Atazanavir

Atazanavir (formerly known as BMS-232632) is an antiretroviral drug of the protease inhibitor (PI) class. Like other antiretrovirals, it is used to treat infection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Atazanavir is distinguished from other PIs in that it can be given once daily (rather than requiring multiple doses per day) and has lesser effects on the patient's lipid profile (the amounts of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood). Like other protease inhibitors, it is used only in combination with other HIV medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved atazanavir on June 20, 2003.

Atazanavir is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients 3 months of age and older weighing at least 5kg. Atazanavir is also indicated in combination with cobicistat and other antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 35kg.