Gilead Sciences reports positive data from new study of HIV drug Odefsey

Gilead Sciences has announced new clinical trial data demonstrating the benefits of Odefsey, its new HIV therapy combining emtricitabine, rilpivirine and tenofovir alafenamide.

Two phase IIIb studies were carried out to explore the efficacy and safety of Odefsey among virologically suppressed adult patients switching from the tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-based regimens Complera or Atripla.

It was shown that Odefsey maintained similar rates of virologic suppression as the alternative regimens in both studies over 48 weeks of treatment, while also demonstrating statistically significant improvements in bone mineral density at the hip and spine.

Additionally, improvements in total and tubular proteinuria statistically favored Odefsey in both studies. Gilead plans to submit this data for presentation at scientific conferences in 2016.

Dr Norbert Bischofberger, executive vice-president for research and development and chief scientific officer at Gilead Sciences, said: "Results from these two studies support the efficacy, as well as the renal and bone safety profile, of Odefsey as a new treatment option for virologically suppressed patients."

Gilead received EU approval for the single-tablet HIV treatment regimen last month.