Gilead and Johnson & Johnson's Tibotec subsidiary are joining forces on a combo HIV treatment, according to FierceBiotech. Under a new pact, Gilead will combine its new boosting agent cobicistat with J&J's Prezista, a protease inhibitor. This new therapy follows a well-traveled development path as drug companies advance new HIV drugs that require fewer pills and offer greater potency.

Cobicistat—now in phase III testing—is designed to increase the blood levels of HIV drugs, making it an ideal candidate for more combo product deals. Interestingly, the companies also outlined ongoing talks on a separate pact on the development and commercialization of a future single-tablet regimen combining Prezista with Gilead's Emtriva, its experimental GS7340 and cobicistat. Gilead would be responsible for the development and commercialization of the new STR on a worldwide basis.