Roche to Discontinue Fortovase
As a result of decreasing demand and the advent of the new 500mg formulation of Invirase, HIV drug manufacturer Roche will voluntarily discontinue its protease inhibitor Fortovase sometime in early 2006. Demand for the drug has declined dramatically since the release of Roche's new 500mg tablet of Invirase. While Fortovase requires at least ten capsules each day, the new Invirase requires only four be taken each day; two in the morning and two in the evening when taken along with Norvir. In addition to the lower pill burden of Invirase, the new formulation has fewer gastrointestinal side effects and doesn't need refrigerated as does Fortovase.HIV Medication Side Effects and How To Get Rid of Them
GlaxoSmithKline Stops Trial of New HIV Drug
Due to safety concerns, HIV drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced its discontinuing Phase III trials of the HIV drug Aplaviroc, citing a high incidence of liver toxicity when taking the drug. Aplaviroc, a CCR5 entry inhibitor had been in Phase III studies since July, 2005. Reports of elevated liver enzymes in many Phase II and III participants prompted the action by GSK. Those patients taking the drug and showing good response will be permitted to continue the therapy until an alternative regimen is prescribed by their doctor.Understanding the Phases of Clinical Trials
Generic AZT Coming to a Pharmacy Near You
With last month's patent expiration for GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) HIV drug, Retrovir (AZT), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four different generic versions of Retrovir for use in the United States. The cost of the generic versions of the drug is expected to be dramatically lower than the $4000 annual cost of the GSK brand of Retrovir. Experts believe this huge drop in price will make available HIV regimens to people who have financial hardship and no drug coverage.Making HIV Drugs More Affordable
New Formulation of Kaletra Approved
Abbott Laboratories, maker of the HIV drug Kaletra has announced it has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a new tablet form of the protease inhibitor. Currently, Kaletra is supplied in gel capsules, requiring a dose of three capsules twice per day. The new tablet formulation means fewer pills; two pills twice daily compared to three capsules twice daily with the old formulation. In addition, the tablets can be taken with or without food and do not need refrigeration. The new formulation should be getting to pharmacies by the end of the year.
