Glossary

biopsy – taking a small sample of body tissue for examination and testing in the laboratory.

sanctuary site – see compartment site.

antioxidant – a substance that reduces oxidative damage (damage due to oxygen) such as that caused by ‘free radicals’

expanded access programme (EAP) – a scheme that allows people to access a drug before it has been approved (but when approval is expected).

EAPs are for people urgently need treatment as a life-saving option and who do o have the time to wait for the six months that it takes for approval to be finalised. EAPs are usually available for most HIV drugs after the main studies (phase 3) have been completed.

They were an important early result of community activism. They are also called ‘early access’ or ‘named-patient’ programmes.

boosted-PI – a protease inhibitor taken with an additional dose of ritonavir. The ritonavir boost levels of the protease inhibitor by either increasing the initial drugs levels or reducing how quickly or reducing how quickly it is removed by your body. Ritonavir (itself a protease inhibitor) is currently the only drug used in this way. Other boosters are in development including cobicistat which has no direct anti-HIV activity.