Evaluating fostemsavir as a therapeutic option for patients with HIV

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2021 Aug;22(12):1539-1545. doi: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1937120. Epub 2021 Jun 14.

Abstract

ABSTRACIntroduction: Despite the unquestionable success of antiretroviral therapy achieved in recent years, there are still cases of heavily treated patients who do not achieve or struggle to maintain undetectable HIV-RNA due to drug resistance. New antiretroviral options are needed to address this issue.Area covered: The authors first provide an overview of fostemsavir and its role in the treatment of HTE PLWH. Data from pre-clinical and clinical studies are reviewed and the pharmacokinetic and farmacodynamic properties are highlited. Drug-drug interactions and safety data from available clinical studies are also discussed.Expert opinion: Fostemsavir is a promising antiretroviral belonging to the class of entry inhibitors; its novel mechanism of action represents a very important innovation. Its use will be limited to the heavy-treatment-experienced patient population. This use will have to be monitored to avoid abuse and waste of a molecule that for some patients may represent a life-saving drug.

Keywords: Fostemsavir; antiretroviral treatment; heavily treatment-experienced; virologic failure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents* / pharmacology
  • Anti-HIV Agents* / therapeutic use
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans
  • Organophosphates / therapeutic use
  • Piperazines

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Organophosphates
  • Piperazines
  • fostemsavir