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Janssen launches program for pediatric HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa
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Janssen, a pharmaceutical company of Johnson & Johnson, recently announced that it is donating HIV drugs to children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa who are undergoing second- and third-line treatment for the disease, according to a company press release.
“The donation program is part of our longstanding commitment to help people living with HIV and enhance access to our medicine for those in need,” said Paul Stoffels, MD, chief scientific officer of Johnson & Johnson. “Only a third of the 3 million children living with HIV are receiving medicines today, and of those children receiving treatment, a small but growing number are experiencing HIV treatment failures and are in need of new treatment options.”
The program will provide the HIV drugs Prezista (darunavir) and Intelence (etravirine) at no cost to children and adolescents who qualify for the program. Patients younger than 19 years are eligible.
“We hope this innovative donation program is the first step in sparking further collaborative action across sub-Saharan Africa for children who are experiencing HIV treatment failure,” Stoffels said. “Our vision is that these children receive the HIV treatment and care they need to stay healthy and grow to become healthy, productive young adults.