FDA approves new use for Abbott HIV drug

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new use for an HIV drug made by Abbott, the drug maker said Wednesday.

Abbott announced the approval of Kaletra (lopinavir and ritonavir) as a once-daily treatment of adults with HIV who previously have taken antiretroviral therapy. The drug already is approved as a once-daily treatment for patients who have not taken antiretroviral drugs.

“Adherence to treatment is critical to the effective management of HIV,” Baylor College of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine clinical instructor Joseph Gathe said on behalf of Abbott. “A Kaletra once-daily regimen can simplify HIV treatment and offers greater flexibility for patients.”