Laurus Labs to make HIV drug for children

Laurus Labs is developing a generic, fixed-dose combination of paediatric version of darunavir boosted with ritonavir (DRV/r) for use as second- and third-line treatment of HIV.This follows an agreeme

Laurus Labs is developing a generic, fixed-dose combination of paediatric version of darunavir boosted with ritonavir (DRV/r) for use as second- and third-line treatment of HIV.

This follows an agreement Unitaid, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and the company entered into in June to accelerate the development, commercialisation and registration of a best-in-class second- and third-line HIV treatment. A generic, fixed-dose combination paediatric version is not available though DRV/r has been available in high-income countries for over 15 years.

Under the programme, Laurus will be provided with a financial incentive for a portion of its development and commercialisation costs. CHAI will work with it to provide technical and regulatory support to enable accelerated generic development and regulatory submission of the medication, the drugmaker said in a release on Tuesday.