Darunavir: A Review in Pediatric HIV-1 Infection

Abstract

Darunavir (Prezista®), administered in combination with ritonavir and background antiretroviral therapy, is approved in the USA and the EU for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in pediatric patients aged ≥3 years. Ritonavir-boosted darunavir provided effective virologic suppression in treatment-naïve adolescents with HIV-1 infection, according to the results of the noncomparative, phase II DIONE trial. Ritonavir-boosted darunavir also had sustained efficacy in treatment-experienced children and/or adolescents with HIV-1 infection, according to the results of the noncomparative, phase II DELPHI and ARIEL trials. Ritonavir-boosted darunavir was generally well tolerated in pediatric patients with HIV-1 infection. Although more data are needed in pediatric populations (particularly data comparing darunavir with other antiretroviral agents), ritonavir-boosted darunavir is an important option for the treatment of pediatric patients with HIV-1 infection.

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“…It provides a great genetic barrier to resistance and is highly active against resistant strains of HIV-1 that are not susceptible to other protease inhibitors. 210 Darunavir is administered orally as pills or suspension and is often used with low doses of ritonavir as part of a combined ART protocol. 211 Its mechanism of actions works by protease inhibition.…”

“…This prevents the formation of mature viral particles. 210 A report by Chinese researchers on February 4th, 2020 announced darunavir inhibited replication of SARS-CoV-2 at the concentration of 300 µM. 212 Nonetheless, the combination of darunavir and ritonavir displayed low in-vitro effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2.…”