Bristol-Myers Squibb given approval for paediatric Reyataz indication

Bristol-Myers Squibb has been granted the backing of the European Commission (EC) for its HIV treatment Reyataz to be used among children.

The EC has ratified a new indication of the capsule treatment as part of a combination HIV treatment for use among patients aged between six and 18, based on positive findings from a recent clinical trial.

This decision means that the drug, which was Europe’s first once-daily protease inhibitor for pre-treated HIV patients, can now be distributed in its new indication in the 17 nations of the EU.

Dr Gareth Tudor-Williams, reader in paediatric infectious diseases for the department of medicine at Imperial College London, said this represents a “milestone” in the treatment of children affected by the condition.

He added: “Despite the availability of treatment options, there are still many unmet needs in this patient population.”

Earlier this week, Bristol-Myers Squibb was granted European approval for its rheumatoid arthritis drug Orencia to be used in a new indication for patients who have proven unresponsive to alternative treatments.