Gilead Sciences reports positive data from Complera study

Gilead Sciences has published results from a phase III clinical trial that adds to the body of data confirming the benefits of its approved HIV treatment Complera.

In the Spirit study, the drug was evaluated among virologically suppressed treatment-experienced HIV patients who are switching from a multi-pill regimen containing a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor.

Complera met its 24-week primary endpoint by demonstrating non-inferiority to remaining on a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor regimen.

Currently, the product – which combines Gilead's own Truvada with Edurant from Janssen – is approved in the US for use among treatment-naive patients only.

Principal investigator Dr Frank Palella Jr, professor of medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said: "In this current study, the data demonstrates that Complera has the potential to help a broader range of HIV-infected patients."

Last month, the company announced that its new HIV therapy elvitegravir, which is indicated for use among treatment-experienced patients, has been accepted for European regulatory review.