Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Published on: May 9, 2025
Atazanavir: its role in HIV treatment
1Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa. robin.wood@hiv-research.org.za
Abstract:
Azatanavir is a protease inhibitor (PI) approved for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Atazanavir is a substrate and inhibitor of cytochrome P450 isozyme 3A and an inhibitor and inducer of P-glycoprotein. It has similar virologic efficacy as efavirenz and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir in antiretroviral-naive individuals. Its impact on lipids is less than other PIs and it is suitable for those in whom hyperlipidemia is undesirable. Ritonavir boosting of atazanavir enhances the bioavailability of atazanavir but may result in some elevation of lipids and is recommended for treatment-experienced patients and those receiving efavirenz or tenofovir. Ritonavir-boosted atazanavir has similar antiviral activity as ritonavir-boosted lopinavir in both antiretroviral therapy-naive and -experienced patients. Atazanavir causes unconjugated bilirubinemia in over 40% of patients but results in less than 2% discontinuations. Atazanavir is licensed for once-daily use and atazanavir/ritonavir competes with lopinavir/ritonavir as the most commonly prescribed PI.
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Retroviruses
Inhibitors Of Virion Release

