Biotech Values

[north40000]

GILD/JNJ...surprise to anyone?

Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:00pm EDT
* Pill would contain TMC278 and Truvada

* Gilead to lead commercialization efforts

LOS ANGELES, July 16 (Reuters) - Drug makers Gilead Sciences Inc (GILD.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) on Thursday said they plan to develop a new once-daily pill for treating HIV, the virus that causes AIDs.

The new antiretroviral drug would contain J&J's experimental non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor known as TMC278, and Truvada, a pill that combines Gilead's Viread and Emtriva.

Truvada also is sold as part of a combination pill called Atripla that contains Bristol-Myers Squibb Co's (BMY.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Sustiva.

J&J, which already is studying the use of Truvada and TMC278 together in its Phase III program, said it will remain responsible for commercialization of TMC278 as a single product and will have the right to promote the fixed-dose combination product in all countries except Japan and developing countries.

Gilead will assume the lead role in manufacturing, registration and, subject to regulatory approval, commercialization of the fixed-dose combination of TMC278 and Truvada throughout the rest of the world. (Reporting by Deena Beasley; editing by Carol Bishopric)