New HIV Drug Class Shows Promising Results

Probably the most promising news out of this year's Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Denver are reports of promising results surrounding the newest HIV drug class, Integrase Inhibitors.

What Are integrase Inhibitors?

Integrase is an enzyme required by HIV to replicate. By inhibiting this enzyme this new class of drugs interferes with HIV replication.

HIV Replication - Step By Step

Two drug manufacturers, Merck and Gilead have reported very encouraging test results for their new integrase inhibtors MK-0518(Merck) and GS-9137(Gilead). Especially exciting is the effectiveness of these drugs in patients with multiple resistant virus.

Understanding HIV Resistance

Work continues on these important new drugs. Finding new methods of fighting the virus is key to improving the quality of life of everyone living with HIV and AIDS.

_{Source: Henry J. Kaiser Foundation, The Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, February, 2006.}