Gilead Sciences’ HIV drug fulfils goals in phase III trial

Gilead Sciences' new HIV-1 treatment elvitegravir has achieved its primary efficacy endpoint in a phase III clinical trial.

Data from the 48-week study showed that the investigational antiretroviral agent was able to deliver non-inferior performance compared to raltegravir among treatment-experienced patients.

Elvitegravir is being studied by Gilead as part of its developmental Quad treatment regimen, which will combine the compound with three other agents.

The company will now be continuing the blinded, randomised period of the study for a further 48 weeks in line with amendments announced in January 2011, which will provide the company with further data on its safety and efficacy.

Dr Norbert Bischofberger, executive vice-president for research and development and chief scientific officer at Gilead Sciences, said: "Data from this study will support regulatory filings for elvitegravir as well as Gilead's investigational Quad pill."

Last month, the firm announced a deal to acquire Calistoga Pharmaceuticals, a specialist in cancer and inflammatory disease treatments.