Effects of human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors on the intestinal absorption of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in vitro

Ritonavir-boosted darunavir: a powerful option for treatment-experienced HIV-1-infected patients

Darunavir is a HIV protease inhibitor with potent activity in vitro against a broad range of HIV-1 strains and isolates containing multiple protease inhibitor resistance-associated mutations. Its bioavailability increases when co-administered with low-dose ritonavir, or if taken with a meal. Darunavir (in combination with ritonavir) has been approved for treatment of antiretroviral drug-experienced patients with limited therapeutic options. Clinical trials demonstrated significant efficacy with darunavir/ritonavir 600/100 mg twice daily plus optimized background regimens, with sustained response after 48 weeks and no major safety and tolerability concerns. Clinical trials assessing its efficacy in earlier treatment failure have been favorable, however, its role in the treatment of naive patients has not yet been defined.

HIV and malaria co-infection: interactions and consequences of chemotherapy

The global epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and malaria overlap because a significant number of HIV-infected individuals live in regions with different levels of malaria transmission. Although the consequences of co-infection with HIV and malaria parasites are not fully understood, available evidence suggests that the infections act synergistically and together result in worse outcomes. The importance of understanding chemotherapeutic interactions during malaria and HIV co-infection is now being recognized. We know that some antimalarial drugs have weak antiretroviral effects; however, recent studies have also demonstrated that certain antiretroviral agents can inhibit malaria-parasite growth. Here, we discuss recent findings on the impact of HIV/AIDS and malaria co-infection and the possible roles of chemotherapy in improving the treatment of these diseases.