Bristol-Myers Squibb highlights new HIV treatment benefits

Bristol-Myers Squibb, the American pharmaceutical company, has highlighted the benefits of a new formulation of a treatment for HIV, Reyataz.

The once-daily 300mg capsule, containing atazanavir sulphate, is intended to be taken in conjunction with ritonavir with food, replacing two 150mg Reyataz capsules for various indiciations, including those that will be receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Bristol-Myers Squibb claims it is the first single once-daily protease inhibitor option for use with ritonavir in certain groups of patients and it was last week granted approval by the FDA.

Anthony Hooper, president of US pharmaceuticals at Bristol-Myers Squibb, commented: “Bristol-Myers Squibb is committed to helping lead the development and production of innovative once-daily HIV medicines.”

“With the REYATAZ 300 mg single capsule formulation approval, Bristol-Myers Squibb now has one pill, once-daily HIV medicine options available in three drug classes, as part of combination therapy,” he commented.

Earlier this month, Bristol-Myers Squibb submitted Atripla to the European regulator for approval. Atripla is a new triple-combination therapy comprising HIV drugs from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences and Merck Sharp & Dohme.

The company claims that the move represents a step closer to providing a new treatment for HIV and Aids sufferers.