GSK's ViiV Healthcare licenses potential ultra long-acting HIV drug from Shionogi
ViiV Healthcare has secured an exclusive license agreement with Shionogi for S-365598, an investigational integrase inhibitor. The drug could support the development of HIV treatments with dosing intervals of three months or longer.
London, UK – ViiV Healthcare, the global HIV specialist company majority-owned by GSK, has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Shionogi & Co. Ltd. for the development of S-365598, an investigational third-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI).
The agreement includes an upfront payment of £20 million from ViiV Healthcare to Shionogi, and a further £15 million milestone payment related to clinical development. Royalties on net sales will also be paid. S-365598 holds potential for use in ultra long-acting HIV regimens, aiming for dosing intervals of three months or longer.
Shionogi will contribute to development costs up to an annual maximum. This collaboration is part of ViiV Healthcare's strategy to advance its pipeline of future long-acting therapies.
Preliminary data suggests S-365598 possesses a high genetic barrier to resistance and a distinct resistance profile compared to current integrase inhibitors like dolutegravir and cabotegravir. Its long half-life may support its development for less frequent administration.
Preclinical studies are ongoing, with first-in-human studies anticipated by 2023. The aim is to address challenges faced by individuals requiring daily oral HIV medications, such as stigma and adherence.