GlaxoSmithKline suspends Vertex HIV treatment development

Cambridge drug developer Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. has disclosed in a regulatory filing that British drug giant GlaxoSmithKline Plc will stop development of an experimental HIV treatment that Vertex was collaborating on.

The treatment involves an HIV protease inhibitor called brecanavir.

Vertex is counting heavily on a new hepatitis drug, and the news of GlaxoSmithKline's decision about brecanavir seemed to have little negative impact on Vertex's stock price.

In late morning trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Vertex shares were up 22 cents to $39.15.

GlaxoSmithKline informed Vertex that it was halting its efforts on the potential HIV treatment because it believes it will be difficult to develop an appropriate formulation, Vertex said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)