Medivir and B-MS end HIV drug accord

Swedish pharmaceuticals firm Medivir AB says that US drug major Bristol-Myers Squibb has terminated preclinical development of the anti-HIV agent MIV-170 after it failed to meet certain B-MS-dictated activity goals. The compound, which belongs to a group of polymerase inhibitors that Medivir has already discontinued, was licensed by B-MS in September last year (Marketletter September 18, 2006).

Medivir's chief executive, Lars Anderson, said that the decision would not impact on the firm's goal to establish itself as a research-driven drugmaker with a regional sales force. He added that the company's R&D focus would be on its Hepatit C-PI, cathepsin K and Lisovir projects.