Gilead Sciences and Bristol-Myers Squibb have agreed to bring Atripla to countries in the European Union (EU), according to a press release issued by the companies. Atripla is a fixed-dose combination pill containing Sustiva (efavirenz), also called Stocrin in some countries, Viread (tenofovir DF) and Emtriva (emtricitabine). Should Atripla receive approval from EU authorities, as is expected by the end of this year, it would become the first one-pill, once-daily, complete antiretroviral regimen available in European countries.

Merck, which currently has marketing rights to Sustiva/Stocrin in a number of countries both within and outside Europe, will continue to sell it in those countries. Atripla received approval in the United States and Canada in 2006 and is sold there through a joint venture between Gilead and Bristol-Myers Squibb.