Gilead Shares Data on Diverse HIV Treatment Innovations

Gilead Sciences, Inc. has unveiled significant new data from its diverse HIV treatment portfolio and research pipeline, presented at the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024). The findings underscore Gilead's commitment to person-centered drug development strategies aimed at addressing unmet needs in HIV treatment, reflecting the company's dedication to supporting people with HIV throughout their lifetimes.

One of the key studies highlighted was a five-year analysis of Biktarvy's effectiveness in Hispanic/Latine individuals with HIV. The results were promising, demonstrating that Biktarvy maintained high rates of virologic suppression and was generally well tolerated among this demographic, which often faces disparities in health outcomes and is under-represented in clinical trials. In the study, 100% of Hispanic/Latine participants and 98.1% of non-Hispanic/Latine participants maintained an undetectable viral load at Week 240. Importantly, no treatment-emergent resistance was detected, affirming Biktarvy's long-term efficacy and safety.

Another significant piece of research from the BICSTaR (Bictegravir Single Tablet Regimen) study focused on older adults with comorbidities who switched to Biktarvy. This real-world cohort study showed that after two years, 96% of participants maintained an undetectable viral load. The study included individuals 50 years and older, with a high prevalence of comorbidities, underlining Biktarvy's suitability for this group. The treatment was well tolerated, with minimal adverse events leading to discontinuation, and no treatment-emergent resistance was observed.

Gilead also provided updates on the ARTISTRY-1 study, which evaluates the once-daily oral combination of bictegravir and lenacapavir for people with HIV requiring complex treatment regimens. The study showed sustained viral suppression at Week 48 for those on the combination therapy. The regimen was well tolerated, with few treatment-emergent adverse events leading to discontinuation. These findings support the potential for bictegravir and lenacapavir to simplify treatment for those currently managing multiple daily medications.

Further, Gilead discussed the ongoing development of GS-4182 and GS-1720, investigational compounds designed for once-weekly oral HIV treatment regimens. GS-4182, a prodrug of lenacapavir, showed favorable safety and pharmacokinetics in early studies, suggesting its potential as part of a weekly dosing regimen. GS-1720, a selective integrase strand transfer inhibitor, also demonstrated promising results, with a pharmacokinetic profile supportive of weekly dosing.

Additionally, a resistance analysis from a study on the twice-yearly combination of lenacapavir with broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) indicated high rates of virologic suppression. This regimen showed potential even among participants highly susceptible to only one bNAb, with most maintaining viral suppression. These results highlight lenacapavir's potential as a cornerstone for future long-acting HIV treatments.

Gilead's data from AIDS 2024 emphasize the company's innovative approach to HIV treatment, focusing on the development of new therapeutic options that cater to the varied needs of people living with HIV. The presented studies collectively reinforce the potential for long-term, simplified, and effective treatment strategies that could significantly improve quality of life and health outcomes for people with HIV.