Xian Janssen Supports the 2014-2015 “Red Ribbon Health Ambassador’s Campus Tour” Campaign to Raise HIV/AIDS Awareness in China

Beijing, China, December 1, 2014 - Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. (“Xian Janssen”) announced today that the company will participate in the 2014-2015 “Red Ribbon Health Ambassador’s Campus Tour” campaign. In collaboration with the campaign organizers, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League, the China Health Education Center and the Chinese Association of STD and AIDS Prevention and Control, Xian Janssen will promote knowledge of AIDS prevention and treatment, raise public awareness, especially among youth, of the risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, and help HIV carriers access medication as soon as possible.
 
AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is a major public health problem globally. There are approximately 7,000 new cases of HIV infections reported each day^[1]. So far, a total of 36 million people have died from AIDS-related complications^[2]. Statistics released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) show that the number of diagnosed cases of HIV in China increased from 700,000 in 2007 to 780,000 in 2011.
 
This year is the tenth year since implementing China's “Four Free and One Care” policy^[3]. Statistics show that the share of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy increased from 25% in 2005 to 87% in 2013. Over the same period, the mortality rate decreased from 17.9% to 6.6%, down 63%. Meanwhile, the follow-up rate for HIV carriers and AIDS patients reached 95%^[4]. “After a decade of joint efforts, China has made remarkable achievements in AIDS prevention and treatment. The overall HIV infection rate remains at a relatively low level compared to the global average, while the morbidity and mortality rates have decreased significantly. Meanwhile, the health conditions of people living with HIV and AIDS have improved significantly, and a shift in societal perceptions has reduced discrimination and prejudice,” said Professor Wu Zunyou, Director of China CDC’s National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention.
 
However, challenges remain in the prevention and treatment of AIDS in China. The main transmission route of AIDS has changed from blood transfusion to sexual transmission, where the share of men who have sex with men (MSM) who have been diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has increased ten-fold from 2006 to 2013^[5]. Meanwhile, many individuals in high risk groups are reluctant or unwilling to be tested for AIDS, so nearly 50% of people living with HIV do not even know that they are infected^[6]. As a result, it is even more difficult to quickly identify people infected with HIV, further exacerbating the risk of HIV transmission. Clinical challenges remain such as drug resistance, patient compliance, access to antiretroviral therapy, and the need for a diversified portfolio of safe and effective anti-HIV and/or AIDS drugs.

AIDS has a long and complex process of progression from infection to onset which usually occurs 2-4 weeks after being infected with HIV. The majority of infected people experience mild clinical symptoms, with fevers being the most common symptom. Sometimes symptoms may include sore throats, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes and neurological symptoms. “People who engage in high risk practices, such as unprotected sex, intravenous drug use, or blood transfusion without HIV screening, are recommended to be screened for HIV testing two weeks to three months after potential exposure,” said Professor Wu Hao, Director of the Center of Infectious Diseases in Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University. “Once an HIV infection is confirmed, people must take precautions to avoid transmitting the virus to others, and they should begin antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible."
 
Antiretroviral therapy can control the virus’ load in the blood which helps patients stay in good health. It also reduces the risk of HIV transmission through sexual activity. However, the harsh reality is that patients can easily miss doses of medication due to the need to keep track of a variety of drugs that must be taken throughout the day. Patients may also stop taking medication due to concerns about adverse reactions. Studies show that it is very difficult to achieve optimal treatment outcomes when patients miss more than two doses per month^[7]. In addition, current therapeutic options available for free are quite limited. First-line treatment may not be suitable for patients who are drug resistant or who cannot tolerate adverse effects or drug interactions. These patients may require second-line treatment as an alternative. When second-line treatments are not suitable, third-line treatments must be considered; however, currently no third-line treatments are available for free^[8].
 
"The core principle in AIDS treatment is to prioritize ‘first-line of treatment’. Efficacy, safety and easy access to antiretroviral drugs are keys to improving medication adherence and patients’ quality of life,” said Professor Zhang Fujie, Head of AIDS Clinical Expert Working Group, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People’s Republic of China. “According to the Consolidated Guidelines on the Use of Antiretroviral Drugs for Treating and Preventing HIV Infection issued by the World Health Organization in 2013, it is suggested that a once-daily fixed-dose combination should be prescribed to every patient^[9]. This single-tablet regimen contains three or four safe, effective antiretroviral medicines, meaning patients no longer have to take multiple drugs every day. This significantly improves patient compliance leading to optimal treatment outcomes.”
 
"Xian Janssen is committed to developing innovative anti-HIV medications. Over the past six years, we have introduced three anti-HIV drugs to China, helping fulfill unmet medical needs for patients with varying treatment requirements. In the future, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to the research and development of innovative anti-HIV drugs which provide safer, more convenient and affordable therapeutic products for Chinese patients,” said Cesar Rodriguez, President of Xian Janssen. “We are also dedicated to organizing educational activities for the general public to improve awareness and reduce stigma associated with the disease. By working closely with the Chinese government and related institutions, Xian Janssen will continue to improve the lives of patients and families who are affected by AIDS."
 
Planning is already underway for a national education series on AIDS scheduled to run in many universities in more than 10 provinces and cities in China.
  
About Xian Janssen
 
Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. is one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. It is one of China’s largest pharmaceutical companies and among the earliest multinational pharmaceutical companies to enter China simultaneous with the opening up of China’s economy.
 
Since its establishment in 1985, Xian Janssen has been committed to providing Chinese patients with high-quality, innovative products that fulfill unmet medical needs in psychiatry, neurology, oncology, immunology, and gastrointestinal and fungal diseases.
 
Based on the company’s Credo and spirit of caring, Xian Janssen has been an active corporate citizen, conducting over 50 cooperative projects in the areas of medicine, public health, medical R&D, and corporate social responsibility.
 
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For more information, please contact: 
 
Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd.
Ying DU
Tel: 010-5821 8323
Mobile: 13810757854
Email: ydu11@its.jnj.com