Tipranavir (Aptivus) is a new protease inhibitor formerly known by the codename PNU-140690. It is one of a new class of HIV protease inhibitors called dihydropyrones or non-peptidic protease inhibitors. It is designed to be active against HIV strains that have become resistant to other protease inhibitors.

Protease inhibitors act by blocking HIV’s protease or proteinase, the enzyme that HIV uses to break up large viral proteins so new HIV particles can be made. For more information about how protease inhibitors work, see Protease inhibitors.

Originally developed by Pharmacia & Upjohn, tipranavir was acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim, who market it as Aptivus.

Accelerated approval of tipranavir for treatment-experienced patients was granted by the United States Food and Drug Administration in June 2005, and by the European Union in October 2005.