavir combination in largely antiviral naive pts. Other studies, including using it in PI experienced/resistant patients - have been very small - and indirect reports show at least transient suppression in about 30%.

In terms of drug-drug interactions - there are some, and more data are forthcoming on this.

Hope that helps. Write if you need more.

CC