Practical preclinical model for assessing the potential for unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia produced by human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors.

A practical preclinical model for the hyperbilirubinemia produced by human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors has been developed. Indinavir and atazanavir produced significant hyperbilirubinemia, whereas amprenavir, the negative control, was indistinguishable from the ritonavir booster dose. This model was used to disqualify an exploratory protease inhibitor from development.