Phase III Studies of Quad Published

Earlier this year at CROI, researchers presented two phase III trials in which a fixed-dose once-daily coformulation of tenofovir/FTC/elvitegravir/cobicistat (known as “Quad”) was compared with a standard first-line regimen consisting of tenofovir/FTC/efavirenz (Atripla) or tenofovir/FTC + ritonavir-boosted atazanavir (JW AIDS Clin Care Apr 2 2012). Now, the 48-week results of these trials have been published.

Treatment-naive patients (approximately 700 in each trial; about 90% men) were randomized 1:1 to receive Quad or the comparator regimen. The trials were placebo-controlled, blinded, and sponsored by the maker of Quad. Patients were required to have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >70 mL/minute/1.73 m² — and, in fact, the…