Stavudine

Stavudine is an inhibitor of HIV reverse transcriptase and a derivative of the nucleoside thymidine (Item No. 20519).{53215} It inhibits HIV-1 replication in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs; EC50 = 8.8 nM). Stavudine reduces the synthesis of HIV-specific antigen in MT-4 cells when used at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 µg/ml and reduces HIV-induced plaque formation in MT-4 cells at 0.05 µg/ml.{29420} It reduces plasma- and cell-associated viral load in macaques infected with a highly pathogenic isolate of HIV-2.{53216} Stavudine induces sustained hind paw mechanical allodynia in a rat model of antiretroviral toxic neuropathy (ATN) when administered at a dose of 75 mg/kg twice weekly for five consecutive doses for a cumulative dose of 375 mg/kg.{53217} Formulations containing stavudine, in combination with other antiretrovirals, have been used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection.