Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. 
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Voice of America - December 21, 2004
VOA News
Two competing pharmaceutical companies say they are going to work together to develop the first once-a-day pill to treat HIV - the virus that causes AIDS.
Bristol-Myers Squibb and Gilead Sciences announced Monday they will collaborate to combine three separate drugs currently on the market into a single-dose pill that will make it easier for patients to manage their medication routine.
Current treatment requires patients to take several pills a day. Missing doses makes it easier for the virus to mutate and become resistant to medication.
The companies say the planned once-a-day pill will combine Briston-Myers' drug, Sustiva, with two drugs by Gilead - Viread and Emtriva. The medicines attack the AIDS virus at different points in its replication cycle.
There is no cure for AIDS or HIV.
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