Boehringer Ingelheim HIV drug ‘effective’ in children

Boehringer Ingelheim has presented new study data showing the efficacy and safety of Aptivus (tipranavir) in children.

The firm presented the 100-week data at the International Aids conference.

Results from the study showed the compound facilitated the achievement of sustained immunologic and virologic response in children, while the treatment was also a well-tolerated antiretroviral therapy.

The trial evaluated the compound co-administered with low-dose Aptivus/r (ritonavir) in treatment-experienced children.

In the study, children completing the original 48-week trial were given the option of continuing therapy with the drug for the trial extension, with the results confirming the previous data and showing the durability of the compound.

Dr Manfred Haehl, corporate senior vice-president of medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: “We are pleased that tipranavir showed such a positive efficacy and safety profile in treatment-experienced children who have fewer treatment options than adults.”

He added these children need increased therapy choices, including those that have been specially formulated to meet their unique needs.

In May 2008, Boehringer Ingelheim announced the European Commission had granted full marketing approval to Aptivus for the suppression of HIV in treatment-experienced patients who have developed resistance to other protease inhibitors.