New drug lowers resistance

Women who were given a mixture of tenofovir and emtricitabine, in addition to Boehringer Ingelheim's HIV drug nevirapine, had a reduced resistance to HIV medication, a new trial has found.

According to a study, which is reported in the medical journal the Lancet, female trialists were 53 per cent less likely to have a higher resistance to the treatment.

Scientists conducted the research on HIV-infected pregnant women who were receiving healthcare in Zambia and Lusaka.

Following the investigation, it is alleged that a single dose of the nevirapine during labour can help prevent mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission. It is also said to be cheap, easy to use and safe.

Results of the trials indicate that the drug can lower the chances of the newborn inheriting the Aids virus by around 40 per cent.

Boehringer Ingelheim states on its website that it is "committed to improving HIV therapy by providing physicians and patients with innovative antiretroviral drugs".

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