Biktarvy, consisting of bictegravir, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, is a significant medication in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. This fixed-dose combination antiretroviral drug, approved for use in the United States in February 2018 and in the European Union in June 2018, is a combination therapy, often termed as highly active antiretroviral therapy. This therapy involves using two or more types of antiretroviral drugs. Each tablet of Biktarvy contains 50 milligrams bictegravir, 200 milligrams emtricitabine, and 25 milligrams tenofovir alafenamide, and is taken orally once daily.
The mechanism of action of Biktarvy involves a combination approach to treat the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. This therapy is crucial in decreasing the likelihood of drug resistance, a significant concern in HIV treatment. The combination of multiple drugs makes it unlikely for HIV-1 strains to mutate enough to become resistant to all the drugs used in the combination. This therapy not only increases the lifespan of HIV patients but also substantially reduces the possibility of virus transmission.
Biktarvy has shown remarkable performance in the market. In 2022, Biktarvy sales increased by 20% to $10.4 billion for the full year, primarily due to higher demand and favorable pricing dynamics, though partially offset by inventory dynamics. The sales performance in 2022 indicates a strong market presence and growing reliance on this medication in HIV treatment.
In conclusion, Biktarvy stands out as a potent and effective medication in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Its combination therapy approach addresses the critical issue of drug resistance, offering a more robust treatment option for patients. With its increasing sales and widespread acceptance, Biktarvy is set to continue playing a vital role in HIV treatment strategies worldwide.