Long-Term Treatment Success with Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF)

Abstract

The treatment paradigm for individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has evolved beyond solely focusing on viral load suppression to encompass a comprehensive approach that prioritizes health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Biktarvy (BIC/FTC/TAF) has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for achieving this treatment goal. During the 11th German-Austrian AIDS Congress (DÖAK), eight healthcare professionals from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland convened at a non-public, industry-sponsored meeting to discuss how treatment with BIC/FTC/TAF supports a holistic, long-term, and patient-centered treatment approach to optimize HRQoL for people living with HIV (PwH). The experts were invited to share their experience with BIC/FTC/TAF and examine relevant real-world data presented during the DÖAK congress. The industry-sponsored and expert-led meeting was initiated to provide valuable perceptions from the eight experts practicing in different clinical and practical settings. This paper highlights the key findings from the expert meeting discussion. The experts agreed that the BIC/FTC/TAF regimen is highly suitable for everyday use, showing efficacy and tolerability across various patient groups, including those with unclear prior therapies, hepatitis B virus status, low CD4 counts, opportunistic infections, and individuals engaged in chemsex. Moreover, adherence to the BIC/FTC/TAF regimen is crucial for successful therapy, requiring personalized patient care and a structured, regular questioning process. Various factors, such as substance abuse or changes in life circumstances, can affect adherence; hence, open discussions about the patient's life situations and needs are important. In conclusion, the BIC/FTC/TAF regimen supports the achievement of new therapeutic goals beyond virological suppression by effectively catering to different patient groups. It also fosters personalized patient care by leniency towards suboptimal adherence. The regimen's versatility and practicality make it an integral tool in achieving broader health objectives in HIV management. PEER REVIEWED ARTICLE Peer reviewers: Dr Rein Jan Piso, Kantonsspital Olten, Olten, Switzerland One anonymous peer reviewer Received: September 1, 2023; Accepted after peer review: January 15, 2024