Gilead Sciences Inc. has begun Phase I/II testing of a topicalformulation of GS 504 for treatment of herpes simplex virus(HSV) in AIDS patients who are unresponsive to acyclovir.

The company announced that the first patient in the 10-centerplacebo-controlled study is being enrolled at the University ofCalifornia, San Francisco/Mount Zion Medical Center. The studywill evaluate whether once-a-day use of topical GS 504, alsoknown as HPMPC, is safe and has activity against resistantlesions.

An intravenous formulation of GS 504 is currently in PhaseI/II trials in AIDS patients with asymptomatic cytomegalovirusinfection. Gilead (NASDAQ:GILD) of Foster City, Calif., said thedrug has shown anti-CMV activity with IV dosing of once-a-week or less. -- Brenda Sandburg

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