Sitagliptin: Safe Drug for HIV Positive Patients

Patients suffering from HIV are not able to tolerate many diabetic drugs due to concerns that they will weaken the immune system….

The study included 20 HIV positive patients already taking HIV-drug cocktails to stabilize their immune systems. The patients either received sitagliptin or a placebo for six months. Researchers collected CD4 counts to assess whether sitagliptin had a negative effect on the immune system. The results showed that CD4 counts did not decline when patients started treatment on sitagliptin along with their HIV drugs. "Everyone came into the study with a viral load below the level that could be detected, and they all had healthy CD4 counts," Yarasheski explains. "Their viral loads remained undetectable throughout the study, and their CD4 counts did not decline."

"In our small study, the drug seems to be safe. Now, it needs to be tested in people who are HIV positive and have metabolic problems to see whether it can reduce their likelihood of developing diabetes," said senior investigator Kevin E. Yarasheski, PhD .

Goodwin SR, Reeds DN, Royal M, Struthers H, Laciny E, Yarasheski KE. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition does not adversely affect immune or virological status in HIV infected men and women: a pilot safety study. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 98 (2), pp. 743-751. Feb. 2013