Bristol-Myers Squibb Co Launches Phase III Trial Of HIV Drug

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

launched a Phase III trial of an experimental HIV treatment for patients who have become resistant to other therapies. Shares of the New York-based pharmaceuticals giant changed hands recently at $61.27, down $0.18 cents. Positive interim results of an ongoing Phase IIb safety trial enabled launch of the Phase III clinical trial on Monday, Bristol-Myers said. After 48 weeks, the safety trial didn't result in serious adverse events or safety concerns related to dose responses. Results of the safety trial were presented Tuesday at a Seattle conference on retroviruses and opportunistic infections. The clinical development program for the drug, Fostemsavir, or BMS-663068, "exemplifies our commitment to focusing on patients living with HIV who have high unmet needs," according to Douglas Manion, head of specialty development, Bristol-Myers Squibb.