Anti-Retroviral Therapy: Clinical Trials of Efficacy

This session presented a list of scientific clinical trials. The discussion after each presentation focused on the scientific aspects of each study. Dr Mana fielded inquiries into the appropriateness of dual versus triple therapy in the RLS. She felt that dual therapy was ethical and effective as shown by her results. Dr Boyd discussed the toxicity effects of IDV and how relevant it was to the stopping of therapy or dose reductions. Dr Manier noted that the high prevalence of TB in HIV infected populations can be effectively addressed with the use of ARV's in a cost effective manner. Dr Cardiello commented on the use of lower doses of SQV in the RLS, which are supported by adequate PK curves and clinical efficacy. Dr Kiat supported those assertions of Dr Mana that while triple therapy is better than dual therapy, dual therapy was still effective over no treatment. This cost effective strategy, though not optimal, has a role in the RLS. Finally, Dr Jushi provided the results of an ARV/ Punvarine trail. He emphasised that more clinical trials are needed for non-conventional nature herbal treatments that are more affordable than current ARV's. Perhaps it would be more useful to change the study design. Since the efficacy of ARV's are already known, it may be more useful to test on e group with ARV versus a second group with ARV's plus Punarvine.