saquinavir

noun

sa·​quin·​a·​vir sə-ˈkwi-nə-ˌvir 

: a protease inhibitor C₃₈H₅₀N₆O₅ that is administered in the form of its methylated sulfonic salt especially in combination with other antiretroviral agents to treat HIV infection

Word History

Etymology

sa- (perhaps backward spelling of protease) + quinoline + -avir, alteration of -ovir (as in acyclovir)

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

saquinavir

noun

sa·​quin·​a·​vir sə-ˈkwin-ə-ˌvir 

: a protease inhibitor C₃₈H₅₀N₆O₅ or its mesylate C₃₈H₅₀N₆O₅·CH₄O₃S administered orally often in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV infection