Janssen, PATH in HIV Prophylaxis Pact

Janssen R&D Ireland has signed a license agreement with PATH for the early development of the HIV-1 medicine rilpivirine in a long-acting injection as potential pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV infection.
 
PATH, an international nonprofit organization, has the right to develop rilpivirine long-acting formulation as a potential new way to prevent HIV infection. PATH plans to conduct prophylaxis clinical trials in collaboration with partners including the HIV Prevention Trials Network. Following Phase II development, PATH and Janssen will evaluate a late stage development agreement covering the use of rilpivirine as PrEP for uninfected individuals at high risk of acquiring HIV.
 
“Rilpivirine is an important treatment option for patients today and we are pleased to work with PATH to evaluate it as an injectable depot formulation that may help to reduce the spread of infection,” said Wim Parys, global head of R&D, Janssen Global Health. “We believe that evaluating a long-acting formulation, which could help improve adherence in a PrEP regimen, is an important part of the Janssen commitment to the global fight against HIV and AIDS.”
 
Rilpivirine is currently commercialized by Janssen for the oral, once daily treatment of HIV-1, in combination with other antiretroviral agents. This license agreement does not impact the commercialization of rilpivirine by Janssen, and does not impact the use of rilpivirine in combination treatments.