The paper gives the results of the largest international studies demonstrating the efficacy and safety of Raltegravir as part of antiretroviral treatment (ARVT) regimens in both patients starting therapy (STARTMRK study) and those pretreated with antiretroviral drugs (BENCHMRK study). The advantage of Raltegravir over Efavirens is the lower incidence of adverse central nervous system reactions. Based on the results of published investigations, specialists from the USA and European Union have incorporated the first HIV integrase inhibitor Raltegravir into a first-line ARTV regimen. Raltegravir is the drug of choice and should be used in special categories of patients, such as those with chronic hepatitis C or fat metabolic disturbances.