In Clinical Trials, Biktarvy Demonstrated High Efficacy and Zero Resistance Through 48 Weeks
HONG KONG, Oct. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) today announced that the Hong Kong Department of Health has approved Biktarvy® (bictegravir 50mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg; BIC/FTC/TAF), a once-daily single tablet regimen (STR) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults*. Hong Kong is the first market in Asia to approve Biktarvy.
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The triple-combination, single-tablet therapy combines the potency of the novel integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) bictegravir, with the demonstrated safety and efficacy profile of a guideline recommended dual nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) backbone – Descovy® (emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg; FTC/TAF). BIC/FTC/TAF provides a convenient once-daily dosing STR without regards of food. Furthermore, BIC/FTC/TAF’s use is not restricted by the patient’s baseline viral load, CD4 cell count or HLA-B 5701 status.
"Safety and resistance profiles are important considerations for HIV patients, as the disease requires long-term care. In addition, potent treatments with convenient dosing can potentially improve adherence and outcomes for patients in Hong Kong," said Dr Chan Kai Ming, Specialist in Infectious Disease, Consultant in Internal Medicine, Union Hospital, Hong Kong.
The approval was based upon data from four ongoing Phase 3 studies: Studies 1489 and 1490 in treatment-naive HIV-1 infected adults, and Studies 1844 and 1878 in virologically suppressed adults. The trials are comprised of a population of 2,414 participants, and BIC/FTC/TAF met its primary efficacy objective at 48 weeks in all four studies, with no participants in any of the four BIC/FTC/TAF studies developing treatment-emergent virologic resistance. There were no cases of renal discontinuation, proximal renal tubulopathy or Fanconi syndrome in the BIC/FTC/TAF arms at 48 weeks. The most common adverse reactions in patients taking BIC/FTC/TAF were diarrhoea, nausea, and headache.
"We welcome the timely approval of BIC/FTC/TAF in Hong Kong, a novel treatment option for people living with HIV," said Andrew Hexter, Vice President and General Manager, Asia 5, Gilead Sciences. "We are commited to serving the needs of HIV patients and medical communities in Asia, and are working with public health authorities to make the treatment available in this region."
Additional ongoing studies not included in the marketing authorization application involve dedicated studies in women, adolescents and children.
BIC/FTC/TAF was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 7, 2018 and the European Commission on June 21, 2018.
* BIC/FTC/TAF is a once-daily single tablet regimen (STR) indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults without present or past evidence of viral resistance to the integrase inhibitor class, emtricitabine or tenofovir.
About Gilead Sciences, Inc. Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world. Gilead has operations in more than 35 countries worldwide, with global headquarters in Foster City, California.
For nearly 30 years, Gilead has been a leading innovator in the field of HIV, driving advances in treatment, prevention and cure research. Today, it’s estimated that more than 12 million people living with HIV globally receive antiretroviral therapy provided by Gilead or one of the company’s generic manufacturing partners.
Forward-Looking Statement This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risk that physicians may not see the benefits of prescribing BIC/FTC/TAF for the treatment of HIV-1 infection and the possibility of unfavourable results from additional clinical trials involving BIC/FTC/TAF. These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other risks are described in detail in Gilead’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Gilead, and Gilead assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.
For more information on Gilead Sciences, please visit the company’s website at www.gilead.com, or follow Gilead on Twitter (@GileadSciences).
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