First-in-class attachment inhibitor: mechanism of action for RUKOBIA (fostemsavir)

Only RUKOBIA protects CD4+ by directly targeting gp120, leaving healthy, uninfected cells untouched1

Transcript

Temsavir, the active moiety of RUKOBIA, attaches directly to gp120 on the surface of HIV-1 virions, near the CD4+ attachment site. The attachment of temsavir locks gp120 into a closed formation that prevents the initial interaction between the virus and host immune cells.1,2

This action prevents the first step of viral entry.3

Line drawing depicting RUKOBIA, HIV-1 virions, gp120, and CD4+ T-cell Line drawing depicting RUKOBIA, HIV-1 virions, gp120, and CD4+ T-cell

PREVENTS

RUKOBIA prevents HIV-1 from attaching to host immune cells1

Gp120 is locked into a closed formation, leaving healthy, uninfected CD4+ T-cells untouched.

Line drawing depicting RUKOBIA and gp120 Line drawing depicting RUKOBIA and gp120

TARGETS

RUKOBIA targets both circulating soluble and viral-bound gp1201

Other classes block entry following attachment of gp120. RUKOBIA acts on the HIV-1 virion before attachment.

Line drawing depicting CD4+ T-cells and HIV-1 virions Line drawing depicting CD4+ T-cells and HIV-1 virions

PROTECTS

RUKOBIA protects CD4+ T-cells, leaving healthy, uninfected cells untouched1

HIV-1 virions unable to attach to CD4+ T-cells are a target for elimination by the body’s immune response.

Transcript

See how RUKOBIA prevents HIV-1 from interacting with host immune cells

ARV=antiretroviral; gp120=glycoprotein 120; HIV-1=human immunodeficiency virus type-1.

References:

  1. Ackerman P, Thompson M, Molina JM, et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of fostemsavir among subgroups of heavily treatment-experienced adults with HIV-1 AIDS 2021;35(7):1061-1072.
  2. Thompson M, Lalezari JP, Kaplan R, et al. Safety and efficacy of the HIV-1 attachment inhibitor prodrug fostemsavir in antiretroviral-experienced subjects: week 48 analysis of AI438011, a Phase IIb, randomized controlled trial. Antivir Ther. 2017;22(3):215-223.
  3. Cahn P, Fink V, Patterson P. Fostemsavir: a new CD4 attachment inhibitor. Curr Opin HIV AIDS. 2018;13(4):341-345.

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