alimatravir

Alimatravir (MK-8527) is a potent, long-acting nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor (NRTTI) developed by Merck & Co. (known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada). It is primarily being investigated for the prevention of HIV-1 infection as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) agent. Similar in mechanism to islatravir, alimatravir works by inhibiting the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase enzyme; it acts as a chain terminator that prevents the translocation of the viral DNA primer-template, thereby halting viral replication. The molecule is designed with a high potency and a long pharmacokinetic half-life, which supports infrequent dosing regimens, such as once-weekly oral administration, potentially improving adherence compared to daily PrEP options.

Other names

alimatravir