Vicriviroc maleate

Vicriviroc Maleate is an experimental antiretroviral drug used in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. It belongs to a class of drugs known as CCR5 receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the CCR5 co-receptor on the surface of certain immune cells, thereby preventing the HIV virus from entering these cells and replicating.

History

Vicriviroc Maleate was developed by Schering-Plough, a pharmaceutical company that has since merged with Merck & Co.. The drug was first synthesized in the early 2000s and has undergone several clinical trials to assess its safety and efficacy in treating HIV and AIDS.

Mechanism of Action

Vicriviroc Maleate works by binding to the CCR5 receptor on the surface of certain immune cells, known as CD4+ T cells. This prevents the HIV virus from attaching to these cells and entering them, thereby stopping the virus from replicating and spreading throughout the body.

Clinical Trials

Several clinical trials have been conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of Vicriviroc Maleate in treating HIV and AIDS. These trials have shown that the drug is generally well-tolerated and can significantly reduce viral load in patients with HIV.

Side Effects

As with all antiretroviral drugs, Vicriviroc Maleate can cause side effects. These may include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. In rare cases, the drug may also cause serious liver problems.

Future Research

While Vicriviroc Maleate has shown promise in clinical trials, further research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects and potential benefits. Future studies may also explore the drug's potential use in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.

See Also

• Antiretroviral therapy
• CCR5 receptor
• HIV/AIDS
• Schering-Plough
• Merck & Co.