Tag: Integrase inhibitors

Integrase inhibitors represent one of the most remarkable advances in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Knowing the suffix, which answers the question **What is the suffix for integrase inhibitors?**, is a helpful tool for medical professionals and patients to identify this crucial class of antiretroviral medications.

According to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), the antiretroviral drug bictegravir is classified as a **BCS Class 2** molecule [1.2.1, 1.3.1]. This classification is defined by its low solubility and high permeability, which significantly influences its absorption and formulation.

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, older antiretroviral (ARV) medications were linked to lipodystrophy, a syndrome of abnormal fat redistribution, but newer ARVs change body shape differently. Today, the risk of dramatic fat loss is minimal, though some modern treatments are associated with weight gain in certain individuals. Navigating these potential changes is a key part of modern HIV care.

Research has shown that up to one in six people starting modern HIV treatment gain at least 10% of their body weight within one to two years. This raises a critical question for patients and healthcare providers: do antivirals cause weight gain, and if so, which ones and why?

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition, largely due to innovative drug classes like integrase inhibitors. These medications specifically target the HIV integrase enzyme, effectively preventing the virus from multiplying and integrating its genetic material into human cells. The development of this drug class has significantly improved treatment outcomes and reduced the likelihood of viral resistance.