ViiV Healthcare announces new packaging option now available in the U.S. for Dovato (dolutegravir/lamivudine)

Rhea-AI Summary

ViiV Healthcare, a global specialist HIV company, has announced the availability of Dovato in a blister pack in the U.S. Dovato is approved as a complete regimen to treat HIV-1 infection in adults with no ARV treatment history or to replace the current ARV regimen in those who are virologically suppressed. The blister pack aims to address challenges faced by the HIV community, such as stigma and convenience, and offers a discreet package that may fit more seamlessly into people's daily routines.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The introduction of Dovato in a blister pack format by ViiV Healthcare is a strategic move that emphasizes patient-centered care in the pharmaceutical industry. This could potentially lead to increased adherence to medication regimens among patients living with HIV, as the discreet and portable packaging addresses common challenges such as stigma and the inconvenience of carrying bulky bottles. From a medical research perspective, improved adherence is directly correlated with better health outcomes, including sustained virological suppression, which is critical in managing HIV.

Furthermore, the blister pack's design, which allows for daily dispensing of medication, could enhance the precision of dosage and reduce the likelihood of missed doses, a significant factor in the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). This innovation might also reduce the risk of drug resistance, a concern in HIV treatment, by ensuring consistent intake of medication. It's worth monitoring patient feedback and adherence rates following this change to evaluate the real-world impact of such packaging innovations on treatment outcomes.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, the launch of a new packaging option for Dovato could differentiate ViiV Healthcare's product in a competitive HIV treatment market. The unique selling proposition of enhanced discretion and portability may appeal to a segment of consumers who prioritize convenience and privacy. This could potentially expand the product's market share and strengthen brand loyalty.

It is also important to consider the potential economic implications. The production costs associated with blister packs are typically higher than traditional bottle packaging, which could influence pricing strategies. However, if the new packaging leads to better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs associated with non-adherence, insurers and healthcare providers might favor Dovato despite any price differences. Analyzing sales data and market trends post-launch will provide insights into the acceptance and profitability of the blister pack option.

Healthcare Industry Consultant

From a healthcare industry standpoint, the introduction of Dovato in blister packs may set a precedent for other pharmaceutical companies to follow, potentially leading to a broader industry shift towards patient-centric packaging solutions. This could encourage innovation and investment in packaging technologies that prioritize patient needs, which may lead to improved overall health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

However, it's crucial to balance the benefits with the environmental impact of increased packaging materials, which could be a concern for sustainability-conscious stakeholders. The healthcare industry must consider the long-term environmental costs and work towards developing eco-friendly packaging solutions that do not compromise patient benefits. The impact of such initiatives on corporate social responsibility profiles and consumer perception will be an important area to watch.

• Blister pack supports treatment discretion and portability for some people living with HIV

DURHAM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ViiV Healthcare, the global specialist HIV company majority owned by GSK, with Pfizer and Shionogi as shareholders, today announced Dovato (dolutegravir/ lamivudine) is now available in a blister pack in the U.S. Dovato is approved as a complete regimen to treat HIV-1 infection in adults with no antiretroviral (ARV) treatment history or to replace the current ARV regimen in those who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) on a stable ARV regimen with no history of treatment failure and no known resistance to any component of Dovato.

Dovato Blister Pack Packaging and Product (Photo: Business Wire)

Lynn Baxter, Head of North America at ViiV Healthcare, said: “The Dovato blister pack is designed to help address some of the challenges we hear from the HIV community, which include stigma and convenience, and offers a discreet package which may fit more seamlessly into people’s daily routines. Everyone has different experiences and preferences when it comes to their HIV treatment and, at ViiV Healthcare, we are pleased to offer a variety of treatment and packaging options that help suit the needs of people living with HIV.”

The Dovato blister pack is a monthly 30-count box containing five sheets of tablets. Created based on insights from the HIV community, each sheet is about the size of a credit card and perforated, and designed to be small, discreet, and not bulky. The sheets allow people living with HIV to view the number of pills left and track their doses.

The FDA approved the Dovato blister pack on November 3, 2023. ViiV Healthcare plans to offer the Dovato blister pack in some European markets in 2024. ViiV Healthcare will continue to offer Dovato in the 30-count pill bottle.

About Dovato (dolutegravir/lamivudine)

Dovato is a once-daily, single-pill, 2-drug regimen (2DR) that combines the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) dolutegravir with the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) lamivudine.

Dovato is approved in the U.S., Europe, Japan, Australia and other countries worldwide.

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies.

Dovato (dolutegravir and lamivudine) tablets

INDICATION

Dovato is indicated as a complete regimen to treat HIV-1 infection in adults with no antiretroviral (ARV) treatment history or to replace the current ARV regimen in those who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) on a stable ARV regimen with no history of treatment failure and no known resistance to any component of Dovato.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: PATIENTS CO-INFECTED WITH HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV) AND HIV-1: EMERGENCE OF LAMIVUDINE-RESISTANT HBV AND EXACERBATIONS OF HBV

All patients with HIV-1 should be tested for the presence of HBV prior to or when initiating Dovato. Emergence of lamivudine-resistant HBV variants associated with lamivudine-containing antiretroviral regimens has been reported. If Dovato is used in patients co-infected with HIV-1 and HBV, additional treatment should be considered for appropriate treatment of chronic HBV; otherwise, consider an alternative regimen.

Severe acute exacerbations of HBV have been reported in patients who are co-infected with HIV-1 and HBV and have discontinued lamivudine, a component of Dovato. Closely monitor hepatic function in these patients and, if appropriate, initiate anti-HBV treatment.

Contraindications

• Do not use Dovato in patients with previous hypersensitivity reaction to dolutegravir or lamivudine
• Do not use Dovato in patients receiving dofetilide

Warnings and precautions

Hypersensitivity Reactions:

• Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with dolutegravir and were characterized by rash, constitutional findings, and sometimes organ dysfunction, including liver injury
• Discontinue Dovato immediately if signs or symptoms of severe skin or hypersensitivity reactions develop, as a delay in stopping treatment may result in a life-threatening reaction. Clinical status, including liver aminotransferases, should be monitored and appropriate therapy initiated

Hepatotoxicity:

• Hepatic adverse events have been reported, including cases of hepatic toxicity (elevated serum liver biochemistries, hepatitis, and acute liver failure), in patients receiving a dolutegravir-containing regimen without pre-existing hepatic disease or other identifiable risk factors
• Patients with underlying hepatitis B or C or marked elevations in transaminases prior to treatment may be at increased risk for worsening or development of transaminase elevations with use of Dovato. In some cases, the elevations in transaminases were consistent with immune reconstitution syndrome or hepatitis B reactivation, particularly in the setting where anti-hepatitis therapy was withdrawn
• Monitoring for hepatotoxicity is recommended

Embryo Fetal Toxicity:

• Assess the risks and benefits of Dovato and discuss with the patient to determine if an alternative treatment should be considered at the time of conception through the first trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of neural tube defects
• Pregnancy testing is recommended before initiation of Dovato. Individuals of childbearing potential should be counseled on the consistent use of effective contraception

Lactic Acidosis and Severe Hepatomegaly With Steatosis:

Fatal cases have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs, including lamivudine. Discontinue Dovato if clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity develop, including hepatomegaly and steatosis in the absence of marked transaminase elevations.

Adverse Reactions or Loss of Virologic Response Due to Drug Interactions with concomitant use of Dovato and other drugs may occur (see Contraindications and Drug interactions).

Immune Reconstitution Syndrome, including the occurrence of autoimmune disorders with variable time to onset, has been reported with the use of Dovato.

Adverse reactions
The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥2%, all grades) with Dovato were headache (3%), nausea (2%), diarrhea (2%), insomnia (2%), fatigue (2%), and anxiety (2%).

Drug interactions

• Consult full Prescribing Information for Dovato for more information on potentially significant drug interactions
• Dovato is a complete regimen. Coadministration with other antiretroviral medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection is not recommended
• Drugs that induce or inhibit CYP3A or UGT1A1 may affect the plasma concentrations of dolutegravir
• Administer Dovato 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking polyvalent cation-containing antacids or laxatives, sucralfate, oral supplements containing iron or calcium, or buffered medications. Alternatively, Dovato and supplements containing calcium or iron can be taken with food

Use in specific populations

• Pregnancy: There are insufficient human data on the use of Dovato during pregnancy to definitively assess a drug-associated risk for birth defects and miscarriage. An Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry has been established. Advise individuals of childbearing potential of the potential risk of neural tube defects. Assess the risks and benefits of Dovato and discuss with the patient to determine if an alternative treatment should be considered at the time of conception through the first trimester of pregnancy or if pregnancy is confirmed in the first trimester
• Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended due to the potential for HIV-1 transmission, developing viral resistance in HIV-positive infants, and adverse reactions in a breastfed infant
• Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing is recommended before initiation of Dovato. Counsel individuals of childbearing potential taking Dovato on the consistent use of effective contraception
• Renal Impairment: Dovato is not recommended for patients with creatinine clearance <30 mL/min. Patients with a sustained creatinine clearance between 30 and 49 mL/min should be monitored for hematologic toxicities, which may require a dosage adjustment of lamivudine as an individual component
• Hepatic Impairment: Dovato is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Score C)

About ViiV Healthcare

ViiV Healthcare is a global specialist HIV company established in November 2009 by GSK (LSE: GSK) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) dedicated to delivering advances in treatment and care for people living with HIV and for people who are at risk of acquiring HIV. Shionogi became a ViiV shareholder in October 2012. The company’s aims are to take a deeper and broader interest in HIV and AIDS than any company has done before and take a new approach to deliver effective and innovative medicines for HIV treatment and prevention, as well as support communities affected by HIV.

For more information on the company, its management, portfolio, pipeline, and commitment, please visit viivhealthcare.com.

About GSK

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at gsk.com.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described under Item 3.D “Risk factors” in the company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2022, and Q4 Results for 2023.

Registered in England & Wales:
GSK plc	ViiV Healthcare Limited
No. 3888792	No. 06876960
Registered Office:
GSK plc	ViiV Healthcare Limited
980 Great West Road	GSK Medicines Research Centre
Brentford, Middlesex	Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage
United Kingdom	United Kingdom
TW8 9GS	SG1 2NY

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240124470296/en/

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Source: ViiV Healthcare

FAQ

What is the complete regimen to treat HIV-1 infection in adults with no ARV treatment history or to replace the current ARV regimen in those who are virologically suppressed?

Dovato (dolutegravir/ lamivudine)

Who are the shareholders of ViiV Healthcare?

GSK, Pfizer, Shionogi

What is the Dovato blister pack?

A monthly 30-count box containing five sheets of tablets, designed to address challenges faced by the HIV community, such as stigma and convenience.

What is the purpose of the Dovato blister pack?

To offer a discreet package that may fit more seamlessly into people's daily routines.

Who is the Head of North America at ViiV Healthcare?

Lynn Baxter