Fluorine in anti-HIV drugs approved by FDA from 1981 to 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the etiological agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Nowadays, FDA has approved over thirty antiretroviral drugs grouped in six categories. Interestingly, one-third of these drugs contain different number of fluorine atoms. The introduction of fluorine to obtain drug-like compounds is a well-accepted strategy in medicinal chemistry. In this review, we summarized 11 fluorinecontaining anti-HIV drugs, focusing on their efficacy, resistance, safety, and specific roles of fluorine in the development of each drug. These examples may be of help for the discovery of new drug candidates bearing fluorine in their structures.

Automated summary

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The FDA has approved over thirty antiretroviral drugs, one-third of which contain fluorine atoms. The addition of fluorine to drug compounds is a well-known strategy in medicinal chemistry. This review summarizes 11 fluorine-containing anti-HIV drugs, focusing on their efficacy, resistance, safety, and the role of fluorine in their development. These examples may aid in the discovery of new drug candidates with fluorine-containing structures.