Gilead HIV Drug Shows Promise

A new HIV combination drug jointly investigated by Gilead Sciences Inc. and Bristol-Meyer Squibb is showing promise in treating HIV and improving medication adherence. The new drug, a combination of the existing HIV drugs Truvada and Sustiva if approved will allow for a potent HIV regimen in a once per tablet. The new drug will actually be a combination of three current HIV medicines; Gilead's Truvada is the combination of Emtriva and Viread along with Sustiva will provide three potent antiretroviral medicines in one pill per day.

The benefit of this new medication is obvious. It will provide a potent three drug regimen in a one pill per day therapy; improving adherence greatly while still providing the antiviral activity needed to combat HIV. With the new data showing such promising results, Gilead is planning to ask the Food and Drug Administration for approval sometime in mid 2006.