FDA Approves Biktarvy® Label Update With Data for Pregnant Adults With HIV

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Gilead Sciences announced the FDA approval of an updated label for Biktarvy, a treatment for pregnant people with HIV-1. The label includes additional data from Study 5310, supporting the safety and efficacy of Biktarvy in pregnant individuals with suppressed viral loads. Biktarvy is recognized as an alternative regimen for use during pregnancy and for those trying to conceive, with guidelines recommending its continuation for virologically suppressed individuals who may become pregnant. The label update signifies a significant milestone in HIV treatment research, providing assurance for people of childbearing potential to remain on Biktarvy if pregnant.

Medical Research Analyst

When examining the recent FDA approval for the label update of Biktarvy with respect to its use during pregnancy, it's essential to consider the implications of this development from a clinical standpoint. The approval is based on Study 5310, which highlights the effectiveness and safety of the drug in maintaining viral suppression among pregnant people with HIV. The significance of this update cannot be understated, as it ensures that an important demographic has verified treatment options during a pivotal period of their lives. Analyzing the study's results, it is evident that the pharmacokinetics of Biktarvy do vary during pregnancy compared to postpartum, indicating that there's a change in how pregnant individuals absorb, metabolize and excrete the medication. The study's data showing sustained viral suppression and no transmission to newborns is a testament to the drug's effectiveness amidst the physiological changes during pregnancy. Furthermore, the increase in CD4+ cell count from baseline to postpartum signifies not just viral control but also the recovery of the immune system, which is a vital aspect for the health of both the mother and child. The absence of new safety concerns augments the drug’s profile, cementing its status as a trusted option amongst existing treatments.

Market Research Analyst

In terms of market impact, the FDA's decision to approve the label update for Biktarvy expands the drug's viability and potential user base. Being recognized as an alternative regimen during pregnancy by the DHHS perinatal guidelines opens up a specific yet vital market segment. This demographic has a high need for reliable and safe treatment options, thus potentially increasing the drug's adoption rate within this group. From an investor's perspective, this development is a positive signal for Gilead Sciences' commitment towards inclusive treatment options, which may translate into an enhanced corporate reputation and potentially bolster investor confidence. Additionally, this label update keeps Biktarvy competitive within the antiretroviral drug market, as it becomes the only second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitor-based single-tablet regimen with such FDA approval. This is significant when considering the adherence and convenience that single-tablet regimens offer, particularly for pregnant individuals who might already be managing complex health and lifestyle adjustments. The alignment with the CDC guidance on breastfeeding in the label further strengthens its market position by providing clear guidelines and promoting informed decision-making between patients and healthcare providers.

– Additional Data in Pregnant Adults Who Are Virologically Suppressed Reinforce Safety and Tolerability Profile of Biktarvy in Broad Range of People With HIV –

– Perinatal Guidelines Recognize Biktarvy as Alternative Regimen for Use During Pregnancy and for Those Trying to Conceive –

FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an updated label with additional data reinforcing the safety and efficacy profile of Biktarvy^® (bictegravir 50 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg tablets, B/F/TAF) to treat pregnant people with HIV-1 (PWH) with suppressed viral loads. These additional data stem from Study 5310, which evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of Biktarvy in pregnant PWH who have suppressed viral loads and no known resistance to any components of Biktarvy in their second and third trimesters and through a median of 16 weeks postpartum. This update makes Biktarvy the only second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based single-tablet regimen (STR) with in-label clinical trial data and FDA approval in virologically suppressed adults who are pregnant. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) perinatal guidelines recognize Biktarvy as having sufficient data to support being recommended as an alternative complete regimen for use in pregnancy and for people who are trying to conceive. Additionally, guidelines recommend continuing Biktarvy for PWH already on treatment who are virologically suppressed and tolerating treatment well who may become pregnant.

“This label update marks an important milestone for Biktarvy, reinforcing its efficacy profile for pregnant PWH, an often understudied and most vulnerable community in clinical research,” said Jared Baeten, MD, PhD, Vice President, HIV Clinical Development, Gilead Sciences. “Not only is Biktarvy an alternative regimen for use in pregnancy, but people of childbearing potential can also remain on Biktarvy if they become pregnant. We continue to keep people at the center of our tireless commitment to HIV treatment research and development so that our medicines address the needs of the broad range of communities that we serve.”

The updated label now includes additional data from Study 5310, a Phase 1b, open-label, single-arm, multicenter clinical trial evaluating the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of Biktarvy in pregnant PWH who were virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL) and had no known resistance to the components of Biktarvy. Participants were administered Biktarvy once daily from the second or third trimester through postpartum. Lower plasma exposures of Biktarvy were observed during pregnancy as compared to postpartum; all 32 participants who completed the study maintained viral suppression during pregnancy, at delivery and through week 18 postpartum. The median CD4+ cell count at baseline was 558 cells/μL, and the median change in CD4+ cell count from baseline to week 12 postpartum was 159 cells/μL. All 29 newborn participants had negative/nondetectable HIV-1 PCR results at birth and/or at four to eight weeks post birth. Further, the study did not identify any new safety or tolerability concerns for people who use Biktarvy during pregnancy and postpartum as the overall incidence and types of adverse events observed were consistent with those expected for the population studied.

This label update marks a significant milestone in Gilead’s efforts to address the individual needs of all people impacted by HIV, as these data can help to provide assurance for people of childbearing potential to remain on Biktarvy if they were to become pregnant. The Biktarvy label was also updated in February 2024 to align with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on breastfeeding, which encourages a dialogue between a person and their healthcare provider regarding breastfeeding.

“As an OB-GYN and a longtime women’s health advocate, I’m incredibly passionate about helping end health disparities among women, and especially Black women who are disproportionately impacted by HIV,” said Yolanda M. Lawson, MD, President, National Medical Association. “I’m encouraged by the tremendous progress made in personalizing HIV treatment over the years, including this milestone that further supports the safety profile of Biktarvy use during pregnancy. Together, we can help bring all PWH the care they need, including those who are or may become pregnant, so they can continue to live longer, healthier lives while on HIV treatment.”

“These additional data can help to better inform treatment decisions between pregnant PWH and their providers and mark an incredible step forward in addressing the unique needs PWH have when they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant,” said William R. Short, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “As experts in perinatal care, we will continue to recommend ways pregnant PWH can maintain undetectable viral loads so they can stay healthy and prevent transmission to their baby.”

Please see below for U.S. Indications and Important Safety Information for Biktarvy, including Boxed Warning.

There is no cure for HIV or AIDS.

About Biktarvy

Biktarvy is a complete HIV treatment that combines three powerful medicines to form the smallest 3-drug, integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based single-tablet regimen (STR) available, offering simple once-daily dosing with or without food, with a limited drug interaction potential and a high barrier to resistance. Biktarvy combines the novel, unboosted INSTI bictegravir, with the Descovy^® (emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg tablets, F/TAF) backbone. Biktarvy is a complete STR and should not be taken with other HIV medicines.

U.S. Indication for Biktarvy

Biktarvy (bictegravir 50 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg) is indicated as a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg who have no antiretroviral (ARV) treatment history or to replace the current ARV regimen in those who are virologically-suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per mL) on a stable ARV regimen with no known or suspected substitutions associated with resistance to bictegravir or tenofovir.

U.S. Important Safety Information for Biktarvy

BOXED WARNING: POST TREATMENT ACUTE EXACERBATION OF HEPATITIS B

• Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and have discontinued products containing emtricitabine (FTC) and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and may occur with discontinuation of BIKTARVY. Closely monitor hepatic function with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and discontinue BIKTARVY. If appropriate, anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted.

Contraindications

• Coadministration: Do not use BIKTARVY with dofetilide or rifampin.

Warnings and precautions

• Drug interactions: See Contraindications and Drug Interactions sections. Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during BIKTARVY therapy and monitor for adverse reactions.
• Immune reconstitution syndrome, including the occurrence of autoimmune disorders with variable time to onset, has been reported.
• New onset or worsening renal impairment: Postmarketing cases of renal impairment, including acute renal failure, proximal renal tubulopathy (PRT), and Fanconi syndrome have been reported with tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)–containing products. Do not initiate BIKTARVY in patients with estimated creatinine clearance (CrCl) <30 mL/min except in virologically suppressed adults <15 mL/min who are receiving chronic hemodialysis. Patients with impaired renal function and/or taking nephrotoxic agents (including NSAIDs) are at increased risk of renal-related adverse reactions. Discontinue BIKTARVY in patients who develop clinically significant decreases in renal function or evidence of Fanconi syndrome.
  Renal monitoring: Prior to or when initiating BIKTARVY and during therapy, assess serum creatinine, CrCl, urine glucose, and urine protein in all patients as clinically appropriate. In patients with chronic kidney disease, assess serum phosphorus.
• Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis: Fatal cases have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs, including FTC and TDF. Discontinue BIKTARVY if clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity develop, including hepatomegaly and steatosis in the absence of marked transaminase elevations.

Adverse reactions

• Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%; all grades) in clinical studies through week 144 were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

Drug interactions

• Prescribing information: Consult the full prescribing information for BIKTARVY for more information on Contraindications, Warnings, and potentially significant drug interactions, including clinical comments.

• Enzymes/transporters: Drugs that induce P-gp or induce both CYP3A and UGT1A1 can substantially decrease the concentration of components of BIKTARVY. Drugs that inhibit P-gp, BCRP, or inhibit both CYP3A and UGT1A1 may significantly increase the concentrations of components of BIKTARVY. BIKTARVY can increase the concentration of drugs that are substrates of OCT2 or MATE1.
• Drugs affecting renal function: Coadministration of BIKTARVY with drugs that reduce renal function or compete for active tubular secretion may increase concentrations of FTC and tenofovir and the risk of adverse reactions.

Dosage and administration

• Dosage: Adult and pediatric patients weighing ≥25 kg: 1 tablet containing 50 mg bictegravir (BIC), 200 mg emtricitabine (FTC), and 25 mg tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) taken once daily with or without food. Pediatric patients weighing ≥14 kg to <25 kg: 1 tablet containing 30 mg BIC, 120 mg FTC, and 15 mg TAF taken once daily with or without food. For children unable to swallow a whole tablet, the tablet can be split and each part taken separately as long as all parts are ingested within approximately 10 minutes.
• Renal impairment: For patients weighing ≥25 kg, not recommended in patients with CrCl 15 to <30 mL/min, or <15 mL/min who are not receiving chronic hemodialysis, or <15 mL/min who are receiving chronic hemodialysis and have no antiretroviral treatment history. For patients weighing ≥14 kg to <25 kg, not recommended in patients with CrCl <30 mL/min.
• Hepatic impairment: Not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
• Prior to or when initiating: Test patients for HBV infection.
• Prior to or when initiating, and during treatment: As clinically appropriate, assess serum creatinine, CrCl, urine glucose, and urine protein in all patients. In patients with chronic kidney disease, assess serum phosphorus.

Pregnancy and lactation

• Pregnancy: BIKTARVY is recommended in pregnant individuals who are virologically suppressed on a stable ARV regimen with no known substitutions associated with resistance to any of the individual components of BIKTARVY. Lower plasma exposures of BIKTARVY were observed during pregnancy; therefore, viral load should be monitored closely during pregnancy.
• Lactation: Individuals infected with HIV-1 should be informed of the potential risks of breastfeeding.

About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, Calif.

For 35 years, Gilead has been a leading innovator in the field of HIV, driving advances in treatment, prevention and cure research. Gilead researchers have developed 12 HIV medications, including the first single-tablet regimen to treat HIV, the first antiretroviral for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help reduce new HIV infections, and the first long-acting injectable HIV treatment medication administered twice-yearly. Our advances in medical research have helped to transform HIV into a treatable, preventable, chronic condition for millions of people.

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 Gilead’s ability to initiate, progress or complete clinical trials or studies within currently anticipated timelines or at all, and the possibility of unfavorable results from ongoing and additional clinical trials or studies, including those involving Biktarvy; the risk that physicians may not see the benefits of prescribing Biktarvy to treat pregnant people with HIV with suppressed viral loads; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. These and other risks, uncertainties and factors are described in detail in Gilead’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Gilead, and Gilead assumes no obligation and disclaims any intent to update any such forward-looking statements.

Biktarvy, Descovy, Gilead and the Gilead logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

U.S. Prescribing Information for Biktarvy, including BOXED WARNING, is available at www.gilead.com.

For more information about Gilead, please visit the company’s website at www.gilead.com, follow Gilead on X/Twitter (@Gilead Sciences) and LinkedIn (@Gilead-Sciences).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240426676086/en/

Meaghan Smith, Media

public_affairs@gilead.com

Jacquie Ross, Investors

investor_relations@gilead.com

Source: Gilead Sciences, Inc.

FAQ

What label update did the FDA approve for Biktarvy related to pregnant adults with HIV?

The FDA approved an updated label for Biktarvy to treat pregnant people with HIV-1 with suppressed viral loads.

What study provided additional data for the label update of Biktarvy?

Study 5310 provided additional data reinforcing the safety and efficacy of Biktarvy in pregnant individuals with suppressed viral loads.

What is the significance of Biktarvy being recognized as an alternative regimen for pregnant individuals?

Biktarvy being recognized as an alternative regimen for pregnant individuals highlights its safety and efficacy in this population.

Why was the label updated for Biktarvy in February 2024?

The label was updated in February 2024 to align with CDC guidance on breastfeeding.