Dextran Sulfate

Japanese research published in The Lancet (June 13, 1987, page 1379) suggests that this antiviral could have major
importance.
* In the laboratory, dextran sulfate (sometimes spelled "sulphate") worked as well as AZT against the AIDS virus. But
the combination of dextran sulfate and AZT together worked much better than either one alone.
* In humans, dextran sulfate has been used for more than 20 years in Japan, mainly for arteriosclerosis. Side effects
have been small. It is sold without a prescription, and taken orally. The cost is small, about $1. a day.
* The researchers strongly suggest that dextran sulfate be studied as a treatment for persons with AIDS and ARC. San Francisco General Hospital and other medical centers are or will be conducting clinical trials.
This writer knows one person who has used dextran sulfate for three weeks after obtaining it through family connections in Japan. He is enthusiastic about the results so far.
One possible drawback: researchers suspect that this drug may not cross the blood-brain barrier. But even if not, it
could have important uses, perhaps in combination with other treatments.
The researchers do not know the mechanism of the antivira action. There are indications that it may inhibit reverse
transcriptase.
We will publish more information as it becomes available.
Note: Our earlier article on dextran sulfate ("Japanese Antiviral Discovery", AIDS Treatment News May 22 1987) reported laboratory work by a different researcher on dextran sulfate in combination with heparin. The research reviewed above is more relevant to human use.