Last reviewed · How we verify
saquinavir/ritonavir
Saquinavir and ritonavir are protease inhibitors that block HIV protease, preventing viral replication by inhibiting the cleavage of viral polyproteins.
Saquinavir and ritonavir are protease inhibitors that block HIV protease, preventing viral replication by inhibiting the cleavage of viral polyproteins. Used for HIV-1 infection in treatment-experienced patients, HIV-1 infection in antiretroviral-naive patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | saquinavir/ritonavir |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Invirase/Norvir |
| Sponsor | International Antiviral Therapy Evaluation Center |
| Drug class | HIV protease inhibitor |
| Target | HIV protease |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Saquinavir is an HIV protease inhibitor that binds to the active site of HIV protease and prevents the maturation of viral particles. Ritonavir is a potent protease inhibitor used as a pharmacokinetic booster that inhibits cytochrome P450 metabolism, significantly increasing saquinavir plasma concentrations and bioavailability. Together, they provide enhanced antiviral activity against HIV-1.
Approved indications
- HIV-1 infection in treatment-experienced patients
- HIV-1 infection in antiretroviral-naive patients
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Hyperglycemia
- Lipid abnormalities
- Hepatotoxicity
Key clinical trials
- Study of Cobicistat-Boosted Atazanavir (ATV/co), Cobicistat-Boosted Darunavir (DRV/co) and Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (F/TAF) in Children With HIV (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Trial to Evaluate the Interest of a Reductive Anti Retroviral Strategy Using Dual Therapy Inspite of Triple Therapy (PHASE3)
- A Prospective Cohort of Children With HIV Infection
- Dual Boosted - Protease Inhibitor (PI) Pharmacokinetics (PK) Trial (Tipranavir / Ritonavir) in Highly Treatment-experienced HIV-1 Infected Patients (PHASE2)
- Paclitaxel in Treating Patients With AIDS-Related Kaposi's Sarcoma (PHASE2)
- Anti-HIV Drug Regimens and Treatment-Switching Guidelines in HIV Infected Children (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Immunologic and Virologic Consequences of Long-Term Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in Subjects With Moderately Advanced HIV-1 Disease: A Follow-Up Study to ACTG 315 (PHASE2)
- A Study of Several Anti-HIV Drug Combinations in HIV-Infected Patients Who Have Used Indinavir (NA)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- saquinavir/ritonavir CI brief — competitive landscape report
- saquinavir/ritonavir updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- International Antiviral Therapy Evaluation Center portfolio CI