FDA approves new HIV drug from Johnson & Johnson

WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration says it approved a new HIV drug from Johnson & Johnson for patients who have not been treated with other medications for the virus.

The once-a-day pill Edurant works by blocking the virus from reproducing. It is designed to be used with other drugs that reduce levels of HIV in the blood.

FDA officials say the approval provides an additional option to HIV patients, who respond differently to various medications.

The FDA approved the drug based on a study showing it was as effective as Sustiva, an older HIV drug already on the market.

Police shooting death of Pacoima burglary suspect under investigation

An investigation was underway in the death of a burglary suspect who, after being chased by Pacoima residents, was shot by police with beanbags last week and later died while in custody, authorities said Friday.

Van Nuys resident Victor Preciado, 32, was arrested May 11 after LAPD Foothill Division officers shot him several times with a less-lethal beanbag shotgun after he refused to drop a pair of garden shears, according to LAPD.

Preciado, who officers said appeared to be under the influence of drugs, was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation, where he slipped into a coma. He died Tuesday, six days after his arrest, according to LAPD.

The cause of his death has not been determined.

Police arrested Preciado after receiving two separate radio calls - one for a burglary at a car shop and another about a man causing a disturbance at a home in the 10600 block of Tamarack Avenue in Pacoima.

Preciado allegedly committed a theft at the shop and was then chased by neighbors to the Tamarack home minutes before police arrived, LAPD said.

When officers arrived at the home, they saw Preciado trying to get inside while holding what looked like a knife but later turned out to be the garden shears, according to LAPD.

Officers ordered him to drop the weapon in Spanish and English, but Preciado refused and they shot him several times, according to LAPD. He was taken into custody without further resistance and transported to the hospital.

The incident is being investigated by the LAPD Force Investigation Division.