Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Reuters NewMedia - July 20, 2009
* Cardiovascular risks lower under Viramune-study
FRANKFURT, July 20 (Reuters) - Patients on Boehringer Ingelheim's HIV drug Viramune run a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than a rival drug sold by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY.N), a study released on Monday showed.
The drug trial, involving 569 participants, yielded that Viramune, while being as effective at suppressing HIV as Bristol Myers' blockbuster Reyataz, had a more favourable effect on patients' cardiovascular risks, as measured by certain blood lipids.
Bristol Myers last year made $1.3 billion in sales from Reyataz, a once-daily pill based on the active ingredient atazanavir.
Standard anti-HIV treatment Viramune was brought to U.S. and European markets in 1996 and 1998, respectively, but was challenged in 2003 by the launch of rival drug Reyataz.
As part of the study, both drugs were taken with Gilead Sciences' (GILD.O) anti-viral drug combination Truvada to amplify their effects. Reyataz was also combined with Abbott Laboratories' (ABT.N) Norvir.
Advances in so-called antiretroviral drugs have helped suppress the outbreak of AIDS, making the HIV infection a treatable chronic condition where the drugs are available and affordable.
As a result, patients are growing older, bringing other symptoms of an HIV infection, such as cardiovascular diseases, to the fore.
Viramune-treated patients in the study had more than twice the level of HDL cholesterol, known as "good cholesterol" for its benefitial effect on blood vessels, than those on Reyataz, Boehringer said in a statement on Monday.
The ratio of total cholesterol over HDL cholesterol, a measure that points to higher cardiovascular risks, was more favourable in the Viramune-treated patient group compared to the Reyataz group, Boehringer added.
The privately-held German company earlier this month said that the European Commission approved an update of Viramune's product description to account for its effects on blood lipids.
Boehringer does not publish sales figures for Viramune. Generic versions of the drug are marketed by India's Cipla Ltd (CIPL.BO) and Daiichi Sankyo's (4568.T) Ranbaxy (RANB.BO).
Results from the trial were presented at the 5th International AIDS Society conference in Cape Town, South Africa, over the weekend.
090720
RE090711
Copyright © 2009 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .