The Trade-Offs of Branded Versus Generic First-Line ART

A modeling analysis presented at AIDS 2012 indicated that switching patients from a branded regimen to a predominantly generic one would decrease annual HIV treatment costs in the U.S. by almost one billion dollars but would result in a modest decrease in estimated survival.

Tenofovir/FTC/efavirenz (Atripla) is a preferred first-line regimen for HIV treatment, but this one-pill, once-daily combination is relatively expensive in the U.S. Would a similar, generic-based regimen that costs less be just as effective? A modeling analysis presented at AIDS 2012 provides some insight [Abstract FRLBX06].

Using an HIV simulation model, Rochelle Walensky and colleagues compared brand-name tenofovir/FTC/efavirenz with a three-pill, once-daily combination of branded tenofovir + generic 3TC + generic efavirenz. (Generic 3TC is already available, and generic efavirenz is expected around 2013.) The model inputs were based on published studies conducted in the U.S. (with early suppression rates of 85% for Atripla vs. 78% for the…

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Keith Henry, MD

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Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

The Trade-Offs of Branded Versus Generic First-Line ART

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