Investigational reverse transcriptase inhibitors for the treatment of HIV

Abstract

Introduction: While considerable advances have been made in the development of antiretroviral agents, there is still work to be done. Reverse transcriptase inhibitors are important drugs for the treatment of HIV, and considerable research is currently ongoing to develop new agents and to modify currently existing agents.

Areas covered: Herein, the authors discuss both investigational nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), including agents that are in various stages of development. They also discuss novel formulations that are being investigated for currently available drugs, and discuss the advantages that these new formulations may provide.

Expert opinion: New formulations and co-formulations of currently existing antiretrovirals will represent an important area of development, as a means to improve adherence for HIV-positive individuals. New formulations will continue to be developed, with a focus on allowing for less-frequent administration, as well increasing drug concentrations at local sites such as vaginal tissue, rectal tissue and sites in the immune system.

Keywords: antiretrovirals; human immunodeficiency virus; investigational drugs; non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Figure 1

Schematic representations of the novel analogs/prodrugs of existing NRTIs under different clinical development phases. NRTI: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

Figure 2

Schematic representations of the new NNRTIs under different clinical development phases. NNRTI: Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor.