New AIDS Drug Receives FDA Approval

WASHINGTON, DC-A new nucleotide analog has been passed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in an attempt to help the current list of anti-viral AIDS drugs.

Viread, manufactured by Gilead Sciences of Foster City, Calif., was created to help fight against the rapidly mutating virus that has managed to create a resistance to many current AIDS drugs. The once-a-day pill will be available by week's end. Side effects include moderate diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and flatulence.

In clinical trials of the drug, AIDS patients were found to have significant reduction in the amount of HIV cells in their bloodstream.

Viread is also known as tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Information from www.sfgate.com