Nevirapine synergistically inhibits HIV-1 replication in combination with zidovudine, interferon or CD4 immunoadhesin.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether synergistic inhibition of HIV-1 replication would result from the in vitro use of nevirapine in combination with zidovudine, interferon (IFN)-alpha 2C, and CD4 immunoadhesin.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor nevirapine (formerly BI-RG-587) was tested in combination with the other antiretrovial agents. Assays were performed on stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes infected with HIV-1. Virus replication was assessed by the release of viral p24 antigen into culture supernatants. The median-effect principle was used to assess for synergistic interactions of the combined agents.

RESULTS

Zidovudine, IFN-alpha 2C and CD4 immunoadhesin, when used in combination with nevirapine, synergistically inhibited HIV-1 replication in human peripheral blood lymphocytes compared with each agent used alone. Some analyses were also consistent with additive effects, but antagonism was not noted.

CONCLUSION

These in vitro findings provide a scientific basis for future trials with similar drug combinations.