Etravirine: a second-generation NNRTI for treatment-experienced adults with resistant HIV-1 infection

Etravirine, a second-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), was approved in the USA in January, 2008, with approval in Europe expected later this year. It is dosed at 200 mg (two 100 mg tablets) twice daily foll owing a meal. It is approved for treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults failing a stable antiretroviral regimen with resistance to other NNRTIs and other antiretroviral agents. Etravirine is active against HIV with single mutations in the reverse transcriptase (e.g., K103N) that confer class resistance to first-generation NNRTIs. Clinical efficacy in Phase III trials has been demonstrated for up to 48 weeks of follow-up. In these Phase III trials, rash was the only adverse event that was significantly more prevalent with etravirine than with placebo. Etravirine has a tolerability and safety profile comparable to placebo with the exception of rash. Rash was generally grade 1 or 2, was not associated with prior NNRTI-related rash, was more common in women than in men, appeared a median of 12 days after treatment initiation and resolved spontaneously with continued therapy. Etravirine is the first agent in the NNRTI class that can be used for HIV-1 virus with resistance to other NNRTIs owing to a higher genetic barrier to resistance.