Tipranavir

Background:

Tipranavir (Aptivus), an HIV protease inhibitor (PI), received FDA approval in June 2005 for HIV-1–infected adults with ongoing viremia who are highly treatment-experienced or have HIV-1 strains resistant to multiple PIs. A nonpeptidic HIV PI, tipranavir inhibits virus-specific processing of viral proteins, thus preventing the development of mature virions.

Spectrum of Action:

Tipranavir demonstrates activity in vitro against a broad panel of HIV-1 isolates, including some viral strains resistant to other HIV PIs. It has reduced activity against HIV-2.

Clinical Trials:

Two large phase III clinical studies in treatment-experienced patients have been completed. At 24 weeks, virologic response, defined as reduction of HIV RNA by ≥1 log_1…