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Bristol-Myers Squibb has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a new 300mg formulation of their popular protease inhibitor, Reyataz (atazanavir). This is the first one-capsule, once-daily dosing option for use with Norvir (ritonavir) in the protease inhibitor category. The new 300mg formulation can replace two 150mg Reyataz capsules in appropriate patients.
“We pushed hard for the 300mg formulation,” says Dr. Laura Bessen, Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Vice President for Global Medical Affairs. “We know that pill burden has a major effect on adherence and outcomes, so we’ve always tried to get every regimen down to the lowest possible number of pills. A 400mg capsule was just too big for people to swallow. But we were able to put 300mg into a capsule of reasonable size.” The vast majority of people taking Reyataz boost it with one 100mg capsule of Norvir, which keeps the Reyataz active in your bloodstream longer, making it more effective. It is expected that many patients will choose to take one 300mg capsule of Reyataz along with one 100mg of Norvir and one Truvada tablet (which combines 200mg of emticitabine and 300mg of tenofovir into one pill). That’s a total of just three pills, and all three can be taken once-a-day. “Our goal is to offer the simplest treatments we can,” Dr. Bessen said. “We’ll continue to explore opportunities to collaborate with other companies and discuss the technical feasibility of combining drugs.” Bristol-Myers Squibb now offers one-pill, once-daily HIV medicine options in three drug classes. In the October 10, 2006 revision of the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents, Reyataz (atazanavir) boosted with Norvir (ritonavir) has received the coveted and exclusive “preferred” designation for patients just starting on HIV therapy. Reyataz without the boosting agent is listed as an “alternative.”
The DHHS guidelines are developed by an expert panel and continually revised as new data becomes available. The guidelines are considered to be the “gold standard” for recommendations on HIV treatment. You can access the complete guidelines at: AIDSinfo.nih.gov Copyright 2008, Positive Health Publications, Inc. This magazine is intended to enhance your relationship with your doctor - not replace it! Medical treatments and products should always be discussed with a licensed physician who has experience treating HIV and AIDS!
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