LONDON - ViiV Healthcare, the specialist HIV company majority-owned by GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK), with Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) and Shionogi as shareholders, is set to present pivotal data at the 25th International AIDS Conference in Munich, Germany.
The conference, scheduled from July 22 to 26, will feature 25 abstracts from ViiV's portfolio and pipeline, including a head-to-head study of the two-drug regimen Dovato against the three-drug regimen Biktarvy.
The study, sponsored by the SEIMC-GeSIDA Foundation, is a randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy, safety, and weight gain impact of Dolutegravir/Lamivudine (DTG/3TC) versus Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) in virologically suppressed adults.
Preliminary findings at 48 weeks indicate non-inferiority between the regimens, with additional insights into weight changes experienced by participants.
Further studies to be presented include the DYAD and SOUND studies, assessing the switch from BIC/FTC/TAF to DTG/3TC, as well as data on cabotegravir long-acting (LA) for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) during pregnancy from the HPTN 084 trial. Moreover, phase I results of a third-generation integrase inhibitor (INSTI) with potential for ultra long-acting applications will be shared.
Real-world evidence will also be highlighted, with several studies on the complete long-acting HIV treatment regimen of cabotegravir + rilpivirine long-acting (CAB+RPV LA), including patient adherence and outcomes from the BEYOND, CARLOS, and COMBINE-2 studies.
ViiV Healthcare's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Harmony P. Garges, emphasized the company's leadership in developing long-acting and two-drug regimens, aiming to offer more personal treatment choices for HIV care.
The information in this article is based on a press release statement from ViiV Healthcare.
In other recent news, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has seen significant developments in its business operations. The company recently secured exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize mRNA vaccines for influenza and COVID-19 from CureVac. The deal involves an upfront payment of €400 million with potential future payments totaling €1.05 billion, based on various milestones.
In addition, GSK reported a 100% response rate in a rectal cancer study with Jemperli, a potential new treatment option that could lead to complete tumor regression. However, GSK is also facing a lawsuit from Valisure over allegations related to the concealment of cancer risks associated with its heartburn medication Zantac.
Citi adjusted its price target for GSK shares to GBP 19.00, down from the previous GBP 21.20, following a decision by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that has impacted the market prospects for GSK's Arexvy vaccine. The ACIP's decision has significantly narrowed the eligible age group for Arexvy, leading to a lowered sales expectation for the vaccine.
Goldman Sachs has initiated coverage on GSK, issuing a Neutral rating and highlighting the company's transition to focus on specialty medicines and vaccines. Lastly, the CDC's recent decision to limit the use of RSV vaccines to a narrower age group could potentially impact the projected market for GSK's Arexvy RSV vaccine, according to analysts at JPMorgan.
InvestingPro Insights
As GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) showcases its leadership in HIV treatment at the International AIDS Conference, the company's financial health remains a cornerstone of its ability to invest in and bring innovative therapies to market. A look at GSK's financial metrics through InvestingPro reveals a robust picture that may interest investors.
GSK's market capitalization stands at a solid $79.82 billion, reflecting the market's confidence in its business model and future prospects. The company's Price to Earnings (P/E) ratio, a measure of its current share price relative to its per-share earnings, is 13.72, suggesting that investors are paying less for each dollar of GSK's earnings compared to the industry average. Moreover, the adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024 is even more attractive at 9.2, potentially indicating an undervaluation of the company's earnings power.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that GSK has a high shareholder yield and a strong free cash flow yield, which may be of particular interest to value-oriented investors. Analysts have recently revised their earnings expectations upwards for the upcoming period, signifying potential optimism about GSK's financial performance.
It is also worth noting that GSK has maintained dividend payments for 24 consecutive years, with a dividend yield of 3.85% as of 2024, reinforcing its appeal to income-focused investors. The company's ability to generate consistent cash flows, which can sufficiently cover interest payments, further underscores its financial stability.
For investors seeking additional insights and tips on GSK, InvestingPro offers a number of other valuable metrics and analysis. With more tips available, interested parties can use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription, allowing them to make more informed investment decisions.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.