FOCUS ON SAQUINAVIR - AN HIV PROTEINASE-INHIBITOR FOR USE WITH NUCLEOSIDE ANALOGS

Saquinavir is the first proteinase inhibitor approved in combination w ith nucleoside analogues for the treatment of advanced HIV infection i n selected patients. Approval was based only on changes in surrogate m arkers in patients receiving it in combination with zidovudine or zalc itabine; no information is available about its use with other nucleosi des or its effects on HIV disease progression or survival. It is a pot ent inhibitor of HIV in vitro, is active against zidovudine-resistant strains, and is effective in acutely and chronically infected cells. S aquinavir is well tolerated and must be administered with food. Althou gh more effective and potent proteinase inhibitors are available, saqu inavir provides a unique addition to the current formulary of antiretr oviral agents, and might have clinical benefits for selected HIV-posit ive patients.