Gilead Sciences announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an updated label with additional data reinforcing the safety and efficacy profile of Biktarvy (bictegravir 50 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg tablets, B/F/TAF) to treat pregnant people with HIV-1 (PWH) with suppressed viral loads.

These additional data stem from Study 5310, which evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of Biktarvy in pregnant PWH who have suppressed viral loads and no known resistance to any components of Biktarvy in their second and third trimesters and through a median of 16 weeks postpartum. This update makes Biktarvy the only second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based single-tablet regimen (STR) with in-label clinical trial data and FDA approval in virologically suppressed adults who are pregnant.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) perinatal guidelines recognize Biktarvy as having sufficient data to support being recommended as an alternative complete regimen for use in pregnancy and for people who are trying to conceive. Additionally, guidelines recommend continuing Biktarvy for PWH already on treatment who are virologically suppressed and tolerating treatment well who may become pregnant.

“This label update marks an important milestone for Biktarvy, reinforcing its efficacy profile for pregnant PWH, an often understudied and most vulnerable community in clinical research,” said Jared Baeten, MD, PhD, Vice President, HIV Clinical Development, Gilead Sciences. “Not only is Biktarvy an alternative regimen for use in pregnancy, but people of childbearing potential can also remain on Biktarvy if they become pregnant. We continue to keep people at the center of our tireless commitment to HIV treatment research and development so that our medicines address the needs of the broad range of communities that we serve.”

The updated label now includes additional data from Study 5310, a Phase 1b, open-label, single-arm, multicenter clinical trial evaluating the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of Biktarvy in pregnant PWH who were virologically suppressed and had no known resistance to the components of Biktarvy.

This label update marks a significant milestone in Gilead’s efforts to address the individual needs of all people impacted by HIV, as these data can help to provide assurance for people of childbearing potential to remain on Biktarvy if they were to become pregnant. The Biktarvy label was also updated in February 2024 to align with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on breastfeeding, which encourages a dialogue between a person and their healthcare provider regarding breastfeeding.

“As an OB-GYN and a longtime women’s health advocate, I’m incredibly passionate about helping end health disparities among women, and especially Black women who are disproportionately impacted by HIV,” said Yolanda M. Lawson, MD, President, National Medical Association. “I’m encouraged by the tremendous progress made in personalizing HIV treatment over the years, including this milestone that further supports the safety profile of Biktarvy use during pregnancy. Together, we can help bring all PWH the care they need, including those who are or may become pregnant, so they can continue to live longer, healthier lives while on HIV treatment.”

“These additional data can help to better inform treatment decisions between pregnant PWH and their providers and mark an incredible step forward in addressing the unique needs PWH have when they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant,” said William R. Short, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “As experts in perinatal care, we will continue to recommend ways pregnant PWH can maintain undetectable viral loads so they can stay healthy and prevent transmission to their baby.”