Popular HIV-1 med successful, particularly in order adults
Gilead will present new data on virologic suppression in adults 65 years and older at AIDS 2020: Virtual this week.
New data demonstrates that the popular HIV-1 treatment bictegravir 50 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg tablets (Biktarvy, Gilead Sciences) effectively maintained virioglical suppression, particularly in older adults who switched to the medication.
In new research that it will present at AIDS 2020: Virtual, July 6 to 10, Biktarvy was effective in virologically suppressed adults ages 65 and older, including those with common comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and dyslipidemia, Gilead said in a press release.
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At 48 weeks, 92% of those who switched to Biktarvy maintained virologic suppression.
“As the number of older adults living with HIV grows, it’s critical to optimize therapy to fit the unique needs of this key population, including those with chronic conditions who may be on multiple medications,” said Moti Ramgopal, MD, medical director of Midway Immunology and Research Center, in the release.
“By 2030, it is projected that up to 70% of people living with HIV will be 50 years or older, the majority of whom will have at least one other comorbidity,” Ramgopal added.”The data presented at AIDS 2020: Virtual showed that adults 65 years and older who switched to Biktarvy maintained viral suppression without a significant impact on lipid levels such as cholesterol, weight, or interactions with other drugs they may be taking for comorbidities.”
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These data were evaluated as part of a pooled analysis of four international trials.
Gilead also announced a new data analysis from multiple studies evaluating drug resistance, including the first study to investigate a switch to Biktarvy in virologically suppressed study participants in which some of the participants had a history of treatment failure or suspected pre-existing nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance (NRTI-R).
The study showed infrequent and similar viral blips (when study participants experienced a temporary viral load at or above 50 copies/mL) among study participants switching to Biktarvy, as compared to the comparator arm.
“The results support further evaluation of whether the once-daily, single tablet regimen Biktarvy may potentially be an effective and well-tolerated option for adults with a history of treatment failure or pre-existing resistance,” Gilead said.
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David Calabrese of OptumRx Talks Top Three Drugs in Pipeline, Industry Trends in Q2
July 1st 2020In this week's episode of Tuning Into The C-Suite podcast, MHE's Briana Contreras chatted with David Calabrese, R.Ph, MHP, who is senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer of pharmacy care services company, OptumRx. David is also a member of Managed Healthcare Executives’ Editorial Advisory Board. During the discussion, he shared the OptumRx Quarter 2 Drug Pipeline Insights Report of 2020. Some of the information shared includes the three notable drugs currently being reviewed or those that have been recently approved by the FDA. Also discussed were any interesting industry trends to watch for.
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