Dawson and colleagues are trying to identify that receptor. They also are studying the mechanism by which nitric oxide causes brain cell death in the hopes of finding other potential drug targets. An indinavir liquid suspension for use in children with HIV infection will be tested using the NanoCrystal formulation. Indinavir is currently sold only in a capsule form. The study, to be conducted in Anchorage, AL, by Dr. Dennis Fisher at the University of Alaska has generated considerable controversy.
Critics charge the proposed trial is unethical.
Dr. Fisher is proposing to recruit current and former injection drug users and randomize them to two arms. Public Citizen's Health Research Group succeeded in delaying the grant to Dr. Fisher. The group also charged that there have been a number of studies verifying that needle exchange programs do prevent transmission of infectious disease without a concurrent increase in drug abuse. Dr. Varmus agreed to convene the expert panel to mull over the concerns. In the meantime, Public Citizen conducted its own study of needle availability though pharmacies in the Anchorage area, sending research assistants posing as injection drug users into 17 stores to attempt to buy syringes.