Renal Disposition and Drug Interaction Screening of (–)-2′-deoxy-3′-thiacytidine (3TC) in the Isolated Perfused Rat Kidney

Purpose. Dideoxynucleoside bases are used for the treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), acting by inhibiting reverse transcriptase and preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication. Currently, AZT (zidovudine), ddC (zalcitibine), and ddI (didanosine) are available to the medical community to prevent the onset of AIDS in HIV-infected individuals. 3TC (–)-2′-deoxy-3′-thiacytidine, lamivudine), a new dideoxynucleoside base, is currently undergoing Phase II/III trials, and has exhibited anti-HIV replication activity, a favorable adverse event safety profile, and is eliminated via renal mechanisms. Concomitantly administered drugs could potentiate the effects of 3TC due to interaction in the kidney.