Innovative HIV drug listed in medical insurance

An innovative HIV drug was officially listed in the country's medical insurance program to treat HIV-infected patients on Wednesday.

Dovato made by GSK, one of the drugs recommended by the China's HIV treatment guideline 2021, is the nation's first one-dose per day HIV treatment solution and was adopted to treat adults in March of 2021.

Clinical data shows Dovato works in a similar fashion as the multi-drug treatment does so to relieve side effects of taking drugs.

According to Li Taisheng, director of the infectious disease department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, to remove an unnecessary drug is significant for patients who need take drugs for life and to list Dovato in medical insurance will boost the patients' confidence in the treatment in the long run.

Qi Xin, vice-president and general manager of pharma and vaccines at GSK China, said to list the drug in medical insurance is based on the nation's determination to treat HIV patients, and GSK pledged to introduce more innovative HIV drug in the coming year.