Janssen and Gilead expand agreement to develop HIV single-tablet regimen

US health care giant Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE: JNJ) Ireland-based subsidiary Janssen R&D Ireland has amended its existing agreement with US biotech major Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD), established in 2011, for the development of a once daily, darunavir-based, single-tablet regimen (STR) for the treatment of people living with HIV.

Gilead's shares gained 2.6% to 496.22 in morning trading following news of the deal.

This new STR contains a combination of Prezista (darunavir), Tybost (cobicistat), emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). A number of Phase I and II studies of the new STR have been completed. Under the amended agreement, Janssen will conduct all further clinical development of the regimen and, subject to regulatory approval, will be responsible for all manufacturing, registration, distribution and commercialization of the product worldwide.