Antiretroviral therapy

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a medical treatment for HIV/AIDS that uses a combination of antiretroviral drugs to slow the progression of the disease. The therapy aims to reduce the viral load in the patient's body, prevent the virus from multiplying, and boost the body's immune system.

History

The first antiretroviral drug, Zidovudine (AZT), was approved by the FDA in 1987. The introduction of combination therapy in the mid-1990s, often referred to as Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), marked a significant turning point in the history of HIV treatment.

Mechanism of Action

Antiretroviral drugs work by inhibiting the replication of the HIV virus. They target different stages of the HIV life cycle, including entry into CD4 cells, reverse transcription, integration into the human genome, and the assembly and release of new virus particles.

Classes of Antiretroviral Drugs

There are several classes of antiretroviral drugs, each targeting a different stage in the HIV life cycle. These include nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), integrase inhibitors, and entry inhibitors.

Treatment Regimens

The choice of antiretroviral drugs for a person's initial ART regimen depends on several factors, including the person's individual needs, potential drug interactions, possible side effects, and the likelihood of adherence to the regimen.

Side Effects and Risks

While antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved the life expectancy of people living with HIV, it is not without side effects. These can range from mild to severe and can include nausea, diarrhea, rash, and changes in body fat distribution.

Future Directions

Research is ongoing to develop new antiretroviral drugs and treatment strategies, including long-acting injectable therapies and therapies that can cure HIV.

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