Enfuvirtide: the first therapy to inhibit the entry of HIV-1 into host CD4 lymphocytes

Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2004 Mar;3(3):215-25. doi: 10.1038/nrd1331.

Abstract

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) based on combinations of drugs that target key enzymes in the life-cycle of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has considerably reduced morbidity and mortality from HIV infection since its introduction in the mid-1990s. However, the growing problem of the emergence of HIV strains that are resistant not only to individual drugs, but to whole drug classes, means that agents with new mechanisms of action are needed. Here, we describe the discovery and development of enfuvirtide (Fuzeon), the first drug to inhibit the entry of HIV-1 into host cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / psychology
  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug Resistance, Viral
  • Enfuvirtide
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / pharmacology
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / therapeutic use*
  • HIV Fusion Inhibitors / pharmacokinetics
  • HIV Fusion Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • HIV Fusion Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • HIV-1 / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacokinetics
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacology
  • Peptide Fragments / therapeutic use*
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • HIV Envelope Protein gp41
  • HIV Fusion Inhibitors
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Enfuvirtide