saquinavir + nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

**Saquinavir + nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors** is a combination therapy used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Saquinavir is a small molecule HIV protease inhibitor that prevents the cleavage of viral polyprotein precursors, resulting in immature, non-infectious viral particles[2][4][6]. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) block the reverse transcriptase enzyme, thereby preventing viral RNA from being transcribed into DNA and impeding HIV replication. This combination is effective in treatment-experienced or -naive patients and shows synergy in reducing HIV viral load and delaying progression of HIV disease[1][5][6]. Saquinavir’s oral bioavailability is limited, so it is often administered as soft-gel capsules (SGC) or co-administered with ritonavir to boost systemic levels[1][3]. Developers of saquinavir and its formulations are Roche, with manufacturing mainly undertaken by Roche. NRTIs are developed and manufactured by various companies, including GSK, ViiV Healthcare, and others depending on the specific NRTI used.

Brand names

INVIRASE

Other names

saquinavir + NRTIssaquinavir + nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors