Bristol-Myers in licensing deal with Gilead for combination HIV pill

US drug major Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) has entered into a licensing accord with biotech firm Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD) to develop and commercialize a fixed-dose combination containing B-MS’ protease inhibitor Reyataz (atazanavir sulfate) and Gilead’s cobicistat, a pharmacoenhancing or "boosting" agent that increases blood levels of certain HIV medicines to potentially allow for one pill once daily dosing. Gilead is currently studying atazanavir and cobicistat in Phase II and III studies in HIV-1 treatment-naive patients.

B-MS will be responsible for the formulation, manufacturing, development, registration, distribution, and commercialization of the Reyataz and cobicistat fixed-dose combination worldwide. Under the terms of the deal, the drug major will pay Gilead an undisclosed royalty based on annual net sales of the product. Gilead retains sole rights for the manufacture, development and commercialization of cobicistat as a stand-alone product and for use in combination with other agents.

Builds on existing collaborations