Saquinavir as an Antiviral Drug Candidate for SARS-CoV-2

Saquinavir is an antiretroviral medication used primarily in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It belongs to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors, which work by blocking the HIV protease enzyme. This action prevents the virus from maturing and replicating within the body, thereby reducing the viral load and helping to manage the infection.

Saquinavir is commonly used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs as part of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This combination approach is essential for improving the effectiveness of the treatment and minimizing the potential for the development of drug-resistant strains of HIV.

First approved by the FDA in 1995, saquinavir was one of the first protease inhibitors to become available and has played a significant role in transforming HIV from a fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition. As with any medication, it can have side effects, and its use requires careful monitoring by healthcare professionals to ensure optimal efficacy and safety in patients.