Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD), a US-based biopharmaceutical company, announced on Monday the presentation of real-world results from the BICSTaR study, highlighting Biktarvy(R) (bictegravir 50mg/emtricitabine 200mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25mg tablets, B/F/TAF) as a generally well tolerated and efficacious regimen regardless of prior treatment and comorbidity status in people with HIV.

The company said that the latest five-year data from two Phase 3 studies (Study 1489 and Study 1490) provide evidence of the long-term safety and efficacy profile of Biktarvy in those who switch from a dolutegravir-containing regimen. The data were presented at the 30th International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection (HIV Glasgow 2022).

New real-world data was presented from the 24-month BICSTaR follow-up analysis, evaluating the effectiveness and safety of Biktarvy in clinical practice across nine countries. The analysis included follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic and considered age, race, sex, adherence, and late diagnosis in the population group.

'These latest data demonstrate how innovation and improvement in HIV treatment options can help people living with HIV and their clinicians identify an HIV treatment regimen that supports their treatment over the long-term,' said Benoit Trottier, MD, physician and director of research at Clinique de Medecine Urbaine du Quartier Latin, Montreal, Canada. 'Factors such as aging and comorbidities are vital components of long-term health discussions. The BICSTaR study reinforces the real-world effectiveness of Biktarvy across populations with a range of comorbidities and the findings are consistent with evidence from randomised clinical trials of Biktarvy treatment.'

According to the company, additional data from Study 1489 and Study 1490 presented at the conference show Biktarvy to have high efficacy and sustained safety for people switching to the treatment, with a continued high barrier to resistance.