14 DAY TRIAL // The Food and Drug Association (FDA) in the US has given free way for the anti-HIV pill that incorporates three drugs in a single one. The new medicine will help people that suffer from AIDS to take their medical treatments the simplest way possible: a pill a day. This is simpler than in the case of other less serious illnesses in which patients have to take three or more pills daily.
The new pill is called Atripla and contains efavirenz, tenofovir and emtricitabine, three of the most common drugs against AIDS. The combination of the drugs was caused by the decisions made by Bristol-Myers-Squibb and Gilead Sciences companies to collaborate. Merck, who owns the rights to efavirenz is also involved in the drug companies association.
John C. Martin, PhD, President and CEO of Gilead Sciences declared that the company experts "appreciate the recognition by the FDA of this important therapeutic advance, and with their approval of Atripla in just over two months, patients will now have rapid access to the first once-daily single tablet regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults. We are proud to have worked closely with Bristol-Myers Squibb in this precedent-setting collaboration to simplify therapy for physicians and patients."
Anthony C. Hooper, President of the U.S. Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals was also enchanted with the instant license they obtained from FDA: "With the approval of Atripla, Bristol-Myers Squibb continues two decades of progress in the development and commercialization of medications to treat HIV. Partnering with Gilead, we are able to address another area of need for adults infected with HIV-1. Atripla is an important step forward as we continue our focus on discovering, developing and providing innovative treatments for serious diseases."
Both the Food and Drug Association and patients in US found the idea salutary and welcomed it. Atripla is expected to be approved in Europe next year, too.