Stopping HIV in Its Tracks: New Anti-Viral Treatment Hacks the Virus’ Protective Shield

Just over a year ago, the European Union and the US Food and Drug Administration approved a new anti-retroviral medication aimed at combating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Named Lenacapavir, this medication represents the first of its kind to specifically target the protective shell of the HIV virus, known as the HIV capsid, offering a new approach to treatment for patients.

An international team of researchers led by UNSW Sydney medical researchers now have the details on how this novel drug pushes the HIV capsid to breaking point, stopping the virus in its tracks. The molecular mechanisms that they uncovered are published in the journal eLife, and could help to refine and design more effective anti-viral therapies.