In Vitro Synergy of Abacavir and Mycophenolic Acid

Mycophenolic acid (MA) is currently used in organ transplantation. Using it in combination with abacavir appears to provide a similar synergy to that hydroxyurea provides for ddI. DM Margolis with the University of Baltimore Institute of human Virology in Baltimore reported at ICAAC that in vitro, MA with abacavir was potent and synergistic. MA combined with AZT or d4T was antagonistic. The amount of MA needed may be at a reduced dose than used in organ transplant thus possibly reducing potential for toxicity. Margolis reported that viruses with the 3TC M184V mutation displayed sensitivity to abacavir comparable to wild-type HIV. Viruses with abacavir mutations are being studied.