Table 1 lists both drugs approved by the FDA and drugs in clinical trial. These approved drugs form the first line defense against the spread of the viral infection. Sixteen other drugs have also been approved for HIV-related infections. These include agents for the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma, MAC, PCP, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, and herpes. As of November 1994, there are an additional 107 AIDS medicines in testing.
Cytokines are medicines which regulate or modify the growth of specific cells.
Immunomodulators modulate the response of the immune system to viruses. In conclusion, it is important to address the prospects for the development of an anti-HIV vaccine. Clearly, a vaccine is the ultimate method of prevention. The FDA has canceled the clinical trials of two of the early vaccine candidates because of lack of evidence of effectiveness. The development of anti-HIV vaccines is extremely difficult because of the wide range of serotypes of HIV which exist.