TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

VIRACEPT (nelfinavir mesylate)

Trial Activity: Declining
Infectious Disease Approved 1997-03-14

Viracept is used to manage HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral medications. It helps patients by controlling the virus as part of a multi-drug regimen. This medication belongs to a group of drugs known as protease inhibitors and is prescribed to help manage the progression of the infection.

Source: FDA Label • AGOURON PHARMS

How VIRACEPT Works

This drug works by targeting and inhibiting the HIV-1 protease enzyme. By blocking this specific enzyme, the medication interferes with the viral life cycle. This action helps manage the infection by limiting the virus's ability to function.

Development Insights

AIDS Malignancy Consortium conducting 1 trials (17%)
23 indications explored (Broad Platform)
recurrent kaposi sarcoma (1 trials)
skin kaposi sarcoma (1 trials)
recurrent plasma cell myeloma (1 trials)
5
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
2
Priority Reviews
29
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
1997-03-14
Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
TABLET, POWDER

Companies

Active Ingredient: NELFINAVIR MESYLATE

VIRACEPT Approval History

1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
108 FDA actions from 1997 to 2021 · 3 indication expansions
Mar 2021 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Sep 2016 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Mar 2015 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What VIRACEPT Treats

1 indications

VIRACEPT is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 1997. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • HIV-1 Infection
Source: FDA Label

VIRACEPT Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

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APRETUDE
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Clinical Trial Registry

6 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT03077451 results posted AMC-098 NCI-2016-00071, AMC 098 Ph 2 completed Nelfinavir Mesylate in Treating Patients With Kaposi Sarcoma
NCT03829020 MC1811 NCI-2019-00466, MC1811 Ph 1 completed Metformin, Nelfinavir, and Bortezomib in Treating Patients With Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
NCT01959672 results posted 0441-13-FB NCI-2013-02273, NCI-2013-02118 Ph 2 completed Chemotherapy, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy & Nelfinavir Mesylate in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
NCT03050060 results posted 9712 NCI-2016-01816, 9712 Ph 2 terminated Image Guided Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy, Nelfinavir Mesylate, Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab and Atezolizumab in Treating Patients With Advanced Melanoma, Lung, or Kidney Cancer
NCT01164709 SAKK 65/08 SWS-SAKK-65/08, EU-21051 Ph 1 completed Nelfinavir Mesylate and Bortezomib in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Progressive Advanced Hematologic Cancer
NCT00915694 CDR0000644278 UPCC-01309, IRB#809463 Ph 1 terminated Nelfinavir Mesylate, Radiation Therapy, and Temozolomide in Treating Patients With Glioblastoma Multiforme
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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

VIRACEPT FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

VIRACEPT is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 Infection.

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.

How We Calculate These Metrics

Trial Activity Stage

Measures the current development activity pattern based on trial phases, status, and trends. Important: This measures R&D activity, not commercial lifecycle.

Trial statuses: "Active" means recruiting or ongoing. "Completed" means reached planned endpoint. "Terminated" means stopped early—often due to safety, efficacy, or business reasons.

  • Growth: High proportion of early-phase trials (Phase 1/2), active development
  • Expansion: Significant Phase 3 activity, approaching or pursuing approvals
  • Mature: Substantial Phase 4 post-marketing studies
  • Stable: Mixed phase distribution, steady development
  • Declining: Low active trial ratio, reduced R&D investment