A Proof‐of‐Concept Study of Short‐Cycle Intermittent Antiretroviral Therapy with a Once‐Daily Regimen of Didanosine, Lamivudine, and Efavirenz for the Treatment of Chronic HIV Infection

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Abstract
Background. We previously demonstrated that short-cycle structured intermittent therapy (SIT; 7 days without therapy followed by 7 days with antiretroviral therapy [ART]) with a ritonavir-boosted, indinavir-based, twicedaily regimen maintained suppression of plasma HIV viremia while reducing serum levels of lipids. Adherence to such a regimen may be problematic for certain patients. Methods. Eight patients with a history of receiving combination ART that maintained suppression of plasma HIV RNA to !50 copies/mL received a once-daily SIT regimen of didanosine, lamivudine, and efavirenz. Results. For 7 patients, suppression of plasma HIV RNA to + T cell counts or serum hepatic transaminase or lipid levels. Conclusion. A once-daily short-cycle SIT regimen maintained suppression of plasma HIV RNA while preserving CD4+ T cell counts. Such a regimen may have importance in resource-limited settings where the monetary cost of continuous ART is prohibitive.

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