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Darunavir ritonavir

St Stephens Aids Trust · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Darunavir is a protease inhibitor that blocks HIV protease, preventing viral replication, while ritonavir acts as a pharmacokinetic booster to increase darunavir levels.

Darunavir is a protease inhibitor that blocks HIV protease, preventing viral replication, while ritonavir acts as a pharmacokinetic booster to increase darunavir levels. Used for HIV-1 infection in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients, HIV-1 infection in combination antiretroviral therapy.

At a glance

Generic nameDarunavir ritonavir
SponsorSt Stephens Aids Trust
Drug classHIV protease inhibitor (boosted)
TargetHIV protease
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease / Virology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Darunavir inhibits HIV protease, an enzyme essential for processing viral polyproteins into functional components needed for infectious particle assembly. Ritonavir is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor that dramatically increases darunavir plasma concentrations by reducing hepatic metabolism, allowing lower darunavir doses while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Together, they suppress HIV replication and reduce viral load in infected individuals.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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