Clinical history of efavirenz

Efavirenz (SUSTIVA, DMP 266, EFV) is a novel non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, which shows good inhibitory activity against HIV-1. The pharmacokinetics of efavirenz allow for once daily dosing without regard to meals of normal composition. Efavirenz is a mild inducer of CYP 3A4. Clinically significant drug interactions have been reported with medications that are metabolised via the cytochrome P450 enzymes such as indinavir and saquinavir. Results from the studies collated for submission (003, 006, 020, 024 and ACTG 364) have demonstrated the potency and durability of once daily efavirenz in combination with zidovudine (AZT) + lamivudine (3TC), indinavir (IDV), nelfinavir (NFV), IDV + 2 NRTIs, and NFV + 2 NRTIs. Efavirenz was recently approved for commercial use in the USA and has received marketing authorisation in Europe and Canada.