Teva Pharmaceuticals Announces Launch of Generic HIV Drug

The US Department of Health & Human Services reports that 1.1 million individuals in the United States are living with HIV. Furthermore, in 2016, 39,782 individuals were diagnosed with the virus. The good news is, thanks to antiretroviral therapy, a HIV diagnosis no longer equates to a death sentence.

Now, Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. has announced that they will launch a generic version of an antiretroviral medication atazanavir (commercially known as Reyataz).

“Atazanavir sulfate capsules are a protease inhibitor indicated for use in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection for patients 6 years and older weighing at least 15 kg,” according to the official company press release.

In clinical trials, approximately 20% of patients treated with atazanavir sulfate developed a rash. Teva reported that some patients also developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, and toxic skin eruptions, according to the press release. Additionally, the most common adverse reactions include nausea, jaundice/scleral icterus, rash, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, insomnia, peripheral neurologic symptoms, dizziness, myalgia, diarrhea, depression, and fever.

Teva reports that Rayataz had sales of $402 million in the United States, as indicated by October 2017 IMS data.

“The exclusive launch of our generic version of Reyataz marks our fifth generic product offering for the treatment of HIV-1 infection,” Brendan O’Grady, executive vice president, North America Commercial at Teva Pharmaceuticals said in the press release. “Antiviral medications continue to be a focus for Teva Generics, and this is an important addition to our portfolio.”

The launch of the generic drug may increase patient access to low-cost antiviral treatment and help prevent the spread of HIV, according to the release.