Maraviroc

Maraviroc is an antiretroviral drug used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It belongs to a class of drugs known as CCR5 antagonists, also referred to as CCR5 inhibitors or entry inhibitors. Its mechanism of action involves blocking the CCR5 co-receptor on the surface of CD4 cells, preventing HIV-1 from entering and infecting these cells.

Maraviroc is indicated for use in combination with other antiretroviral medications in treatment-experienced adult and pediatric patients (2 years of age and older weighing at least 10 kg) infected with CCR5-tropic HIV-1 who have documented evidence of CCR5 tropism. A tropism test is required before initiating maraviroc therapy to ensure that the patient's HIV strain utilizes the CCR5 co-receptor for entry. If the virus uses CXCR4 or both CCR5 and CXCR4 (mixed or dual tropism), maraviroc is not effective.

Common side effects of maraviroc include cough, fever, upper respiratory tract infections, rash, and abdominal pain. More serious side effects, though less common, can include hepatotoxicity (liver damage), orthostatic hypotension, and increased risk of certain infections.

Maraviroc is typically administered orally. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on co-administered medications, particularly those that strongly inhibit or induce CYP3A4, a liver enzyme involved in its metabolism.

The drug was developed by Pfizer and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007.