Long-term treatment of patients with HIV-1: the role of atazanavir

Abstract

Miguel Ángel Artacho1, Pablo Barreiro2, José Vicente Fernández-Montero21Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; 2Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, SpainBackground: The introduction of highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) remains a major milestone in the management of HIV-infected patients. Protease inhibitors (PI) are commonly used as part of triple combinations, given that to antiviral potency, better tolerance and convenience has been achieved in recent years.Objective: To summarize and update evidence-based information about atazanavir (ATV) on initial, simplification, and rescue interventions in HIV patients.Methods: Review of observational and randomized trials reported in medical conferences, peer-reviewed journals, and treatment guidelines.Results: ATV is a second-generation PI, which has shown across studies potent antiviral activity and high genetic barrier, both in HAART-naïve patients or after virological failure. Indulgent metabolic profile, in terms of insulin glucose and lipid levels, adds value to this drug for the long-term management of HIV infection.Keywords: atazanavir, HAART, protease inhibitors