ViiV Healthcare Obtained Approval from China's NMPA

GSK plc, along with Pfizer and Shionogi as shareholders, has declared that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China has officially sanctioned the use of ViiV Healthcare's Vocabria (cabotegravir injection) in conjunction with Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies' Rekambys (rilpivirine long-acting injection) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Cabotegravir injection and tablets received approval in China in July 2023, before the recent marketing authorisation for rilpivirine long-acting injection.The use of Cabotegravir injection, in conjunction with rilpivirine long-acting injection, is approved for treating adults who have human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection. This treatment is intended for individuals who have achieved virological suppression and are on a stable antiretroviral (ARV) regimen. These individuals should have no current or past evidence of viral resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and integrase inhibitors (INIs), and should not have experienced virological failure with these types of medications in the past. Vocabria tablets (cabotegravir) have been given approval for utilization alongside rilpivirine tablets (known as Edurant in the market). This oral combination can be used as an optional initial treatment before starting injections, or as an alternative oral therapy for individuals unable to receive their planned injection doses, as per pharmabiz.As of October 2020, China was home to approximately 1.045 million individuals living with HIV. Due to remarkable advancements in treatment, individuals diagnosed with HIV now have the opportunity to lead long and healthy lives. Nonetheless, there are still those who may face challenges in adhering to their daily oral HIV medication. This text highlights several negative implications that can result from a constant reminder of HIV. It can elicit fear regarding accidental disclosure of one's HIV status and make adherence to treatment more difficult.According to Deborah Waterhouse, the CEO of ViiV Healthcare, the company takes immense pride in providing groundbreaking solutions that cater to the changing requirements of individuals affected by HIV. The recent approval of cabotegravir injection and rilpivirine long-acting injection signifies a positive advancement in aiding the treatment journey of individuals in China who face difficulties in adhering to daily HIV therapies. This development is set to transform their treatment experience for the better. We eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with our partners in China to ensure the accessibility of this treatment to individuals who would benefit from a long-acting regimen. This effort reflects our dedication to leaving no person living with HIV behind.