GlaxoSmithKline wins approval for new HIV drug

Drugs maker GlaxoSmithKline rose after reporting that its new HIV treatment, Tivicay, has received approval in Europe. The drug is manufactured by ViiV Healthcare, a company in which GSK, Pfizer and Shionogi are shareholders. Tivicay is for use in combination with other anti-retroviral medicinal products for the treatment of HIV infected adults and adolescents above 12 years of age.Dr Dominique Limet, the Chief Executive Officer of ViiV Healthcare, said: "Today's approval of Tivicay is an important advance, opening the door to new treatment combinations for people living with HIV in Europe. "Tivicay's clinical development programme was only possible through partnerships with the people living with HIV and healthcare professionals who participated in it, and we aim to move forward together with them based on an absolute commitment to the HIV/AIDS global response." The drug will become available in each country as pricing and reimbursement processes are completed, with availability in some of the first countries anticipated in the immediate future, the company added. NR