Fourth protease inhibitor hits the market
Nelfinavir (Viracept) became the fourth protease inhibitor to gain marketing clearance when the Food and Drug Administration approved the drug in mid-March under its accelerated approval process.
"The anti-HIV potency of Viracept, coupled with its favorable safety and tolerability, will make a valuable contribution to our ability to hit the virus hard and early with combination therapy," says William Powderly, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Manufactured by Agouron Pharmaceuticals of La Jolla, CA, nelfinavir was approved based on 24 weeks of therapy alone or in combination with nucleoside analogues. Study data presented in January showed that nelfinavir in combination with zidovudine and 3TC produced a 99% mean reduction in viral load after six months.
The wholesale cost of the drug will be $15.48 per day or $5,650 per year at a dose of 750 mg three times a day. Agouron has established a patient assistance program to help patients unable to pay for the drug. The number for the program is (888) 777-6637.
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