Prevention of simian immunodeficiency virus, SIVsm, or HIV-2 infection in cynomolgus monkeys by pre- and postexposure administration of BEA-005.

Objective: To study the possibilities and limitations of postexposure treatment to prevent the establishment of infection after accidental exposure to HIV.

Design And Methods: The effect of 2,3'-dideoxy-3'-hydroxymethyl cytidine (B1 A-005) was investigated on acute simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and HIV-2 infections in macaques in pre- and postexposure treatment experiments.

Results: Postexposure treatment with BLA-005 (3 x 10 mg/kg) for as short as 3 days prevented infection with SIVsm after intravenous or rectal inoculation. Infection with HIV-2 could also be blocked by postexposure BFA-005 treatment.

Conclusion: This study shows that therapeutic intervention can block early systemic and mucosal infections with SIV and HIV-2. Further evaluation is ongoing.