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Ritonavir (Norvir)
Ritonavir inhibits HIV protease, preventing the cleavage of viral polyproteins and blocking the maturation of infectious HIV particles.
Ritonavir inhibits HIV protease, preventing the cleavage of viral polyproteins and blocking the maturation of infectious HIV particles. Used for HIV-1 infection (in combination with other antiretroviral agents), Used as a pharmacokinetic booster for other protease inhibitors.
At a glance
| Generic name | Ritonavir (Norvir) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital |
| Drug class | HIV protease inhibitor |
| Target | HIV protease |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor that binds to HIV protease and prevents the enzyme from cleaving viral precursor proteins into their functional forms. This results in the production of immature, non-infectious viral particles. Ritonavir is also commonly used as a pharmacokinetic booster in combination antiretroviral regimens, where it inhibits cytochrome P450 metabolism to increase the plasma concentrations of other protease inhibitors.
Approved indications
- HIV-1 infection (in combination with other antiretroviral agents)
- Used as a pharmacokinetic booster for other protease inhibitors
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
- Taste perversion
- Hepatotoxicity
- Lipid abnormalities (elevated triglycerides and cholesterol)
- Hyperglycemia
- Lipodystrophy
Key clinical trials
- RECOVER-VITAL: Platform Protocol, Appendix to Measure the Effects of Paxlovid on Long COVID Symptoms (PHASE2)
- A Trial of 2 Options for Second Line Combination Antiretroviral Therapy Following Virological Failure of a Standard Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI)+2N(t)RTI First Line Regimen (PHASE4)
- Study of Cobicistat-Boosted Atazanavir (ATV/co), Cobicistat-Boosted Darunavir (DRV/co) and Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (F/TAF) in Children With HIV (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- A Study to Provide Continued Access to Study Drug to Children and Adolescents Who Have Completed Clinical Studies Involving Gilead HIV Treatments (PHASE4)
- Pharmacokinetics Safety and Acceptability of DRV/r for Children Living With HIV (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Early Infant HIV Treatment in Botswana (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- OPtimisation of Antiviral Therapy in Immunocompromised COVID-19 Patients: a Randomized Factorial Controlled Strategy Trial (PHASE2)
- Finding Treatments for COVID-19: A Trial of Antiviral Pharmacodynamics in Early Symptomatic COVID-19 (PLATCOV) (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |