ViiV Healthcare’s HIV, AIDS Efforts Recognized

Branford pharmaceutical company ViiV Healthcare is being recognized for its global efforts to end HIV/AIDS. 

Gov. Ned Lamont issued a proclamation at the company’s Branford facility June 2 recognizing ViiV’s efforts as a world leader in the fight against the virus that causes AIDS.  

“Every day we’re making a difference and it’s working and we’re saving lives,” Lamont said. 

ViiV’s cutting-edge research and development in its Branford labs is at the forefront in the battle to end HIV. 

“Our mission is to leave no person living with HIV behind,” ViiV Healthcare vice president and head of drug discovery Dr. Umesh Hanumegowda said.  

Research and Development  

While there is no cure for HIV, the virus can become a minimal risk with greater testing and use of products that prevent and treat infection, which ViiV creates.   

Since opening in 2017, ViiV has invested $20 million in its Connecticut site, which employs nearly 60 people. 

“Our mission is to leave no person living with HIV behind.”

ViiV Healthcare’s Dr. Umesh Hanumegowda

“It’s really rewarding to me to say that more than 23 million people worldwide are on our medications, and we have got 17 approved products for HIV.” 

“ViiV is a global leader in HIV prevention and much of the research and development is happening right here in Connecticut,” CBIA Bioscience Growth Council executive director Paul Pescatello said. 

“In terms of finding a cure and or eradicating the HIV virus—it’s going to be a private sector company like ViiV who finds the breakthrough.” 

End HIV By 2030 

ViiV company plays a leading role in a coalition of advocates, the U.S. Business Action to End HIV.  

The public-private partnership, rounded in 2022 by the Health Action Alliance, is committed to ending HIV in the U.S. by 2030.  

“CBIA is proud to be part of the coalition as we work to make our member companies and their employees more aware of how to prevent and treat HIV,” Pescatello said.  

As of 2022 CDC data, Connecticut had 10,638 people living with HIV. 

Members of the coalition believe between the medications available to treat and prevent the virus, it can be essentially eradicated through herd immunity if enough people become  aware of what is available to them.