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Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra)

Abbott · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) is a HIV protease inhibitor Small molecule drug developed by Abbott. It is currently FDA-approved for HIV-1 infection in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients, HIV-1 infection in combination antiretroviral therapy. Also known as: lopinavir/ritonavir, Kaletra, Kaletra®, Lopinavir/ritonavir.

Lopinavir and ritonavir are protease inhibitors that block HIV protease, preventing the cleavage of viral polyproteins and stopping HIV replication.

Lopinavir and ritonavir are HIV protease inhibitors that block the viral protease enzyme, preventing the maturation of HIV particles and reducing viral replication. Used for HIV-1 infection in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients, HIV-1 infection in combination antiretroviral therapy.

At a glance

Generic nameLopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra)
Also known aslopinavir/ritonavir, Kaletra, Kaletra®, Lopinavir/ritonavir, ABT-378/r
SponsorAbbott
Drug classHIV protease inhibitor
TargetHIV protease
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Lopinavir inhibits HIV protease, the enzyme responsible for processing viral proteins necessary for infectious particle formation. Ritonavir is a potent protease inhibitor included as a pharmacokinetic booster that inhibits cytochrome P450 metabolism, dramatically increasing lopinavir plasma concentrations and half-life. Together, they prevent maturation of HIV virions, rendering them non-infectious.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

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

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Frequently asked questions about Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra)

What is Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra)?

Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) is a HIV protease inhibitor drug developed by Abbott, indicated for HIV-1 infection in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients, HIV-1 infection in combination antiretroviral therapy.

How does Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) work?

Lopinavir and ritonavir are protease inhibitors that block HIV protease, preventing the cleavage of viral polyproteins and stopping HIV replication.

What is Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) used for?

Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) is indicated for HIV-1 infection in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients, HIV-1 infection in combination antiretroviral therapy.

Who makes Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra)?

Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) is developed and marketed by Abbott (see full Abbott pipeline at /company/abbott).

Is Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) also known as anything else?

Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) is also known as lopinavir/ritonavir, Kaletra, Kaletra®, Lopinavir/ritonavir, ABT-378/r.

What drug class is Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) in?

Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) belongs to the HIV protease inhibitor class. See all HIV protease inhibitor drugs at /class/hiv-protease-inhibitor.

What development phase is Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) in?

Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra)?

Common side effects of Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) include Diarrhea, Nausea, Abdominal pain, Vomiting, Headache, Elevated cholesterol.

What does Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) target?

Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) targets HIV protease and is a HIV protease inhibitor.

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