Tibotec Virco-Virology

Tibotec-Virco was a pioneering Belgian biotechnology company specializing in the development of antiviral therapies and diagnostic technologies for infectious diseases. The company was formed through the merger of Tibotec, a drug discovery firm, and Virco, a leader in HIV resistance testing, both founded by Rudi Pauwels. In 2002, the company was acquired by Johnson & Johnson for approximately 320 million USD and integrated into the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies. Tibotec-Virco is credited with developing several landmark treatments for HIV/AIDS, including the protease inhibitor Prezista and the NNRTIs Intelence and Edurant. Beyond HIV, the company's research led to the development of simeprevir for Hepatitis C and bedaquiline, the first new treatment for multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis in decades. Today, its legacy continues as a core component of Janssen's infectious disease research and development division.