BMS launches Partnering for Cure initiative

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) has launched a new scientific initiative to support education and research and to transform clinical outcomes for patients with chronic viral diseases, namely HIV, hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). The initiative, Partnering for Cure, is rooted in the company's legacy in virology and ongoing research in HIV and viral hepatitis.

"This is an important and ambitious programme that reflects our genuine engagement in virology. It is a way to showcase the BMS commitment to cure in chronic viral infections and to advance investigational compounds - with novel mechanisms of action - that aim to address unmet clinical needs in HIV, HBV and HCV. Along with our ongoing research in virology, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of partnership platforms with policy, advocacy and healthcare professional stakeholders."

George Hanna, Vice President, HIV Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Led by an expert panel of clinical and research experts from across Europe, the programme is composed of three core components: education, scientific exchange and scientific research. The focus will be on reviewing current treatment paradigms, providing a forum for discussion on the evolution of treatment towards cure and facilitating research seeking novel cure pathways in chronic viral diseases.

"We need this programme: a programme to cure HIV, HBV and HCV. We have so many patients across the world and we need a cure. The answer is in the lab, the answer is also in the clinical field and there is a lot to do. We need to move forward and work together and Partnering for Cure is a fantastic opportunity to do just that."

Christine Katlama, Partnering for Cure Faculty Chair, from the Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière in Paris.

Chronic viral infections make a substantial contribution to the burden of chronic diseases and premature mortality worldwide. In December 2012, the Global Burden of Disease Study reported 1,465,000 deaths caused by HIV / AIDS and 1,445,000 deaths caused by viral hepatitis in 2010. Whilst important advances have been made over the last decade, particularly in HIV, significant unmet needs and the opportunity for cure remains.

The pharma company announced this new initiative at the 14th European AIDS Conference (EACS) in Brussels.