sifuvirtide

Sifuvirtide is a synthetic 36-amino acid peptide and a potent HIV fusion inhibitor designed to block the entry of HIV into host cells. It acts by binding to the N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR) region of the gp41 transmembrane glycoprotein on the HIV envelope, thereby preventing the conformational changes required for viral and cellular membrane fusion. This mechanism inhibits replication across diverse HIV strains, including those resistant to other fusion inhibitors such as enfuvirtide. Sifuvirtide demonstrates high potency, broad anti-HIV activity against multiple subtypes (A, B, C, B', CRF07_BC, CRF01_AE), low cytotoxicity in vitro, and favorable pharmacokinetic properties. It was rationally designed with engineered salt bridges and hydrogen bonds that enhance its stability and affinity for gp41. The drug has reached phase 2 clinical trials in China for treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)[1][2][4].

Brand names

Sifuvirtide injectionSifuvirtide microbicide

Other names

SFTsifuvirtide