Abstract
Introduction: The combination of two nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (N(t)RTIs) and a third agent from another antiretroviral class is currently recommended for initial antiretroviral therapy. In general, N(t)RTIs remain relevant in subsequent regimens. There are currently six nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and one nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug entities available, and several formulations that include two or more N(t)RTIs in a fixed-dose combination. These entities have heterogeneous pharmacological and clinical properties. Accordingly, toxicity, pill burden, dosing frequency, potential drugdrug interaction, preexisting antiretroviral drug resistance and comorbid conditions should be considered when constructing a regimen. This approach is critical in order to optimize virologic efficacy and clinical outcomes. Areas covered: This article reviews N(t)RTI combinations used in the treatment of HIV-infected adults. The pharmacological properties of each N(t)RTI, and the clinical trials that have influenced treatment guidelines are discussed. Expert opinion: It is likely that N(t)RTIs will continue to dominate the global landscape of HIV treatment and prevention, despite emerging interest in N(t)RTI-free combination therapy. Clinical domains where only few alternatives to N(t)RTIs exist include treatment of HIV/HBV coinfection and HIV-2. There is a need for novel N(t)RTIs with enhanced safety and resistance profiles compared with current N(t)RTIs.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 65-79 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2012 |
Funding
MO Akanbi was supported by Award Number D43TW007995 from the Fogarty International Center. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Fogarty International Center or the National Institutes of Health. R Murphy is a consultant to Merck, Gilead and RFS Pharma. B Taiwo has served on the advisory board for Gilead. K Scarsi declares no conflict of interest.
Keywords
- Antiretroviral therapy
- HIV
- Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
- Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology (medical)
- Pharmacology