nelfinavir

Nelfinavir is an oral small molecule antiviral drug in the class of protease inhibitors, primarily used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and children[1][2][3][4][5]. It works by inhibiting HIV-1 protease, an enzyme required for the cleavage of viral polyprotein precursors into functional proteins necessary for infectious HIV-1 particles. By blocking this enzyme, nelfinavir prevents maturation of viral particles, resulting in noninfectious and immature virions[2][6]. Nelfinavir was developed as a potent inhibitor against HIV-1 but has also been studied for potential effects on cancer cells via mechanisms such as endoplasmic reticulum stress induction and Akt pathway inhibition[8]. The drug is not a cure for HIV or AIDS but reduces viral load and risk of progression to AIDS-related illnesses when used as part of combination therapy[1].

Brand names

Viracept

Other names

nelfinavir mesylate