Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread®) for the treatment of HIV infection

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread®) is the first nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HIV infection. It is a potent agent with a long intracellular half-life that allows for once-daily dosing. It has been well-tolerated in clinical trials to date, without evidence of long term toxicity, including the mitochondrial toxicity that has been associated with some nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Since its approval in October 2001, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has quickly become a widely used component of antiretroviral regimens for both treatment-naive and -experienced patients.