etravirine

Etravirine is a second-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Unlike first-generation NNRTIs, etravirine is designed to be effective against HIV strains that have developed resistance to other NNRTIs like efavirenz or nevirapine. It works by binding directly and non-competitively to the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase enzyme, inducing a conformational change that inhibits the enzyme's catalytic activity and prevents viral DNA synthesis. In clinical research led by Alexandra Calmy (the ETRALL trial), etravirine was evaluated for its favorable lipid profile, demonstrating that switching from boosted protease inhibitors or efavirenz to etravirine can help manage dyslipidemia in HIV-infected patients. It is typically administered orally in combination with other antiretroviral agents.

Brand names

Intelence

Other names

etravirine