Based on the accumulated studies to date, it is expected that ABT-378/ritonavir will provide efficacy that is at least as good as (or superior to) nelfinavir when used in combination with reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Patients are equally randomized to one of two treatment arms. In one arm, approximately 330 patients receive ABT-378/ritonavir plus nelfinavir placebo. In the other arm, approximately 330 patients receive nelfinavir plus ABT-378/ritonavir placebo. In both arms, these protease inhibitors are blinded to the investigator, patient, and sponsor. Both arms receive open-label stavudine and lamivudine. Vital sign measurements, physical examinations, ECGs, routine clinical laboratory evaluations, and determinations of antiviral and immunologic activity are performed at intervals throughout the study.
