Healthcare Industry News: ritonavir
News Release - May 17, 2007
Health Canada approves REYATAZ(R) (atazanavir sulfate) 300 mg single capsule formulation in combination therapy for adults with HIV-1 infection
Formulation Marks The First One Capsule, Once Daily Protease InhibitorDosing Option for Use With ritonavir In Appropriate PatientsMONTREAL, May 17 (Healthcare Sales & Marketing Network) - Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada today announced that Health Canada has granted approval of a new 300 mg single capsule formulation of REYATAZ(R) (atazanavir sulfate) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults as part of combination therapy. Taken once daily along with ritonavir and food as part of an anti-HIV drug regimen, the REYATAZ 300 mg single capsule formulation can replace two REYATAZ 150 mg capsules for: patients who have previously received anti-HIV medicines, patients who will be receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and patients who have never taken anti-HIV medicines that require SUSTIVA(R) (efavirenz) as part of their anti-HIV drug regimen.
"Bristol-Myers Squibb is committed to helping lead the development and production of innovative once-daily HIV medicines," said Wayne J. Quigley, President and General Manager, BMS Canada. "With the REYATAZ 300 mg single capsule formulation approval, Bristol-Myers Squibb now has one pill, once-daily HIV medicine option available in three drug classes, as part of combination therapy."
"This is good news for patients who are taking REYATAZ as part of their combination antiretroviral drug regimen for the treatment of HIV infection, since fewer pills mean improved convenience and adherence to therapy," said Dr. Anita Rachlis, Professor, Department of Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto.
REYATAZ is an anti-HIV drug that blocks the action of the HIV protease enzyme, which is needed for the virus to multiply. REYATAZ is a prescription medicine used in combination with other medicines to treat people who are infected with HIV. REYATAZ has been studied in 48-week trials in both patients who have taken or have never taken anti-HIV medicines. REYATAZ does not cure HIV, a serious disease, nor help prevent passing of HIV to others. Bristol-Myers Squibb will continue to produce the currently available REYATAZ 200 mg and the 150 mg once-daily capsule.
About Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada
Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, a global pharmaceutical and related health care products company whose mission is to extend and enhance human life. Bristol-Myers Squibb is a leading provider of medicines to fight cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS), nervous system diseases and serious mental illness. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the BMY symbol (NYSE:BMY ). Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada's operations are headquartered in Montréal, Québec.
Source: Bristol-Myers Squibb
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