Scientists at the 16th International AIDS Conference said 46% of the patients who received Prezista along with background medication suppressed the virus to levels that were hardly detectable following 48 weeks of treatment.
Sharon Walmsley, M.D., of the Toronto Hospital said, "These studies show that treatment with TMC114 (the former designation for Prezista) provides sustained antiretroviral efficacy and tolerability for these treatment-experienced patients.
Stefano Vella, director of drug research and evaluation for the Instituto Superiore di Sanita in Milan commented, "I think this is a good drug."
Vella added, "We will be able to use this drug with other medications such as Fuzeon (enfuvirtide), the fusion inhibitor, to give these patients a new chance to control the virus."
The FDA has given rapid approval to Prezista, combined with a low level of the protease inhibitor ritonavir (Norvir).
Prezista and other third generation protease inhibitors are made so that they can fight viruses that mutate to strains resistant to other drugs. Dr. Walmsley's study included patients carrying viruses with multiple mutations; this includes major mutations that get rid of at least one of the classes of HIV fighting drugs.
Dr. Walmsley concluded, "Overall, those who do best are those who have more options."
