The Safety and Antiviral Efficacy of Stavudine Extended Release Formulation as Compared to Stavudine Immediate Release Formulation, Each as Part of Potent Antiretroviral Combination Therapy

Patients are randomized to receive blinded stavudine extended release (d4T ER) or immediate release (d4T IR) formulation. Randomization is balanced by screening HIV viral load of less than 30,000 copies/ml or at least 30,000 copies/ml and by site. Patients also receive open-label efavirenz (EFV) and lamivudine (3TC). Efficacy is evaluated over 48 weeks of the dosing period and safety is evaluated over the entire dosing period (56 weeks).