Boehringer Ingelheim launches expanded access for Tipranavir (14480)

Drugmaker Boehringer Ingelheim on Tuesday announced the launch of an expanded access program for its experimental protease inhibitor Tipranavir. The program provides access to the drug for all treatment-experienced HIV patients not enrolled in the ongoing clinical study of Tipranavir who have demonstrated resistance to other protease inhibitors. Eligibility for the program is not limited by CD4-cell counts or HIV viral loads. Tipranavir is currently in Phase III studies and was submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for marketing approval in late October. A decision by the FDA is expected by April. Tipranavir is a nonpeptidic drug, unlike other protease inhibitors, giving it a unique resistance profile and making it effective for most HIV patients resistant to other protease drugs. For more information about the expanded access program, health care providers can call (888) 524-8675 or go online to www.tpv-eap.com.