As reported by Bloomberg earlier this week, GlaxoSmithKline plc (ADR) (NYSE:GSK) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) have unveiled some very intriguing study results, which would suggest that they have a combination injection therapy that could be used on a monthly basis or perhaps even quarterly basis to contain the progression of HIV in patients. The vaccine combines GlaxoSmithKline plc (ADR) (NYSE:GSK)’s GSK744 — a drug developed by ViiV Healthcare, which is, in turn, a joint venture between Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) and Japan-based Shionogi & Co. — and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)’s TMC278. A trial involving 40 HIV-negative patients receiving monthly injections of the two drugs demonstrated drug levels above the required number to control or slow the progression of HIV during the month, and for up to four months after the last injection.
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This could have a number of potential implications. First, it could mean patients being able to not only get a once-monthly vaccination, but, perhaps even a once-quarterly injection instead. Compare that to the current scenario, which involves taking a pill once a day for the rest of your life, and you can begin to see the ease of use appeal.
Understandably, patients will almost always choose pills to being jabbed with a needle, but given the possible negative long-term effects of taking once-daily HIV pills like Stribild on the liver, an overwhelming majority of patients polled in recent studies would be willing to try the vaccinations.
Cautiously optimistic
The initial thought here might be one of concern for Gilead Sciences shareholders, but it shouldn’t be. For one, this vaccine combination appears to be a long way from getting a date with the FDA. Plenty of testing still needs to be conducted, especially with regard to the long-term safety effects, if any, for the combination therapy.
In addition, another way to look at this is from a complementary point of view. Not everyone wants to take a pill, and not everyone wants an injection. There appears to be plenty of room in HIV therapeutics to accommodate a once-daily pill like Stribild and a once-monthly/quarterly vaccination like GSK744/TMC278.
For now, I’d suggest shareholders stay the course, but to certainly keep their eyes peeled for further exciting development in the field of HIV treatments.
The article Is a Breakthrough Treatment on the Way for People With HIV? originally appeared on Fool.com is written by Sean Williams.
Fool contributor Sean Williams has no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen name TMFUltraLong, track every pick he makes under the screen name TrackUltraLong, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle @TMFUltraLong.The Motley Fool owns shares of, and recommends, Johnson & Johnson. It also recommends Gilead Sciences.
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