ABSTRACT
Ritonavir is a peptidomimetic inhibitor of HIV-1 and HIV-2 proteases. It is marketed by Abbott Laboratories under the brand name Norvir. Ritonavir is a powerful antiretroviral agent in its own right, active against both HIV-1 and HIV-2, but its use has altered over time. Ritonavir is now used in HIV therapy as a pharmacologic enhancing agent—that is, to increase or boost drug levels of other protease inhibitors (PIs). This effect is achieved via ritonavir’s inhibition of cytochrome P-450 enzymes, and the efflux pump P-glycoprotein.
