ritonavir + nelfinavir mesylate

This is a combination of two small molecule protease inhibitors, **ritonavir** and **nelfinavir mesylate**, developed as part of antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection. Both drugs are HIV-1 protease inhibitors that prevent viral replication by inhibiting the cleavage of viral Gag and Gag-Pol polyproteins, resulting in the production of immature, noninfectious virus particles. Ritonavir is primarily used to boost the plasma concentration of other protease inhibitors by inhibiting CYP3A-mediated metabolism. Nelfinavir is mostly used as nelfinavir mesylate, which appears to have additive pharmacokinetics and tolerability when combined with ritonavir. This combination has been studied for once-daily regimens to simplify dosing and improve adherence in HIV therapy.

Other names

ritonavir + nelfinavir