Janssen receives EU approval for HIV drug Edurant

Janssen has been granted European Commission approval for its drug Edurant to be used as a therapy for treatment-naive HIV patients.

The new antiretroviral agent (ARV) is the third launched by Janssen in the last five years and is specified as a once-daily option for the treatment of HIV-1, in combination with other ARVs.

Analysis of clinical data from the Echo and Thrive clinical studies have proven the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the drug compared to an alternative, findings which underpinned this new approval.

The launch of Edurant will provide HIV sufferers with greater choice and a different tolerability profile to the current standard of care, which could suit some patients better.

Dr Wim Parys, global head for infectious diseases at Janssen, said: "Through the portfolio, we can now offer treatment options for most people living with HIV at every stage of their disease."

Earlier this month, the organisation announced an alliance with the NHS Confederation Mental Health Network to launch a new social networking programme for GP commissioners involved in mental health services.