EC Approves BMS-Gilead AIDS Drug

The European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for Atripla, which was developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and Gilead.

Atripla (efavirenz 600 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) is used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults.

The application was filed by a three-way joint venture based in Ireland called Bristol-Myers Squibb Gilead Sciences and Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, Gilead said.

Efavirenz is marketed by BMS as Sustiva in the U.S., Canada and six European countries and by Merck through its affiliate Merck Sharp & Dohme as Stocrin in the European Union.