02/02/2010

New heat-stable Norvir® (ritonavir) tablet approved in Europe

The European Commission granted approval of a new tablet formulation of Abbott's antiretroviral medication Norvir® (ritonavir) on Jan. 25, 2010.

The new Norvir tablets can be stored at room temperature and do not require refrigeration, making it more convenient for some patients. European approval is a critical step in Abbott's efforts to expedite registration filings for the Norvir tablet in countries around the world, including in developing countries where the majority of people with HIV live. The Norvir tablets and the Norvir soft-gelatin capsules both contain 100 mg of ritonavir. While the rate of drug absorbed is different, there is no requirement for dosage change. The Norvir tablet is the direct result of years of effort by Abbott scientists who wanted to improve this critical component of HIV treatment by making it more convenient for patients. The tablet was developed using Abbott's Meltrex® technology, a proprietary melt-extrusion process that makes it more heat-stable. This is the same technology used to develop Abbott's Kaletra® tablet, which combines lopinavir and ritonavir. Norvir is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to treat HIV.

Abbott

http://www.abbott.com/global/url/home/en_US

http://www.abbott.com/global/url/content/en_US/40.45:45/general_content/General_Content_00517.htm

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