FDA Approves New HIV Drug

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Prezista (TMC114) is a new protease inhibitor from Johnson and Johnson. The new drug appears to be especially effective in patients with previous drug resistance. When used with Norvir (ritonavir), studies have shown people improve when caompared to those using other protease inhibitors and Norvir. Prezista and Norvir will be used in combination with other HIV medications including the injectable fusion inhibitor Fuzeon. Johnson and Johnson tells the new drug will carry a $25/day wholesale price.

_{Source: Reuters - "US Food and Drug Administration Clears Johnson & Johnson's HIV Drug for Resistant Patients"; 6/26/06}