The DISCOVER trial was presented at the 2019 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Seattle. The trial’s Phase 3, 96-week results for an updated formulation of PrEP compared to the current formulation was equally effective. The current formulation in the study is Truvada (TDF/FTC) and the updated formulation is Descovy (TAF/FTC).
The study enrolled approximately 5300 gay/bisexual/transgender woman that were at high risk for HIV. Participants were given Truvada plus placebo or Descovy plus placebo daily. The cohort had a low number of HIV diagnosis but a high number of STI diagnosis linked to HIV risk.
The study showed very low incidence of HIV in both arms and Descovy showed improved renal and bone safety as compared to Truvada. TAF is a pro-drug formulation that produce high levels of the active drug which means it can be given in smaller doses leading to less exposure for the kidneys, bones and other organs.
The Descovy formulation produced the same effective results as the Truvada formula. Participants in the Descovy group were tolerable and positively responded to the new formulation for PrEP. Moreover, the formula could be an alternative to the current Truvada formulation. North Texas Infectious Diseases consultants research department participated in the Discover trial with Dr Berhe as the Principle Investigator.
North Texas Infectious Diseases Consultants research department participated in the Discover trial.
Please click the link to review the Phase 3 Results: http://www.thebodypro.com/content/81651/new-option-prep-taf-ftc-non-inferior-tdf-discover.html?ic=tbphnews
References:
- Hare CB et al. The phase 3 discover study: daily F/TAF or F/TDF for HIV preexposure prophylaxis. Oral abstract LB 104LB. (abstract) (webcast)
- gov. Safety and efficacy of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF) fixed-dose combination once daily for pre-exposure prophylaxis in men and transgender women who have sex with men and are at risk of HIV-1 infection (DISCOVER).
- Collins S. New Option for PrEP: TAF/FTC Is Non-Inferior to TDF/FTC — Results of Phase 3 DISCOVER Study. TheBodyPROcom 2019. http://www.thebodypro.com/content/81651/new-option-prep-taf-ftc-non-inferior-tdf-discover.html (accessed April 18, 2019).