FDA panel unanimously recommends approval for Reyataz

The Antiviral Drug Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday unanimously recommended regulatory approval of the second-generation protease inhibitor Reyataz (atazanavir), developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Reyataz is recommended for approval for the treatment of HIV infection when taken as part of multidrug therapy. The protease inhibitor, the first that can be taken just once per day, has been shown in clinical trials to not raise blood lipid levels, a common side effect of currently available protease medications. A decision by the full FDA is expected early this summer.