Johnson & Johnson submits new drug application to FDA seeking expand pediatric indication for HIV-1 therapy Prezcobix

Johnson & Johnson announced the submission of a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) to the FDA seeking to expand the indication of Prezcobix (darunavir/cobicistat) to include the treatment of HIV-1 infection in younger children at least 6 years of age weighing at least 25 kg. A parallel line extension application and type 2 variation application have also been submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for expanded pediatric use in Europe, where the product is marketed as Rezolsta.

If the applications are approved, Prezcobix//Rezolsta could be administered to adults and pediatric patients at least 6 years of age, weighing at least 25kg. A new co-formulated tablet containing a weight-adjusted pediatric dose (darunavir 675 mg/cobicistat 150 mg) has been developed to aid administration for younger children. The new pediatric tablets are scored to facilitate breaking for ease of swallowing.

The applications to the FDA and EMA are supported by data from a clinical study sponsored by Janssen Research & Development, LLC, that evaluated the pharmacokinetics of the new combination tablet and established that it is bioequivalent to darunavir and cobicistat when dosed as single agents (NCT04718805). The efficacy, safety and tolerability of cobicistat-boosted darunavir for the treatment of younger children with HIV-1 was established in a Phase II/III clinical trial conducted by Gilead Sciences.

Based on these data, Janssen Products, LP, a division of Johnson & Johnson, is seeking an expanded indication to allow the use of Prezcorbix/Rezolsta in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced pediatric patients aged 6 years and older, weighing at least 25 kg, and who have no viral resistance mutations associated with darunavir.