Saquinavir: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Antiviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS}}
Saquinavir is an antiretroviral protease inhibitor that is used in the therapy and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus ([[HIV]]) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ([[AIDS]]).  
{{Drugbox
| verifiedfields = changed
| verifiedrevid = 477241870
| IUPAC_name = (2S)-N-((2S,3R)-4-((2S)-2-((2S,3R)-3-hydroxy-4-phenylbutan-2-ylamino)-3-methylbutanoyl)amino)-3-hydroxy-1-phenylbutan-2-yl)-2-(quinolin-2-ylformamido)butanediamide
| image = Saquinavir_structure.svg
| image2 = Saquinavir_ball-and-stick.png
}}


{{livtox}}
'''Saquinavir''' is an [[antiretroviral drug]] used in the treatment of [[HIV/AIDS]]. It belongs to a class of medications known as [[protease inhibitors]], which work by inhibiting the action of the [[HIV-1 protease]], an enzyme critical for the maturation of infectious virus particles. Saquinavir was the first protease inhibitor approved by the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) in December 1995.
Saquinavir can cause transient and usually asymptomatic elevations in serum [[aminotransferase]] levels and, rarely, can lead to clinically apparent acute [[liver injury]]. In HBV or HCV coinfected patients, highly active antiretroviral therapy with saquinavir may result of an exacerbation of the underlying chronic hepatitis B or C.


{{moa}}
==Mechanism of Action==
Saquinavir (sa kwin' a vir) is an antiretroviral protease inhibitor that acts by binding to the catalytic site of the [[HIV]] protease, thereby preventing the cleavage of viral polyprotein precursors into mature, functional proteins that are necessary for viral replication.  
Saquinavir functions by binding to the active site of the HIV-1 protease enzyme, preventing the cleavage of the [[gag-pol polyprotein]], which is necessary for the production of mature viral particles. This inhibition results in the production of immature, non-infectious viral particles, thereby reducing the viral load in the patient's body.


{{fda}}
==Pharmacokinetics==
{{PAGENAME}} was approved for use in the United States in 1995 and is still widely used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the prevention and treatment of [[HIV]] infection in adults and children. Saquinavir is available under the brand name Invirase in 200 mg capsules and 500 mg tablets. It is usually used in combination with a low dose of ritonavir, which improves its pharmacokinetics and allows for twice daily dosing.  
Saquinavir is typically administered in combination with other antiretroviral agents to enhance its efficacy. It is poorly absorbed when taken alone, but its bioavailability is significantly increased when co-administered with [[ritonavir]], another protease inhibitor that acts as a pharmacokinetic enhancer by inhibiting the [[cytochrome P450 3A4]] enzyme.


{{dose}}
==Clinical Use==
The recommended dose of saquinavir is 1000 mg in combination with 100 mg of ritonavir, both taken twice daily.  
Saquinavir is used as part of [[highly active antiretroviral therapy]] (HAART) for the treatment of HIV infection. It is often prescribed in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to achieve optimal viral suppression and to prevent the development of drug resistance.


{{se}}
==Side Effects==
The most common side effects of [[HIV]] protease inhibitors include [[gastrointestinal upset]], [[diarrhea]], [[nausea]], fatigue and, with long term use, hyperlipidemia and lipodystrophy.
Common side effects of saquinavir include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It may also cause [[lipodystrophy]], a condition characterized by changes in body fat distribution. Patients on saquinavir therapy should be monitored for potential liver toxicity and [[hyperglycemia]].
{{antiviral agents}}
 
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==Resistance==
== Saquinavir ==
Resistance to saquinavir can develop through mutations in the HIV-1 protease gene, which may reduce the drug's binding affinity to the enzyme. Cross-resistance with other protease inhibitors can also occur, necessitating careful selection of antiretroviral regimens in patients with resistant virus strains.
<gallery>
 
File:Saquinavir structure.svg|Saquinavir structure
==History==
File:Saquinavir ball-and-stick.png|Saquinavir ball-and-stick model
Saquinavir was developed by [[Hoffmann-La Roche]] and was the first protease inhibitor to be approved by the FDA. Its approval marked a significant advancement in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, leading to the development of more effective combination therapies that have transformed HIV from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition.
File:HIV new infections and deaths 1981-2008.jpg|HIV new infections and deaths 1981-2008
 
</gallery>
==Impact on HIV/AIDS Epidemic==
== Saquinavir ==
[[File:HIV_new_infections_and_deaths_1981-2008.jpg|thumb|right|HIV new infections and deaths 1981-2008]]
<gallery>
The introduction of saquinavir and other protease inhibitors in the mid-1990s significantly reduced the mortality and morbidity associated with HIV/AIDS. The widespread use of HAART has led to a dramatic decline in AIDS-related deaths and has improved the quality of life for many individuals living with HIV.
File:Saquinavir structure.svg|Saquinavir structure
 
File:Saquinavir ball-and-stick.png|Saquinavir ball-and-stick model
==Related Pages==
File:HIV new infections and deaths 1981-2008.jpg|HIV new infections and deaths 1981-2008
* [[HIV/AIDS]]
</gallery>
* [[Protease inhibitor (pharmacology)]]
* [[Antiretroviral drug]]
* [[Highly active antiretroviral therapy]]
 
[[Category:Antiviral drugs]]
[[Category:Protease inhibitors]]
[[Category:Hoffmann-La Roche brands]]

Latest revision as of 11:16, 23 March 2025

Antiviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS


Saquinavir
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Saquinavir is an antiretroviral drug used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It belongs to a class of medications known as protease inhibitors, which work by inhibiting the action of the HIV-1 protease, an enzyme critical for the maturation of infectious virus particles. Saquinavir was the first protease inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 1995.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Saquinavir functions by binding to the active site of the HIV-1 protease enzyme, preventing the cleavage of the gag-pol polyprotein, which is necessary for the production of mature viral particles. This inhibition results in the production of immature, non-infectious viral particles, thereby reducing the viral load in the patient's body.

Pharmacokinetics[edit]

Saquinavir is typically administered in combination with other antiretroviral agents to enhance its efficacy. It is poorly absorbed when taken alone, but its bioavailability is significantly increased when co-administered with ritonavir, another protease inhibitor that acts as a pharmacokinetic enhancer by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme.

Clinical Use[edit]

Saquinavir is used as part of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the treatment of HIV infection. It is often prescribed in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to achieve optimal viral suppression and to prevent the development of drug resistance.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of saquinavir include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It may also cause lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by changes in body fat distribution. Patients on saquinavir therapy should be monitored for potential liver toxicity and hyperglycemia.

Resistance[edit]

Resistance to saquinavir can develop through mutations in the HIV-1 protease gene, which may reduce the drug's binding affinity to the enzyme. Cross-resistance with other protease inhibitors can also occur, necessitating careful selection of antiretroviral regimens in patients with resistant virus strains.

History[edit]

Saquinavir was developed by Hoffmann-La Roche and was the first protease inhibitor to be approved by the FDA. Its approval marked a significant advancement in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, leading to the development of more effective combination therapies that have transformed HIV from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition.

Impact on HIV/AIDS Epidemic[edit]

HIV new infections and deaths 1981-2008

The introduction of saquinavir and other protease inhibitors in the mid-1990s significantly reduced the mortality and morbidity associated with HIV/AIDS. The widespread use of HAART has led to a dramatic decline in AIDS-related deaths and has improved the quality of life for many individuals living with HIV.

Related Pages[edit]