FDA committee to review Reyataz (8568)

The Food and Drug Administration's Antiviral Drugs Advisory Committee is set to meet on May 13 to discuss the new drug application for Bristol Myers-Squibb's HIV protease inhibitor Reyataz (atazanavir). The drug, a second-generation protease inhibitor, is designed for once-daily dosing. Studies of the medication also have shown that it does not result in increases in cholesterol and triglycerides, a side effect of some other protease medications. Although the committee's vote does not guarantee the full FDA will approve the medication, its recommendations usually are followed. The meeting is open to the public. It will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 2 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg, Md. For more information go online to www.fda.gov.