Effect of HIV protease inhibitors on New World Leishmania

► Protease inhibitors affect L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) braziliensis. ► Ritonavir inhibited the promastigote growth of both species. ► Indinavir and ritonavir also inhibited the amastigote growth of both species. ► In vivo studies showed that both drugs are able to control the infection in mice.