Viracept New Formulation Is Now Available for HIV Patients

WHAT:

Pfizer Inc. today announced that the 625 mg formulation of the protease inhibitor, VIRACEPT® (nelfinavir mesylate) is now available. VIRACEPT, in combination with other antiretroviral agents, is indicated for the treatment of HIV infection. Pfizer is bringing the value of the new VIRACEPT 625 mg formulation to the marketplace at no additional cost to the patient.

WHEN: The VIRACEPT 625 mg formulation will be available through retail and mail order pharmacies as well as institutional suppliers after June 1, 2004.

WHY: The new dosage enables patients to take two pills twice a day instead of five pills twice a day on the previous 250 mg formulation. This will lighten the pill burden for HIV patients. VIRACEPT should be taken with a meal. VIRACEPT is three to five times more likely to get into the blood stream when taken with a meal, when compared to fasting. In healthy volunteers receiving a single 1,250 mg dose, the 625 mg tablet demonstrated greater bioavailability than the 250 mg tablet formulation under fasted or fed conditions.

VIRACEPT has been shown to be generally well tolerated. The most frequently reported adverse event among patients receiving VIRACEPT was diarrhea, which was generally of mild to moderate intensity. The frequency of VIRACEPT-associated diarrhea may be increased in patients receiving the 625 mg tablet. Redistribution/accumulation of body fat has been reported in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. A causal relationship has not been established and long-term consequences are not known at this time. Full prescribing information is available at www.viracept.com.

WHERE: Patients currently taking 250 mg tablets of VIRACEPT should talk to their health care providers to determine if switching to VIRACEPT 625 mg is appropriate for them.

Health care professionals can call 1-888-VIRACEPT for more information about where to order the VIRACEPT 625 mg formulation or for additional product information.