New protease inhibitor for HIV infection launched
Adults infected with HIV-1 who have already received antiretroviral treatment may benefit from a new protease inhibitor launched on 10 March.
Atazanavir
(Reyataz), manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb, is the first protease
inhibitor licensed in the UK with once daily dosing.
The recommended dose is 300mg daily, taken with ritonavir 100mg once
daily and with food. Ritonavir is used to boost the pharmacokinetics
of atazanavir, to increase efficacy and reduce dose frequency. The new
drug has been associated with a more favourable lipid profile and less
diarrhoea than a combination of ritonavir and lopinavir.
Margaret Johnson, clinical director of HIV/AIDS services at the Royal
Free Hospital, London, said: “[Atazanavir] is as effective as standard
care but it has a low pill burden. It also has a favourable lipid profile
which may be important for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease,
and possibly for lipodystrophy.” The most commonly observed side
effect in a study of atazanavir with ritonavir was hyperbilirubinaemia,
but it was not associated with an increased risk of liver injury or treatment
discontinuations. Other side effects include jaundice, nausea, vomiting
and diarrhoea.
Notice-board p346 |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal