GSK has been at the forefront of HIV research for the past two decades.
Case in point: today, GSK and Pfizer announced an innovative agreement to create a new specialist company focused solely on research, development, and commercialization of HIV medicines.
This collaboration will create a more sustainable company that will be broader in scope than either company's HIV organizations individually. For patients, the goal of the new company will be faster and more efficient delivery of the medicines they need to help manage their disease
Importantly, the new company will continue GSK's and Pfizer's strong record of community support for HIV and commitments to improve access to HIV medicines for everyone. Not-for-profit pricing for HIV medicines will continue for those countries in need, and the new company will continue to facilitate new voluntary licenses to diversify production and expand capacity in these markets.
During a press briefing teleconference this morning, Andrew Witty was asked how he thought pharmaceutical companies have performed in the HIV/AIDS area so far, and how this new venture will change things. Speaking from the heart, Andrew reflected on the last 20 years of HIV research:
To be completely blunt, it is one of the finest performances of the pharmaceutical industry, and the transformation of an incredibly frightening infectious disease into something which is, to some large degree, manageable. There are many challenges around access and those are things we have to face up to and step up to, about which I make no bones. We intend to continue to do that. But in terms of the success of the industry, there are few examples that are as dramatic as HIV.
The new company does not have a name yet--that will be announced on "opening day." But GSK and Pfizer have set up a website with more information about the goals and objectives of the venture--www.hivfutures.com.
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