A combination of GlaxoSmithKline’s GSK744 and J&J’s TMC278 monthly injection therapy, designed to evaluate its potential to control HIV, is currently being tested.
Results of a study, which was conducted on 40 HIV-negative volunteers, showed that monthly injections sustained higher levels of drug in blood than a predetermined threshold that is assumed vital to control HIV, as reported by Bloomberg.
Speaking during a telephonic interview, Glaxo scientist Bill Spreen, who is responsible for developing GSK744, was quoted by the news agency as saying, "It's certainly something that people have great interest in."
"There's going to be a sub-population of patients who select this," Spreen added.
A joint venture (JV) ViiV Healthcare created by Glaxo, New York-based Pfizer and Shionogi & Co in Japan, is developing GSK744, which is likely to get the US FDA approval by August 2013.
J&J's oral form of TMC278, also known as Edurant, obtained US approval in 2011.
