Many Doubts Still Shroud New Drug To Fight... (Press, 16 October 1986)

On 16 October 1986, it was reported that a new drug called azidothymidine (AZT), developed by Burroughs-Wellcome, has shown promise in slowing the progression of AIDS in some patients. Initial tests conducted at various medical centres in the United States since February indicated that AZT, when taken orally four times a day, could make a significant difference for AIDS patients. In a study involving 282 participants, half received AZT while the other half were given a placebo. The results were notable, with only one patient on AZT dying compared to 16 recipients of the placebo. Additionally, those on AZT experienced fewer serious complications, including those with AIDS-related complex (ARC). The U.S. Public Health Service announced that AZT will be made available at no cost to patients who meet certain criteria, specifically those who have developed Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) within 90 days of their AIDS diagnosis and have had only one instance of the pneumonia. This limits eligibility to approximately 6,000 of the estimated 10,000 AIDS sufferers in the U.S. The announcement raised concerns among doctors regarding the pressure they might face to obtain the drug for patients who do not meet these strict eligibility requirements, particularly as the supply is limited. While AZT has been shown to interfere with the progression of AIDS, it does not cure the disease. Caution has been advised by health officials regarding the long-term effects and potential risks associated with the drug, as some patients have experienced severe bone-marrow toxicity and anaemia while on AZT. Moreover, the decision to limit its usage was partially motivated by the need to ensure that alternative treatments, currently in development, can also be explored. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expediting the approval process for AZT, and if sufficient evidence of its effectiveness can be gathered from the new patients starting the treatment, it may be commercially available by early 1987. This prospect has positively impacted the stock market, causing shares of Wellcome to rise by 20 per cent. Despite the limited immediate market of around 6,000 patients likely to benefit from the drug, there is growing concern about the larger population of up to 2 million individuals who may carry the HIV virus and could be inclined to seek treatment, although it remains uncertain whether AZT would be advantageous or detrimental for them. This situation highlights the evolving crisis surrounding AIDS treatment and the urgent need for effective therapeutic options.

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