Fusion inhibitors
One of the most alarming developments in the AIDS epidemic is the emergence of drug resistant strains of HIV. Worldwide, the majority of people being treated for HIV are resistant to at least one drug, and many don’t respond to typical three drug combinations.
A drug called T-20 or enfuvirtide (Fuzeon ®) is the first in a new class of drugs called fusion inhibitors that appear to have antiviral activity against most resistant HIV strains. Fusion inhibitors stop HIV from replicating, by preventing the virus’s membrane from fusing with the target cell membrane. In 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Fuzeon for use in combination with other HIV drugs. It also approved its use for adults and children over age six, who have advanced infection and who have developed resistance to other drugs. Fuzeon ® is given by injection.
Please visit Fuzeon.com for important safety and prescribing information.
Entry inhibitors
Maraviroc (Selzentry®) is the first in a new class of medications targeting the coreceptor binding stage of HIV-1 to the CD4+ T-cell. Maraviroc inhibits CCR5 tropic HIV-1 from binding to the CCR5 coreceptor of CD4+ T-cell. Coreceptor binding is an essential step in HIV-1 replication.
ART which includes maraviroc is indicated only for treatment experienced adult patients who have evidence of viral replication of CCR5-tropic HIV-1. An HIV-1 tropism test such as a trofile assay must be done to verify that maraviroc will be effective.
Please visit Pfizer.com for Selzentry important safety and prescribing information