To evaluate the safety and tolerance of topically applied SP-303T in AIDS patients. To observe the effect of this drug on herpes simplex virus lesions in patients who have failed to heal in response to oral or intravenous acyclovir therapy.

The lack of alternative treatments for herpes simplex virus infection in patients with AIDS and the development of resistance to acyclovir for patients requiring repeated treatment presents a therapeutic dilemma for physicians. SP-303T has good in vitro activity against resistant strains and offers a convenient and inexpensive means of drug administration in comparison to the use of intravenous medication.

The lack of alternative treatments for herpes simplex virus infection in patients with AIDS and the development of resistance to acyclovir for patients requiring repeated treatment presents a therapeutic dilemma for physicians. SP-303T has good in vitro activity against resistant strains and offers a convenient and inexpensive means of drug administration in comparison to the use of intravenous medication.

Patients receive 14 days (and up to 42 days) of treatment with topically applied SP-303T. SP-303T is applied directly onto herpes simplex virus lesions three times daily in a quantity sufficient to thinly cover the entire lesion, which may then be covered with an appropriate dressing, if needed. At the end of the treatment period, patients enter a follow-up period of 2 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria

Patients must have:

• HIV-1 infection.
• AIDS.
• Chronic mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, with one or more lesions unresponsive to oral acyclovir therapy.
• No uncontrolled infections other than HSV.
• Sufficient mental status to understand the purpose of the study and to comply with study requirements.
• Sufficient general health to be an outpatient and to come to the clinic for required follow-up visits.

Exclusion Criteria

Co-existing Condition:

Patients with the following symptoms or conditions are excluded:

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to citrus fruits, black currant berries, and rose hips.
• Any disease condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with evaluation of the study drug, affect patient compliance, or place the patient at increased risk.

Concurrent Medication:

Excluded:

• Other unapproved investigational new drugs.
• Concurrent other therapy for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection or medications with known activity against HSV.

Required:

• A minimum of 10 days of prior oral acyclovir (at least 1 g daily) or 10 days of prior intravenous acyclovir (15 mg/kg daily).