Media [International Conference on AIDS (11th: 1996: Vancouver, Canada)]

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS XI Internali
D D~f~D A~Conference
on AIDS
Vancouver
July 7-12, 1996
Track A: Basic Science
Many exciting developments in 1995/96 have occurred in the basic or laboratory sciences. Basic research is
fundamental in discovering the molecular structure of HIV itself, as well as testing different chemicals and drugs
against HIV in the test tube.
Several new discoveries will spark intense discussion. For example, chemical messengers called "chemokines" will
be shown to prevent HIV from entering blood cells, a step that is necessary for HIV replication.The chemokines
are thought to work in conjunction with the CD4 cell docking site of the virus.The premise of this research is
that by understanding the structure of chemokines and the mechanism by which they close the door on HIV,
drugs that mimic this action may be developed."We have known for a while that the CD4 receptor was acting
with another agent," says Dr. Michael O'Shaughnessy, Program Co-Chair."Now we think we have a clue as to
what it is."
Another hot issue remains our ability to measure the amount of virus floating in the blood. Some new drug
combinations appear to "eradicate" HIV from the blood stream. But most researchers acknowledge that the
assays (tests) available to measure this "viral load" are less than adequate. Procedures to increase the sensitivity
of the viral tests are crucial to truly understand the effectiveness of these combinations.And, even if the virus is
eradicated from the blood stream, many debates are expected on whether these drugs can also eliminate HIV
from lymph nodes, various kinds of cells and other places with the body that it is known to penetrate.
"Eradication is a very strong term;" O'Shaughnessy says. "While I'm very excited about the possibility, my motto
is 'show me.' Then I'll get really excited."
Track B: Clinical Science
Combinations of different classes of drugs appear to dominate treatment discussions. Several sessions will be
presented on the use of Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) like AZT and ddl in combination
with Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs) such as nevirapine.While both of these drug
categories target the same enzyme, each are active against a different site on the enzyme."These new results are
some of the most encouraging data we've seen in years," says Program Co-Chair, Dr.Julio Montaner,"I'm looking
forward to discussing the possibilities for continued research in this area with my colleagues."
Protease inhibitors are another class of drugs under intense study.Targeting a completely different area than
NRTIs and NNRTIs, the protease inhibitors appear to work well in combination with these other drugs.
While HIV can tolerate an initial "hit" from a drug like AZT, we know that the virus can easily learn to
mutate away from the drug. But when hit at one site, then hit again at another and another, HIV appears
to have more trouble mutating to avoid the barrage.
The decrease in viral burden that these combinations produce have been shown to postpone
progression to AIDS in many people. However, no one knows if these drugs will continue to suppress the virus
on a long term basis.Also, many of these drugs are so toxic that some people can't tolerate them.These issues

will also be discussed and debated throughout the Conference.

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