T-20 is a special type of protein and is being developed as a new approach for the treatment of HIV infections. Presently four protease inhibitors are licensed for use in the US and Europe. All four are peptidomimetics and are subject to cross-resistance. When compared to other protease inhibitors, HIV develops resistance to BMS-232632 in the laboratory less rapidly than to Nelfinavir or Ritonavir. BMS-232632 may have unique additive or synergistic activity with peptidomimetics in combination therapy strategies.
Preliminary studies support the feasibility of once daily dosing and good tolerability.