Fostemsavir for the treatment of HIV

Introduction: For those with heavily treatment experienced (HTE) HIV-1 and virologic failure, therapeutic options are limited. A variety of barriers such as drug resistance, side effects, past intolerance, and administration inability contribute to the need for novel drug classes in this population. Areas Covered: Herein, we review the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of fostemsavir, a first in its class attachment inhibitor recently FDA approved for use. Expert Opinion: Fostemsavir is a well-tolerated oral medication with relatively few drug-drug interactions. Clinical trial data demonstrates virologic and notable immunologic response in conjunction with optimal background therapy in HTE persons living with HIV. Fostemsavir exhibits no cross-resistance with other ARV classes and thus is an important advancement for patients harboring drug-resistant HIV. Further study will be needed to determine outstanding clinical questions such as the role of drug resistance testing and fostemsavir use outside of the HTE population.

Automated summary

Fostemsavir, the first attachment inhibitor approved by the FDA, shows good tolerability and efficacy in heavily treatment experienced HIV patients, with potential as an important advancement for patients with drug-resistant HIV.