A TIENTS who do not respond to AZT -the primary AIDS therapeutic drug produced and patented almo worldwide by Burroughs Wellcome Co -now have hope.

Studies at the US Nationi Institutes of Health at Bethesd Maryland, show two other drugs . le DDC produced by Hoffmann at Roche Inc and DDI, by Bristol-Meye Squibb Co -are "similarly effectively in slowing the progress of AIDS patients not responding to AZT .

DDI is already officially approved for use by people whose condition is worsens on taking AZT, but only as a supporting drug along with AZT. re Researchers, however, caution DDC be can result in painful nerve damage to arms and legs and Dm can cause stomach upsets and pancreatitis.