Experience with the HIV protease inhibitor fosamprenavir in first-line antiretroviral therapy regimens in the Chelyabinsk Region

Objective. To evaluate the efficiency and economic advisability of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ARVT) regimens including fosamprenavir and ritonavir (FPV/r) in a dose of1400/100 mg once daily in previously untreated patients. Subjects and methods. The data on 43 adult HIV-infected patients were retrospectively analyzed. The proportion of patients with undetectable viral load and the levels of CD4 lymphocytes were estimated at 12, 24, 48, and 72 weeks; direct costs of test ARVT regimens were calculated. Results. The vast majority of patients achieved the undetectable level of viral load (HIV RNA < 150 copies/ml) just at 24 weeks of ARVT with FPV/r regardless of the prescribed nucleoside base. The maximum increment (+ 1158%) of CD4 lymphocyte count was noted in a group of patients receiving FPV/r in combination with abacavir/lamivudine (ABC/3TC). The ABC/3TC + FPV/r regimen proved to be more unprofitable; however, due to some benefits (once daily use, minimum pills load, favorable tolerability profile) it was optimal for patients in first-line ARVT. Conclusion. Once daily FPV/r in the first-line ARVT regimens showed its high efficiency irrespective of the used nucleoside base; the best immunological efficiency was demonstrated when FPV/r was taken in combination with ABC/3TC.

HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy, protease inhibitors, fosamprenavir