In the News

First Integrase Inhibitor Approved

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on October 12, 2007, granted accelerated approval for raltegravir tablets (400 mg) for treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents.  Raltegravir, sold under the trade name Isentress, is the first agent of the pharmacological class of antiretroviral agents known as HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitors, commonly referred to as integrase inhibitors.  They are designed to slow the advancement of HIV-1 infection by blocking the HIV integrase enzyme that the virus needs in order to multiply.  When used with other anti-HIV medicines, raltegravir may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and may increase white blood cells, called CD4+ (T) cells, which help fight other infections.  For more information on Isentress go to: http://www.fda.gov/oashi/aids/listserve/listserve2007.html#101207

HRSA/HAB News, Volume 10, Issue 25, December 6, 2007

Last updated on October 7, 2008