Use of AIDS Drug DDI Expanded

WASHINGTON — The government Monday expanded the use of the AIDS drug DDI after studies found that it prolonged the life of individuals who had previously used only AZT, the main therapy for the deadly disease.

The Food and Drug Administration said Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. could start selling DDI, marketed as Videx, to people who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus and have used AZT for a prolonged time.

DDI had been approved in 1991 for use only in patients who could not tolerate AZT or who were not responding to it.

“Patients (who switched to DDI) took longer to develop AIDS-related illnesses than those who stayed on AZT. The study didn’t provide any optimal time at which they should be switched,” FDA spokeswoman Monica Revelle said.