ACTG 5095: Triple Nucleosides Redux

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, AZT + 3TC + abacavir performed well, but efavirenz-based therapy was even more effective.

The appeal of triple-NRTI therapy with fixed-dose AZT + 3TC + abacavir is its simplicity. Despite concerns regarding lower antiretroviral efficacy -- especially in patients with high baseline viral loads -- the convenience of this single-pill, twice-daily regimen and the absence of significant drug interactions have made it preferable in some cases to more complex PI-based combinations. Indeed, three clinical trials comparing this regimen with indinavir (two studies) or nelfinavir (one study) showed largely similar antiretroviral responses among study arms, especially in the two studies that were open-label. In the current study (ACTG 5095), AZT + 3TC + abacavir was compared for the first time with efavirenz-based regimens.

Eligible subjects…

Reviewing Author

Paul E. Sax, MD

ACTG 5095: Triple Nucleosides Redux

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Reviewing Author