NHS England (NHSE) has agreed to provide funding for Janssen’s Symtuza, a once-daily darunavir-based single tablet regimen (STR) for the treatment of HIV in adults and adolescents.

This decision allows clinicians across England to routinely prescribe Symtuza(darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide [D/C/F/TAF]) on the NHS for eligible patients.

“We are delighted that NHSE has provided vital funding for this treatment option; enabling access for individuals who require a darunavir-based STR to effectively control their HIV, with the potential to support adherence to treatment,” says Jennifer Lee, director of Health Economics, Market Access and Reimbursement (HEMAR) and Advocacy at Janssen-Cilag Ltd.

“This milestone reflects our efforts to help simplify the way in which HIV is treated, supporting people living with HIV to achieve an undetectable viral load while enjoying an improved quality of life.”

Symtuza was approved for use in Europe back in September 2017, on the back of a Phase III programme showing that the STR’s safety and efficacy is equivalent to combined administration of the separate agents.