Comparison of Brovavir Versus Acyclovir in the Treatment of Herpes in HIV-Infected Patients

To compare the efficacy of oral sorivudine (brovavir) and oral acyclovir for the treatment of localized herpes zoster in HIV-infected patients. HIV-infected patients are at high risk for herpesvirus infections, including varicella-zoster virus ( VZV ) infections, also called shingles. Acyclovir, an approved drug, is widely used to treat VZV infections in the HIV population. Since no data from controlled studies are available to define the role of antiviral therapy for VZV infections in HIV-infected patients, a study is needed to test the relative efficacy of brovavir, an experimental antiviral drug, versus that of acyclovir. HIV-infected patients are at high risk for herpesvirus infections, including varicella-zoster virus ( VZV ) infections, also called shingles. Acyclovir, an approved drug, is widely used to treat VZV infections in the HIV population. Since no data from controlled studies are available to define the role of antiviral therapy for VZV infections in HIV-infected patients, a study is needed to test the relative efficacy of brovavir, an experimental antiviral drug, versus that of acyclovir. One hundred-eighty patients are randomized to receive either brovavir or acyclovir as follows: brovavir or its matching placebo once daily and acyclovir or its matching placebo five times daily. Treatment continues for 10 days. Entry into the study must occur within 72 hours of lesion development. Patients are followed in person daily or at regular intervals during study drug administration and on days 14, 21, and 28, and then monthly by telephone for 11 months thereafter.