New targets in antiretroviral therapy 2006.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Novel antiretroviral therapies that utilize new viral and cellular targets are needed to increase the range of treatment options for individuals living with HIV. Several novel therapies are now proceeding through clinical trials, and clinical and safety information is starting to accumulate.

RECENT FINDINGS

The review outlines progress to date and important considerations for the drugs that are furthest along in clinical development from the following new classes of anti-HIV therapy: co-receptor inhibitors (maraviroc, vicriviroc and AMD-070), integrase inhibitors (MK-0518 and GS-9137), maturation inhibitors (PA-457), and entry inhibitors (TNX-355). The focus is on novel drugs for which initial data are available from studies in both healthy volunteers and studies involving HIV-infected participants.

SUMMARY

Although the drugs reviewed may potentially provide important new options for existing antiretroviral treatment regimens, much information regarding the safety, efficacy and positioning of the drugs remains to be determined. As further clinical trial information accumulates, it will be important for HIV clinicians to monitor the progress of these novel therapies.