Enfuvirtide

Enfuvirtide was developed by researchers at Duke University, who later formed a pharmaceutical company called Trimeris. The development of enfuvirtide began in 1996, and it was initially designated as T-20. In 1999, Trimeris partnered with Hoffmann-La Roche to complete the development of the drug .

Enfuvirtide is a 36-amino acid biomimetic peptide that mimics the structure of HIV proteins responsible for the fusion of the virus to cell membranes. The drug works by binding to the gp41 transmembrane protein of the HIV envelope, which is crucial for the fusion of the viral and host cell membranes. By interfering with the conformational changes required for membrane fusion, enfuvirtide effectively blocks the entry of the virus into the host cell .

Enfuvirtide represents the first of a new class of antiretroviral drugs known as fusion inhibitors. Its development marked a significant advancement in the treatment of HIV, particularly for patients who have developed resistance to other classes of antiretroviral drugs. The introduction of enfuvirtide provided a new option for heavily treated patients with advanced HIV disease .

Enfuvirtide is administered subcutaneously and has a bioavailability of approximately 84.3%. It is highly protein-bound (92%) and is metabolized in the liver. The elimination half-life of enfuvirtide is around 3.8 hours .