Compositions and methods for combination antiviral therapy

Abstract

The present invention relates to therapeutic combinations of [2-(6-amino-purin-9 yl)-1-methyl-ethoxymethyl]-phosphonic acid diisopropoxycarbonyloxymethyl ester (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, Viread®) and (2R,5S,cis)-4-amino-5-fluoro-1-(2 hydroxymethyl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)-(1H)-pyrimidin-2-one (emtricitabine, Emtriva™, (−)-cis FTC) and their physiologically functional derivatives. The combinations may be useful in the treatment of HIV infections, including infections with HIV mutants bearing resistance to nucleoside and / or non-nucleoside inhibitors. The present invention is also concerned with pharmaceutical compositions and formulations of said combinations of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine, and their physiologically functional derivatives, as well as therapeutic methods of use of those compositions and formulations.

Description

[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Nos. 60 / 440,246 and 60 / 440,308, both filed Jan. 14, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates generally to combinations of compounds with antiviral activity and more specifically with anti-HIV properties. In particular, it relates to chemically stable combinations of structurally diverse anti-viral agents. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and related diseases are a major public health problem worldwide. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) encodes at least three enzymes which are required for viral replication: reverse transcriptase (RT), protease (Prt), and integrase (Int). Although drugs targeting reverse transcriptase and protease are in wide use and have shown effectiveness, particularly when employed in combination, toxicity and development of resistant strains have limited their use...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine for the treatment of HIV infections. The combination has been found to be chemically stable and to have a synergistic effect, reducing the side effects of each individual component. The combination can be used in a pharmaceutical composition or formulation, and is particularly useful in patients who have developed resistance to other antiviral agents. The invention also includes a method for treating or preventing HIV infections by administering the combination to an infected animal. The combination can be formulated for oral or other routes of administration, and is expected to have a simplified dosing schedule and increased patient compliance.

Problems solved by technology

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and related diseases are a major public health problem worldwide.

Although drugs targeting reverse transcriptase and protease are in wide use and have shown effectiveness, particularly when employed in combination, toxicity and development of resistant strains have limited their usefulness (Palella, et al N. Engl. J. Med.

Unfortunately, a high percentage, typically 30 to 50% of patients currently fail combination therapy due to the development of drug resistance, non-compliance with complicated dosing regimens, pharmacokinetic interactions, toxicity, and lack of potency.

However, it must be noted that combinations of compounds can give rise to increased cytotoxicity.

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