Nelfinavir

(CC) Image: David E. Volk
Nelfinavir, a protease inhibitor.

Nelfinavir, sometimes abbreviated as NFV or NLF and sold under the brand name Viracept® is a protease inhibitor used to treat HIV/AIDS. Nelfinavir binds to and inhibits the HIV-1 viral proteinase enzyme which prevents cleavage of the gag-pol polyprotein, resulting in non-infectious, immature viral particles. Its short half-life (3.5-5 hr) and the lack of activity of it major metabolites means that nelfinavir must be taken every 4-5 hours. It most often used in combination with two or more anti-HIV drugs.

Its chemical name is (3S,4aS,8aS)-N-tert-butyl-2-[(2R,3R)-2-hydroxy-3-[(3-hydroxy-2-methylbenzoyl)amino] -4-phenylsulfanylbutyl]-3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-1H-isoquinoline-3-carboxamide, and its chemical formula is C₃₂H₄₅N₃O₄S.

External Links

• Nelfinavir - FDA approved drug information (drug label) from DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).

• Drug Bank at http://redpoll.pharmacy.ualberta.ca/drugbank2/cgi-bin/getCard.cgi?CARD=DB00220.txt