IN-VITRO ANTI-HIV AND CYTOTOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE TRIPLE COMBINATION - AZT AND DDC WITH HIV PROTEINASE-INHIBITOR SAQUINAVIR (RO-31-8959)

A combination of three anti-HIV compounds (AZT, ddC and saquinavir) ha s been studied in vitro. In confirmation and extension of previous stu dies, a greater than additive effect was found against both HIV-1(GB8) and HIV-1(N1T), when any two compounds were combined. Synergy of acti on was also found against both virus strains when all three compounds were employed together. Cytotoxicological studies indicated that a hig h therapeutic index could be maintained for this treatment. The potent ial benefits of improved anti-HIV surveillance, reduced risk of the de velopment of resistance to the treatment and reduced requirement for d rugs in quantities that produce toxic side-effects support the extensi on of clinical trials of saquinavir to investigate this combination.