The company will instead focus its resources on Invirase, a tablet formulation of the drug that offers a more convenient and tolerable treatment regimen for HIV positive patients.
Roche said that it took the action due to a significant decline in the demand for Fortovase as well as in response to the updated HIV treatment guidelines from the US Department of Health and Human Services, which no longer recommends Fortovase as a component of a preferred or alternative initial treatment regimen.
Invirase, which is recommended by the International AIDS Society as a component of initial antiretroviral regimens, requires fewer pills each day, is associated with fewer stomach-related side effects, and does not require refrigeration.
“The Fortovase formulation of saquinavir no longer meets the demands of convenience and tolerability expected by patients today,” said Frederick Schmid, vice president, Virology/HIV, Roche.