The separated enantiomers of 2'-deoxy-3'-thiacytidine (BCH 189) both inhibit human immunodeficiency virus replication in vitro

Racemic 2'-deoxy-3'-thiacytidine (BCH 189) is a dideoxycytidine analog having a sulfur atom in place of the 3' carbon. The enantiomers of BCH 189 have been resolved and found to be equipotent in antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2. However, the (-)-enantiomer (3TC) is considerably less cytotoxic than the (+)-enantiomer.