Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of carbovir and related carbocyclic nucleosides.

(+/-) Carbocyclic 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (Carbovir) is an antiretroviral agent which is undergoing preclinical evaluation for the treatment of AIDS. Its hydrolytic stability and its ability to inhibit infectivity and replication of HIV in T-cells at concentrations of approximately 400-fold below toxic concentrations make Carbovir an excellent candidate for development as a potential antiretroviral agent.