Etravirine, a second-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), was approved in the USA in January, 2008, with approval in Europe expected later this year. It is dosed at 200 mg (two 100 mg tablets) twice daily foll owing a meal. It is approved for treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults failing a stable antiretroviral regimen with resistance to other NNRTIs and other antiretroviral agents. Etravirine is active against HIV with single mutations in the reverse transcriptase (e.g., K103N) that confer class resistance to first-generation NNRTIs. Clinical efficacy in Phase III trials has been demonstrated for up to 48 weeks of follow-up. In these Phase III trials, rash was the only adverse event that was significantly more prevalent with etravirine than with placebo. Etravirine has a tolerability and safety profile comparable to placebo with the exception of rash. Rash was generally grade 1 or 2, was not associated with prior NNRTI-related rash, was more common in women than in men, appeared a median of 12 days after treatment initiation and resolved spontaneously with continued therapy. Etravirine is the first agent in the NNRTI class that can be used for HIV-1 virus with resistance to other NNRTIs owing to a higher genetic barrier to resistance.

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) have been used widely for treating human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infected patients as a component of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 is an important hepatic isoenzyme responsible for the metabolism of NNRTIs including efavirenz and nevirapine. Recent pharmacogenetic studies have shown that CYP2B6 genetic variants alter hepatic CYP2B6 protein expression and function, and the pharmacokinetics of several CYP2B6 substrates. In particular, the CYP2B6-G516T polymorphism in exon 4 affects the pharmacokinetics of efavirenz. Other studies have shown associations of the CYP2B6-G516T genotype with nevirapine pharmacokinetics and central nervous system adverse effects related to efavirenz use. In total, CYP2B6 genetic variants are important determinants of efavirenz and nevirapine pharmacokinetics . Further studies are needed to identify the associations of CYP2B6 genetic variants with the development of NNRTI resistant viruses.

Important advances have been made in recent years in identifying the molecular mechanisms of HIV neuropathogenesis. Defining the pathways leading to HIV dementia has created an opportunity to therapeutically target many steps in the pathogenic process. HIV itself rarely infects neurons, but significant neuronal damage is caused both by viral proteins and by inflammatory mediators produced by the host in response to infection. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) does not target these mediators of neuronal damage, and the prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive dysfunction has actually been rising in the post-HAART era. This review will briefly summarize our current understanding of the mechanisms of HIV-induced neurological disease, and emphasize translation of this basic research into potential clinical applications.