Johnson and Johnson’s Prezista receives EU approval

Johnson & Johnson’s Prezista has received European Union (EU) approval, it has emerged.

The combination therapy – developed by the company’s subsidiary Tibotec – is a once-daily 800mg dosage, which is used as a treatment for adults suffering from HIV.

Its approval follows results of a 48-week study named Artemis, which analysed plasma HIV RNA levels in patients, along with judging the product’s safety and efficacy levels.

Mark Nelson, lead clinician for HIV inpatients at London’s Chelsea and Westminster hospital, said he welcomed Prezista’s availability for therapy-naive subjects.

He added: “It has made a significant contribution in the care of treatment-experienced adults with HIV for the last two years and this is an important treatment development for patients.”

Last month, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen-Cilag subsidiary revealed its Stelara drug had been approved by the European commission.

The therapy’s endorsement will allow it to be used across the continent, as a treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.