Hyderabad-based Laurus Labs has announced that the development is underway to accelerate the commercialisation and registration of the best-in-class second-and third-line HIV treatment darunavir boosted with ritonavir (DRV/r) for children. An agreement was launched between Laurus Labs, Unitaid and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in June 2021.

Through this agreement, Unitaid and CHAI are working with Laurus Labs to finally address the critical need and ensure CLHIV (Children Living with HIV/AIDS) have access to high-quality second-and third-line HIV treatment.

Second- and third-line therapies are critical for CLHIV where the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended first-line treatment dolutegravir (DTG) may not be an option due to medication resistance or intolerance. Currently, available second-and third-line treatments are often difficult for children to take due to bitter taste and difficult forms of administration.  
 
“A paediatric version of DRV/r has been a global health priority since 2013, but is still not available, leaving thousands of children without the lifesaving medication they need,” said Ann Veneman, interim Co-CEO, CHAI. “The innovative incentive programme will enable the development of an effective paediatric medication that will save the lives of children living with HIV.”  

Dr Satyanarayana Chava, Founder & CEO, Laurus Labs, said, “We are excited about this innovative mechanism to accelerate the availability of pDRV/r regimen for children living with HIV. The collaboration between Laurus Labs, CHAI, and Unitaid can positively impact over 100,000 CLHIVs and help them in leading a better life especially in their formative years.”