Review of integrase strand transfer inhibitors for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection

Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are oral antiretroviral agents used against HIV infection. There are three agents available, including raltegravir, elvitegravir and dolutegravir, some of which are available as combination medications with other antiretroviral drugs. The efficacy and safety of INSTIs in treatment-naive and experienced HIV-infected patients have been established by multiple studies. Based on the current practice guidelines, INSTI-based regimens are considered as one of the first-line therapies for treatment-naive HIV-infected patients. There are new INSTIs in development to improve the resistance profile and to decrease the frequency of drug administration.