Brecanavir is primarily investigated for its potential application in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It functions as a protease inhibitor, targeting the HIV-1 protease enzyme, which is crucial for the virus's replication process. By inhibiting this enzyme, Brecanavir prevents the cleavage of viral polyproteins, thereby stopping the production of mature, infectious viral particles. This mechanism makes it a candidate for inclusion in antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens, particularly for patients who have developed resistance to other protease inhibitors. Its development aims to address the need for more effective and tolerable treatment options for managing HIV infection.