HIV Pharma Company Ends Research

Germany-based Boehringer Ingelheim, which sells Aptivus and Viramune, two of the world’s most widely-prescribed HIV medications, has announced that they are closing their virology research division.

“To ensure our sustained growth, competitiveness and independence, Boehringer Ingelheim has been focusing on areas of high medical need in which we have convincing research targets as well as outstanding capabilities,” said Dr. Michel Pairet, Corporate Senior Vice President responsible for Research and Development at Boehringer Ingelheim. “In virology, compared to other therapeutic areas in which Boehringer Ingelheim is conducting research, the demands for medical innovation are shifting significantly due to the availability of new medications and also the emphasis on prevention through vaccination, a field in which Boehringer Ingelheim is not active. With the renewed focus on the diseases of high unmet medical need, and considering the scientific possibilities, we decided to conclude virology research at Boehringer Ingelheim” added Dr. Pairet.

The company will continue to develop its two as-yet unapproved hepatitis C medications.