In HIV positive patients, which had taken 400mg of Acyclovir, which is a Herpes treating preparation, had 17% less occurrence of HIV development, if they had not taken antiretroviral therapy. This unusual results had been received after trials, which were intended to determine if the HIV transmission is altered by anti-herpes drugs in pairs with varying HIV-status.

The achieved results have shown that anti-herpes drug have no effect on the transmission of HIV, however another interesting fact had been proven. Acyclovir had potentially extended the period, before antiretroviral therapy was administered in HIV-positive patients.

As a result of the research 3408 patients for a period of 24 months had taken 400mg of Acyclovir 2 times a day or a placebo. Two thirds of the participants were women. The patients taking Acyclovir were 19% less to engage in antiretroviral therapy and their clinical indices had improved. A connection between the risk of HIV development and acyclovir administration regime had also been proven. In patients who took 90% of acyclovir doses, the possibility of disease progression were 23% lesser, then in those who took less them 90% of the doses.

Filed under: Acyclovir