BMS/Gilead HIV deal

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and Gilead Sciences have signed a licensing agreement to develop and market a new fixed-dose combination HIV treatment.

The therapy contains BMS' protease inhibitor Reyataz (atazanavir sulfate) and Gilead's cobicistat, a pharmacoenhancing agent that increases blood levels of certain HIV medicines to potentially allow for one pill once daily dosing.

Gilead is currently studying atazanavir and cobicistat in phase II and III studies in HIV-1 treatment-naïve patients.

Under the terms of the agreement, BMS will pay Gilead an undisclosed royalty based on annual net sales of the product.

BMS will be responsible for the formulation, manufacturing, development, registration, distribution, and commercialisation of the fixed-dose combination worldwide.

Gilead retains sole rights for the manufacture, development and commercialization of cobicistat as a stand-alone product and for use in combination with other agents.

Dr Elliott Sigal, executive vice president, chief scientific officer and president, R&D, BMS, said: "A Reyataz and cobicistat fixed-dose combination has the potential not only to help simplify HIV therapy but also to address an unmet medical need in HIV for additional, innovative treatment options."