J&J is screening its antiviral compounds, including darunavir, for potential activity against the novel coronavirus. Credit: Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine.

Visit our Covid-19 microsite for the latest coronavirus news, analysis and updates

Follow the latest updates of the outbreak on our timeline.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Johnson and Johnson (J&J) have noted the lack of evidence that its HIV drug darunavir has antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19.

Currently, HIV protease inhibitors are being considered as potential treatments for the new viral infection. J&J says that the use supports limited, unpublished virologic and clinical data in SARS coronavirus patients.

Darunavir is a protease inhibitor marketed by the company’s unit Janssen Pharmaceutical. The drug has approval as a boosting agent for use in combination with other antiretrovirals to treat HIV-1.

Janssen does not have any clinical nor pharmacological evidence allow the inclusion of darunavir / cobicistat in Covid-19 treatment guidelines.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Furthermore, there are no published safety and efficacy data of darunavir / cobicistat in Covid-19 patients.

To date, no in-vitro studies or clinical trials took place to assess the safety and efficacy of darunavir / cobicistat or darunavir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide for coronavirus treatment.

In a statement, J&J said: “Johnson & Johnson has no evidence that darunavir has any effect against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.

“Johnson & Johnson is screening its antiviral compounds, including darunavir, to determine potential in vitro effect against SARS-CoV-2. We are partnering with multiple organisations to support the development of research programmes and fast-track solutions for Covid-19.”

Janssen provided darunavir-based medicines for three clinical studies in China.