Abbott to develop new formulations of HIV treatments

Abbott has announced plans to create new formulations of two of its HIV treatments as it seeks to offer expanded support for patients affected by the condition.

The liquid ritonavir therapy Norvir, which is used as a pharmacokinetic enhancer for other protease inhibitors, is to receive a new powder-based formulation that can be sprinkled on food or added to liquids, making it easier to store and administer.

Meanwhile, the lopinavir/ritonavir therapy Kaletra is to be combined with the lamivudine-based treatment 3TC, presenting a simplified option that reduces the number of prescriptions on which patients are reliant.

This comes as part of Abbott's commitment to the World Health Organization's Treatment 2.0 initiative, which aims to encourage the development of new therapies which could aid those in poorer nations.

Dr Scott Brun, divisional vice-president for infectious disease development at Abbott's global pharmaceutical research and development division, said: "Advances in HIV treatment formulations are critical as doctors and patients shift their goals from surviving HIV to living with HIV."

Last month, the company agreed a new alliance with Biotest to create a new antibody treatment for autoimmune diseases.