Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors in HIV/AIDS Therapy / Edition 1

by Gail Skowron, Richard Ogden

Overview

A magisterial survey of all aspects of the reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) used to treat HIV/AIDS, including drug discovery, pharmacology, development of drug resistance, toxicity, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. The authors synthesize our current understanding of the role of reverse transcriptase in the viral life cycle, describe the discovery and development of eight nucleoside and nucleotide analogs that represent milestones in treatment history, and thoroughly discuss the question of toxicity and resistance to this class of drugs. They also address three non-nucleoside RTIs and their pharmacokinetics and comparative clinical efficacy, new RTIs currently under development, and the impact of approved agents on treatment, in general, and on vertical transmission in the developing world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781588296498
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	05/01/2006
Series:	Infectious Disease
Edition description:	2006
Pages:	528
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.05(d)

Table of Contents

Structural Studies on HIV Reverse Transcriptase Related to Drug Discovery.- Zidovudine, Lamivudine, and Abacavir.- Stavudine, Didanosine, and Zalcitabine.- Emtricitabine.- Nucleotide Analogs.- Resistance to Nucleoside and Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors.- Pharmacokinetics of Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors.- Peripheral Neuropathy Associated With Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Therapy.- Mihondrial Dysfunction and Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Therapy.- Mihondrial Toxicity and Lipodystrophy.- Nevirapine.- Efavirenz.- Delavirdine.- Resistance to Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors.- Vertical Transmission of HIV and Therapeutic Interventions.- New Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors in Development.- Antiretroviral Drugs for Millions.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Mark D. Goodman, MD (Creighton University Medical Center)
Description: Drs. Skowron and Ogden have edited a large and somewhat unwieldy book that goes into great detail about the creation and discovery of reverse transcriptase inhibitors. This first edition covers each of the compounds (presumably in order of discovery?) with subsequent chapters on side effects and toxicity. The final chapter discusses medication access and policy in the (primarily) developing world.
Purpose: The purpose is to "enlighten, inspire and guide those involved in antiviral drug discovery, and those involved in the care and treatment of persons living with HIV." Certainly noble objectives, but a tall order for any author or editor.
Audience: The book is written for medical caregivers involved in patient care, but also researchers and pharmacology research and development folks, according to the author. Credibility is evident throughout.
Features: The book covers in minute detail the discovery and uses of each of the antiretrovirals as they are discovered. The illustrations are magnificent cellular models that have no practical use for the provider, although might invoke rapt interest in the researcher. Chapters later in the book are of more use and interest to the clinician, discussing as they do, resistance, vertical transmission, neuropathy, and mitochondrial toxicity. The final chapter is a conundrum. A lengthy exhortation on the failure of governments and policy makers with discussion of generic manufacture and adherence issues is totally out of character with the rest of the book. Some of the other shortcomings are inherent in the production of a book: deleverdine ceasing production, new combination therapies added in the postscript (i.e.: Atripla), difficulties in finding individual drug warnings (I had to really search to find the pregnancy warnings for effavirenz).
Assessment: To summarize, I feel the book is better suited to chemists, historians, and academicians, as it has less appeal for clinicians. Well researched and crafted, but far too "muddy" for those of us in the field.

Doody's Review Service

From the reviews:

"This book will appeal to medical students needing a detailed review of area … . It is most suitable for libraries … . The individual chapters are authoritative and comprehensive … . a source for in-depth and specific information." (Mark Harris, Microbiology Today, November, 2006)

From the Publisher