FDA Approves Atripla, Once Daily Single Tablet AIDS Drug

Filed in archive Drugs, Vaccines and Therapeutics on July 14, 2006

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved of the new once-a-day, three-in-one AIDS pill. The drug, called Atripla, was jointly developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb Co and Gilead, Inc, and combines the powers of the commonly prescribed AIDS drugs Sustiva, Viread and Emtriva in one pill, The drug inhibits the Reverse transcriptase, an enzyme HIV needs to replicate.

Certainly not a real breakthrough, but might mean more compliance from AIDS patients. According to the manufacturers, Atripla will cost $1,150.88 for a 30-day supply. No price has been set for developing countries. A similar three-in-one AIDS pill produced by India-based Aurobindo Pharma has also been previously approved. However, this version, which is not sold in the US, contains generic versions of older HIV drugs.

More details from Reuters and from the press releases from Gilead and BMS.