HPA-23

HPA-23 is an antiviral drug that was developed in the 1980s. It is a nucleoside analogue, which means it mimics the structure of the building blocks of DNA and RNA. This allows it to interfere with the replication of viruses.

History

HPA-23 was first synthesized in the late 1970s by the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research. It was initially developed as a potential treatment for cancer, but was later found to have potent antiviral properties. In the 1980s, it was used experimentally to treat patients with AIDS, but was eventually discontinued due to its severe side effects.

Mechanism of Action

HPA-23 works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is crucial for the replication of retroviruses like HIV. By blocking this enzyme, HPA-23 prevents the virus from making copies of itself.

Clinical Use

Despite its initial promise, HPA-23 was never widely used in clinical practice. Its severe side effects, which include kidney damage, liver damage, and anemia, made it too risky for most patients. However, it was used experimentically in a small number of AIDS patients in the 1980s.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of HPA-23 are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious side effects include kidney damage, liver damage, and anemia. These side effects are often severe enough to require discontinuation of the drug.

See Also

• Antiviral drug
• Nucleoside analogue
• Reverse transcriptase