Invirase

Roche (Nutley, NJ) recently announcedFDA approval for its protease inhibitorInvirase (saquinavir mesylate 1000 mg)for use with ritonavir (100 mg) in combinationregimens for the treatment of HIVinfection. This new dosing strategyincreases blood levels of saquinavir toenable twice-daily dosing and eliminatesthe inadequate drug levels associated withthe use of Invirase alone. FDA approval forInvirase was based on data that showedthat Invirase 1000 mg with ritonavir 100mg twice daily provides similar to orgreater levels of saquinavir over a 24-hourperiod than those achieved with anotherformulation of saquinavir, Fortovase, 1200mg, 3 times per day. Invirase capsules donot require refrigeration and are smaller insize than Fortovase capsules. For moreinformation, visit www.rocheusa.com, orcall 800-526-6367.