The deal is subject to the approval of the product by Health Canada. Atripla is the first once-daily single tablet regimen for HIV intended as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with other antiretrovirals. Atripla received approval from the FDA in July 2006.
The agreement is the result of negotiations between Bristol-Myers Squibb and Gilead Sciences and expands the companies’ US joint venture established in December 2004.
The companies will work together to complete regulatory filings in Canada and will share responsibility for commercializing Atripla in Canada, subject to regulatory approval of the product. Both companies will provide funding in support of promotional efforts for Atripla.
Atripla combines Sustiva, manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Truvada manufactured by Gilead Sciences.