New Single Tablet Treatment for HIV is On The Way

Janssen Research & Development has announced a collaboration with ViiV Healthcare towards the goal of creating a two-drug single tablet regimen as an alternative to the current standard (which is a three-drug single tablet). The new treatment would combine the active ingredients in Edurant and Tivicay into a single tablet that researchers hope would have fewer side effects than the current three-drug combo.

The two companies expect human trials to begin as early as next year. If the new treatment passes health regulations and hits the market, patients who have already started the standard three-drug therapy can switch to the single tablet. Thus, the new tablet would directly compete with the current best-selling medication, Gilead Science's Atripla. In addition, the companies have also stated that they will investigate the possibility of pediatric use for their new treatment.

"HIV remains a significant medical challenge, and our goal is to find new treatment regimens for patients," said Paul Stoffels, Chief Scientific Officer of Johnson & Johnson and Worldwide Chairman of Janssen. "We are pleased to collaborate with ViiV Healthcare in pursuing this shift in the HIV treatment paradigm and reaffirm our commitment to collaborate and develop new HIV treatments and fixed-dose regimens."