Saquinavir, the pioneer antiretroviral protease inhibitor.
BACKGROUND
The treatment of HIV infection underwent a major change in 1995 when saquinavir was the first protease inhibitor introduced into the market. This drug made the use of combination therapy in the treatment of HIV possible and increased the success rate of treatment.


OBJECTIVE
This article will review recent literature on saquinavir to define its current role in HIV treatment, among the newer antiretroviral drugs.


METHODS
Scientific literature and conference presentations were evaluated for relevant information pertaining to saquinavir.


CONCLUSIONS
Although underused, saquinavir has good efficacy and tolerability when compared to other protease inhibitors. The film-coated tablet formulation improved pill burden. Saquinavir still has potential in the treatment of adults, children and pregnant women.
la Porte
Charles J L
CJ
University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Chronic Disease Program, Department of Medicine, 501 Smyth Road, mailbox 223, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada. claporte@ohri.ca
D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D019258:Saquinavir / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors; D019258:Saquinavir