Explain Saquinavir

Saquinavir (SQV, Fortovase, Invirase) - When administered as a single protease inhibitor, a soft-gel preparation (Fortovase) with improved bioavailability and potency has largely replaced the older hard-gelatin capsule formulation  (Invirase), which is poorly absorbed. In healthy volunteers, plasma levels of Invirase and Fortovase were comparable when combined with ritonavir, and  Invirase was better tolerated (M Kurowski et al, HIV Med 2003; 4:94). In one study, saquinavir 1000 mg b.i.d. combined with ritonavir 100 mg b.i.d. had similar virologic efficacy and superior tolerability compared to indinavir 800 mg b.i.d.