GlaxoSmithKline/Pfizer joint venture submits HIV drug for approval

GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer's joint venture ViiV Healthcare has announced the submission of a new HIV therapy for regulatory approval.

The company has filed authorisation applications to healthcare regulators in the EU, US and Canada for dolutegravir, a treatment for HIV infection among adults and children aged 12 years and older.

A comprehensive package of data from clinical trials has been submitted to support the applications and ViiV Healthcare believes the compound can offer a potentially important new option for treatment-naive and experienced patients with HIV.

Results from the phase III trial Viking-3 revealed last month demonstrated the strong safety and efficacy performance of the drug.

Dr John Pottage, chief scientific and medical officer at ViiV Healthcare, said: "These regulatory submissions are an important step for ViiV Healthcare, representing our commitment as a company to bring new treatments to people living with HIV."

ViiV Healthcare is a global specialist HIV company established by GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer in November 2009, with Shionogi joining as a ten percent shareholder in October 2012.