Because raltegravir inhibits a novel viral target, even HIV that is resistant to other antiretroviral-medication classes is sensitive to this drug.
Background: Raltegravir (Isentress) is the first in a new class of anti-HIV drugs that act by inhibiting the HIV integrase enzyme.
Spectrum of Action: HIV replication involves the conversion of viral RNA into DNA, which is then incorporated into the host cell genome through a process catalyzed by the HIV integrase enzyme. By blocking integrase, raltegravir inhibits HIV replication.
Clinical Trials: Raltegravir demonstrated potent antiretroviral activity in two multinational, randomized, double-blind, phase III clinical trials (BENCHMRK-1 and -2) involving a total of 699 treatment-experienced HIV-infected adults. In these industry-sponsored trials, raltegravir was compared with placebo (each together with optimized background therapy) in patie…
Author
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)