Pifeltro (doravirine) vs Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide)

Pifeltro (doravirine) vs Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide)

Pifeltro (doravirine) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used as part of combination therapy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection, and it is typically administered once daily without regard to food. Biktarvy combines bictegravir, a novel integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), with emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, two nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), into a single once-daily tablet, offering a complete regimen for HIV-1 infection treatment. When deciding between Pifeltro and Biktarvy, considerations include drug-drug interactions, resistance profiles, and individual patient factors such as comorbid conditions and concomitant medications, with the choice ultimately guided by a healthcare professional's assessment of the patient's specific clinical circumstances.

Difference between Pifeltro and Biktarvy

Metric Pifeltro (doravirine) Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide)
Generic name Doravirine Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide
Indications Treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults Treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients
Mechanism of action Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) Integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
Brand names Pifeltro Biktarvy
Administrative route Oral Oral
Side effects Nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal dreams Diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue
Contraindications Coadministration with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events Coadministration with drugs that induce P-gp or CYP3A as this may lead to significantly decreased bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide plasma concentrations
Drug class Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) Integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
Manufacturer Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Efficacy

Pifeltro (Doravirine) for HIV/AIDS

Pifeltro, which contains the active ingredient doravirine, is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults with no prior antiretroviral treatment history. The efficacy of Pifeltro was primarily demonstrated in clinical trials, such as the DRIVE-AHEAD study, where it was compared to other antiretroviral agents. In these trials, Pifeltro, when used in combination with other antiretroviral agents, showed a high rate of virologic suppression, which is measured by the reduction of HIV RNA levels in the blood. Patients treated with Pifeltro achieved and maintained low levels of HIV RNA, indicating effective control of the virus.

Biktarvy (Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide) for HIV/AIDS

Biktarvy is a combination antiretroviral medication that includes bictegravir, an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), and emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, both of which are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). This combination is used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults who are either new to antiretroviral therapy or who are virologically suppressed on a stable antiretroviral regimen for at least three months with no history of treatment failure. Clinical trials, such as studies 1489 and 1490, have shown Biktarvy to be highly effective in reducing HIV RNA to undetectable levels in a high percentage of patients. The trials demonstrated that Biktarvy was effective in maintaining virologic suppression through 48 weeks and beyond.

Comparative Efficacy

When comparing Pifeltro and Biktarvy, both medications have shown high efficacy in clinical trials for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. However, Biktarvy, as a single-tablet regimen with three active agents, may offer convenience and the potential for improved adherence over regimens that include Pifeltro, which must be combined with other antiretroviral drugs. The choice between these medications may depend on individual patient factors, resistance profiles, and potential drug-drug interactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Pifeltro and Biktarvy have demonstrated strong efficacy in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Pifeltro, as an NNRTI, and Biktarvy, as a combination therapy including an INSTI and two NRTIs, provide potent options for antiretroviral therapy. The selection of an appropriate treatment regimen should be personalized, taking into account the patient's medical history, concomitant medications, and lifestyle to optimize outcomes and ensure the efficacy of the treatment for HIV/AIDS.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Pifeltro
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
Biktarvy
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia

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