enfuvirtide

Enfuvirtide is a 36-amino acid biomimetic peptide and the first agent in the class of HIV fusion inhibitors. It is used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, particularly in patients who have experienced treatment failure with other regimens. Enfuvirtide works by binding to the first heptad-repeat (HR1) region of the gp41 subunit on the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, thereby preventing conformational changes required for viral and cellular membrane fusion. This action blocks entry of HIV-1 into CD4+ cells, limiting further infection. The drug was rationally designed to mimic components of HIV-1’s own fusion machinery and displace them during viral entry[3][5][6]. Enfuvirtide is only active against HIV-1 and has low activity against HIV-2[5]. It does not cure or prevent HIV/AIDS but helps reduce viral load when used as part of combination therapy[2][4].

Brand names

Fuzeon

Other names

T20T-20T 20EnfuvirtideDP178DP-178DP 178