Saquinavir/Ritonavir: its evolution and current treatment role.

As formulations and combinations of drugs to treat HIV infection improve, physicians are better able to offer therapies that reduce pill burden while maintaining safety and effective viral control. Saquinavir mesylate, the first protease inhibitor (PI) approved by the FDA, was recently reformulated to reduce pill burden and is meant to be used in regimens boosted with low-dose ritonavir. This article reviews ritonavir-enhanced or "boosted" saquinavir regimens and the clinical trials using this PI combination and discusses potential advantages of and opportunities with the current use of these regimens.