Gilead reports positive phase III trial data from Quad study

Gilead Sciences has announced results from a new phase III study of the investigational HIV treatment Quad, in which the therapy demonstrated its potential efficacy.

The fixed-dose single-tablet combination therapy was compared to Atripla in a 48-week study among treatment-naive patients, during which it met its primary endpoint of non-inferior performance.

Quad combines four different Gilead compounds – elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate – into a single treatment, with the company aiming to submit the product for regulatory approval next year.

Dr Norbert Bischofberger, executive vice-president for research and development and chief scientific officer at Gilead Sciences, said the results from the phase III study are in line with this target.

"Achieving non-inferiority to the current standard of care in HIV therapy is a major developmental milestone for our Quad regimen," he said.

Last month, the company published positive study data that showed the efficacy of the elvitegravir component of Quad as a standalone treatment.