Correspondence

Enfuvirtide for Prophylaxis against HIV Infection

N Engl J Med 2003; 349:815August 21, 2003

Article

To the Editor:

In their review article on a new class of drugs that inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) fusion, Kilby and Eron (May 29 issue)1 underline the virologic and immunologic benefit of enfuvirtide for drug-resistant HIV-1 infection. In our opinion, this new compound also deserves attention for antiretroviral prophylaxis because it acts before the virus enters the cell, it has activity against resistant strains of HIV when the source of infection is a patient with resistance to multiple anti-HIV drugs, and its subcutaneous route of administration may immediately ensure effective serum levels. The use of enfuvirtide in combination with other antiretroviral drugs should be considered for prophylaxis against HIV-1 infection in cases of high-risk exposure to a patient with multidrug-resistant virus.

Simone Ferranti, M.D.
Francesco Menichetti, M.D.
Azienda Ospedaliera Pisana, 56124 Pisa, Italy
sim17one@hotmail.com

1 References