GSK's modern HIV drug to be rolled out in Botswana

The GlaxoSmithKline building in Hounslow, west London (Copyright Reuters 2016)

LONDON – An HIV drug first approved less than three years is to be rolled out in Botswana as a first-line core medicine to treat newly diagnosed patients under a contract agreed between the government and ViiV Healthcare.

ViiV, which is majority-owned by GlaxoSmithKline, said on Friday it was the first time Tivicay, or dolutegravir, was being made available as part of a national health program in sub-Saharan Africa. No financial details were given.

Pfizer and Shionogi also hold minority stakes in ViiV.