NAPWA

A new, more convenient and better-tolerated version of the protease inhibitor Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir) is now available for S100 prescription on the PBS[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs.. The new formulation comes in tablet form, requires no refrigeration and reduces the number of pills taken per day from six to four.

Kaletra is one of the most widely prescribed anti-HIV drugs in Australia, and among the most effective choices for first-line therapy. It has a high ‘genetic barrier’ to resistanceHIV which has mutated and is less susceptible to the effects of one or more anti-HIV drugs is said to be resistant., making it a durable treatment option for most people. But the older formulation required constant refrigeration and had to be taken with food, making it less convenient than some other available drugs. The new formulation can be taken with or without food, the manufacturer says.

The new formulation is also said to be more easily tolerated than before, as the tablet formulation maintains more consistent blood levels of the active drugs, reducing the incidence of nausea and diarrhoea.

John Daye, HIV treatments portfolio convenor for the National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NAPWA) said the new Kaletra would make life easier for many people with HIV.

“Any reduction in pill load is of enormous benefit to patients with HIV, all of whom need to use a number of treatments,” he said. “The new formulation also has a better side effectAn unwanted effect caused by the administration of drugs. Onset may be sudden or develop over time. profile which will contribute to an improved quality of life for patients taking this treatment.”

The manufacturer of Kaletra, Abbott Laboratories, is also working on a tablet form of ritonavir (Norvir), the drug which is taken to boost many other protease inhibitors, and which must also be refrigerated, however there is no word yet on when this might become available.