In the news ... 2007

Production of the protease inhibitor Agenerase halted

November 5, 2007

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced that they have stopped production of their protease inhibitor (PI) Agenerase (amprenavir). Agenerase remained on the market although a newer formulation, called Lexiva (fosamprenavir), was developed—mostly because Lexiva had not yet been tested in children with HIV. GSK recently released an oral suspension formulation of Lexiva, leaving little demand for the older formulation. Agenerase will remain available in pharmacies until February 2008.

Lexiva is a prodrug of amprenavir. Once inside the body, it is converted to the active drug. This allows for more convenient dosing and fewer pills. The decision to stop making and distributing Amprenavir is unlikely to affect many people. GSK’s press release mentioned that people getting Agenerase through its patient assistance program will be able to switch to Lexiva.

For more information, read the publication, Lexiva. For information on GSK’s patient assistance program, go to www.bridgestoaccess.com.