Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide) vs Sunlenca (lenacapavir)

Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide) vs Sunlenca (lenacapavir)

Biktarvy is a once-daily oral combination medication used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and children who weigh at least 14 kilograms; it combines three antiretroviral drugs that work together to prevent the virus from replicating. Sunlenca, on the other hand, is a long-acting injectable medication, administered every six months, and is used in combination with other antiretroviral(s) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in heavily treatment-experienced adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection. When deciding between Biktarvy and Sunlenca, it is crucial to consider factors such as the frequency of dosing, resistance patterns of the virus, the patient's treatment history, and potential side effects, all of which should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Difference between Biktarvy and Sunlenca

Metric Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide) Sunlenca (lenacapavir)
Generic name Bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide Lenacapavir
Indications HIV-1 infection treatment in adults HIV-1 infection treatment for heavily treatment-experienced adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection
Mechanism of action Integrase inhibitor, reverse transcriptase inhibitors HIV-1 capsid inhibitor
Brand names Biktarvy Sunlenca
Administrative route Oral Subcutaneous and oral
Side effects Diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue Injection site reactions, nausea, diarrhea, headache
Contraindications Patients with previous hypersensitivity to the active substances or any of the excipients Patients with previous hypersensitivity to lenacapavir or any of the excipients
Drug class Antiretroviral Antiretroviral
Manufacturer Gilead Sciences Gilead Sciences

Efficacy

Efficacy of Biktarvy for HIV/AIDS

Biktarvy, a combination antiretroviral medication containing bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide, has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Biktarvy is capable of reducing viral load to undetectable levels in a significant proportion of patients. The efficacy of Biktarvy has been evaluated in a series of studies, including those with treatment-naïve individuals, as well as patients who were virologically suppressed on a stable antiretroviral regimen. In these studies, Biktarvy maintained high rates of virologic suppression and was comparable to other effective antiretroviral therapies.

Efficacy of Sunlenca for HIV/AIDS

Sunlenca (lenacapavir) is a newer antiretroviral agent that has shown promise in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It works as a capsid inhibitor, a novel mechanism of action in the field of HIV treatment. Lenacapavir has been studied in clinical trials for its efficacy in both treatment-experienced and treatment-naïve individuals with HIV. In the CAPELLA trial, lenacapavir demonstrated a significant reduction in viral load in heavily treatment-experienced people with multi-drug resistant HIV-1 when used in combination with an optimized background regimen. This suggests that lenacapavir can be a valuable addition to the treatment arsenal, particularly for those with limited therapeutic options due to resistance.

Comparative Efficacy in HIV/AIDS Treatment

When comparing the efficacy of Biktarvy and Sunlenca, it is important to consider the different populations and scenarios in which they have been studied. Biktarvy has a well-established efficacy profile for a broad range of patients with HIV-1, including those who are starting treatment for the first time and those who are switching from a different regimen. On the other hand, Sunlenca's current data highlights its potential role for individuals with multi-drug resistant HIV-1, offering a new mechanism of action that may overcome resistance barriers. Both medications represent significant advancements in HIV/AIDS treatment, with Biktarvy providing a potent and convenient option for many patients, and Sunlenca offering hope for those with challenging treatment histories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Biktarvy and Sunlenca have shown high efficacy in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, albeit in different patient populations and stages of the disease. Biktarvy's robust clinical trial data support its use as a first-line and switch therapy for a wide range of patients. Sunlenca, while newer to the market, offers a novel approach for those with resistant HIV strains, potentially filling a critical gap in the treatment landscape for those with few other options. As with all antiretroviral treatments, the choice of therapy should be individualized based on a patient's specific medical history, resistance profile, and treatment goals.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Biktarvy
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
Sunlenca
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), United Kingdom

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If Biktarvy or Sunlenca are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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