BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON: INTRAVENOUS DEXTRAN SULFATE STUDY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Johns Hopkins University Medical Center needs volunteers for a small study of intravenous dextran sulfate. Participants must be p24 positive, not using AZT, and not using certain other drugs unless they could go off them for the two weeks of the study.

Ten to 12 volunteers are being sought. They will need to spend two weeks in the hospital research center, described as a comfortable setting. There is no expense involved, and volunteers will receive much free laboratory testing and medical attention. The study's purpose is to follow the effect of intravenous dextran sulfate on p24 levels, and also to find the best ways to administer the drug. One patient has already completed the study; the effect on p24 is not yet known, however, as the blood samples were frozen and will be tested together as a batch in order to improve accuracy.

Dextran sulfate shows very good anti-HIV activity in the test tube. But when taken by mouth it seems to be poorly absorbed in its active form. The small studies conducted so far have shown little evidence of antiviral efficacy of the oral drug, although anecdotal reports suggest that some people may benefit. Because of the drug's good laboratory results but poor oral absorption, the intravenous test is an obvious next step, and one which has long been awaited.

Intravenous dextran sulfate has routinely been used in Japan. However, the intravenous product there (for example, MDS Kowa A) has a different sulfur content (three to six percent) than the oral version which had been tested against HIV (17 to 20 percent). Therefore it has been unclear whether or not the intravenous drug in use in Japan would have antiviral activity. According the the Johns Hopkins group, the version they are using, from Ueno Fine Chemicals, Ltd. in Japan, has been tested for anti-HIV activity, and also has been in human use in that country.

Persons interested in volunteering can call Linda Nerhood at 301/955-7703, or Charles Flexner, M. D., at 301/955-9712.