Source
The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center/Rockefeller University, 455 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The need to develop antiretroviral agents with novel mechanisms of action persists for the treatment of both antiretroviral- experienced and antiretroviral-naive patients with HIV/AIDS. This is mandated, in part, by the perpetual advent of antiretroviral-resistant HIV-1 strains. Raltegravir has been shown to specifically inhibit the essential, HIV-1-encoded, integrase enzyme. As a result, this agent represents a promising chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
OBJECTIVE:
To form an evidence-based determination of the clinical efficacy, pharmacokinetics and safety profile of raltegravir.
METHOD:
We discuss available peer-reviewed publications, preliminary data presented in abstract from relevant scientific meetings and data available from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
RESULTS/CONCLUSION:
Current evidence strongly supports raltegravir use in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens constructed to treat patients failing current therapies with multi-drug-resistant HIV-1. Additional data are needed to determine its role in the treatment of less advanced patients. Issue surrounding long-term adverse effects and genetic barriers to raltegravir resistance will be critical in determining the potential of this agent.