CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mechanism Of Action
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is an antiviral drug [see Microbiology].
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of TDF have been evaluated in healthy volunteers and HIV-1 infected individuals. Tenofovir pharmacokinetics are similar between these populations.
Absorption
VIREAD is a water soluble diester prodrug of the active ingredient tenofovir. The oral bioavailability of tenofovir from VIREAD in fasted subjects is approximately 25%. Following oral administration of a single dose of VIREAD 300 mg to HIV-1 infected subjects in the fasted state, maximum serum concentrations (Cmax) are achieved in 1.0 ± 0.4 hrs. Cmax and AUC values are 0.30 ± 0.09 μg/mL and 2.29 ± 0.69 μg•hr/mL, respectively.
The pharmacokinetics of tenofovir are dose proportional over a VIREAD dose range of 75 to 600 mg and are not affected by repeated dosing.
In a single-dose bioequivalence study conducted under non-fasted conditions (dose administered with 4 oz. applesauce) in healthy adult volunteers, the mean Cmax of tenofovir was 26% lower for the oral powder relative to the tablet formulation. Mean AUC of tenofovir was similar between the oral powder and tablet formulations.
Distribution
In vitro binding of tenofovir to human plasma or serum proteins is less than 0.7 and 7.2%, respectively, over the tenofovir concentration range 0.01 to 25 μg/mL. The volume of distribution at steady-state is 1.3 ± 0.6 L/kg and 1.2 ± 0.4 L/kg, following intravenous administration of tenofovir 1.0 mg/kg and 3.0 mg/kg.
Metabolism And Elimination
In vitro studies indicate that neither tenofovir disoproxil nor tenofovir are substrates of CYP enzymes.
Following IV administration of tenofovir, approximately 70−80% of the dose is recovered in the urine as unchanged tenofovir within 72 hours of dosing. Following single dose, oral administration of VIREAD, the terminal elimination half-life of tenofovir is approximately 17 hours. After multiple oral doses of VIREAD 300 mg once daily (under fed conditions), 32 ± 10% of the administered dose is recovered in urine over 24 hours.
Tenofovir is eliminated by a combination of glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion. There may be competition for elimination with other compounds that are also renally eliminated.
Effects Of Food On Oral Absorption
Administration of VIREAD 300 mg tablets following a high-fat meal (~700 to 1,000 kcal containing 40 to 50% fat) increases the oral bioavailability, with an increase in tenofovir AUC0-∞ of approximately 40% and an increase in Cmax of approximately 14%. However, administration of VIREAD with a light meal did not have a significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of tenofovir when compared to fasted administration of the drug. Food delays the time to tenofovir Cmax by approximately 1 hour. Cmax and AUC of tenofovir are 0.33 ± 0.12 μg/mL and 3.32 ± 1.37 μg•hr/mL following multiple doses of VIREAD 300 mg once daily in the fed state, when meal content was not controlled.
Specific Populations
Race
There were insufficient numbers from racial and ethnic groups other than Caucasian to adequately determine potential pharmacokinetic differences among these populations.
Gender
Tenofovir pharmacokinetics are similar in male and female subjects.
Pediatric Patients
2 Years and Older
Steady-state pharmacokinetics of tenofovir were evaluated in 31 HIV-1 infected pediatric subjects 2 years to less than 18 years of age (Table 13). Tenofovir exposure achieved in these pediatric subjects receiving oral once daily doses of VIREAD 300 mg (tablet) or 8 mg/kg of body weight (powder) up to a maximum dose of 300 mg was similar to exposures achieved in adults receiving once-daily doses of VIREAD 300 mg.
Table 13 Mean (± SD) Tenofovir Pharmacokinetic Parameters by Age Groups for HIV-1 infectedPediatric Patients 2 years and older for the Tablet and Oral Powder
Dose and Formulation |
300 mg Tablet |
8 mg/kg Oral Powder |
12 Years to <18 Years (N=8) |
2 Years to <12 Years (N=23) |
Cmax (μg/mL) |
0.38 ± 0.13 |
0.24 ± 0.13 |
AUCtau (μg•hr/mL) |
3.39 ± 1.22 |
2.59 ± 1.06 |
Tenofovir exposures in HBV-infected pediatric subjects (12 years to less than 18 years of age) receiving oral once-daily doses of VIREAD 300 mg tablet and pediatric subjects 2 years to less than 12 years of age receiving VIREAD 8 mg/kg of body weight (tablet or powder) up to a maximum dose of 300 mg were comparable to exposures achieved in HIV-1 infected adult subjects receiving identical doses.
Geriatric Patients
Pharmacokinetic trials have not been performed in the elderly (65 years and older).
Patients With Renal Impairment
The pharmacokinetics of tenofovir are altered in subjects with renal impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. In subjects with creatinine clearance below 50 mL/min or with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis, Cmax, and AUC0-∞ of tenofovir were increased (Table 14).
Table 14 Pharmacokinetic Parameters (Mean ± SD) of Tenofovira in Subjects with Varying Degrees of Renal Function
Baseline Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) |
>80
N=3 |
50−80
N=10 |
30−49
N=8 |
12−29
N=11 |
Cmax (μg/mL) |
0.34 ± 0.03 |
0.33 ± 0.06 |
0.37 ± 0.16 |
0.60 ± 0.19 |
AUC0-∞ (μg•hr/mL) |
2.18 ± 0.26 |
3.06 ± 0.93 |
6.01 ± 2.50 |
15.98 ± 7.22 |
CL/F (mL/min) |
1043.7 ± 115.4 |
807.7 ± 279.2 |
444.4 ± 209.8 |
177.0 ± 97.1 |
CLrenal (mL/min) |
243.5 ± 33.3 |
168.6 ± 27.5 |
100.6 ± 27.5 |
43.0 ± 31.2 |
a.300 mg, single dose of VIREAD |
Patients With Hepatic Impairment
The pharmacokinetics of tenofovir following a 300 mg single dose of VIREAD have been studied in non-HIV infected subjects with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. There were no substantial alterations in tenofovir pharmacokinetics in subjects with hepatic impairment compared with unimpaired subjects. No change in VIREAD dosing is required in patients with hepatic impairment.
Assessment Of Drug Interactions
At concentrations substantially higher (~300-fold) than those observed in vivo, tenofovir did not inhibit in vitro drug metabolism mediated by any of the following human CYP isoforms: CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1. However, a small (6%) but statistically significant reduction in metabolism of CYP1A substrate was observed. Based on the results of in vitro experiments and the known elimination pathway of tenofovir, the potential for CYP-mediated interactions involving tenofovir with other medicinal products is low.
VIREAD has been evaluated in healthy volunteers in combination with other antiretroviral and potential concomitant drugs. Tables 15 and 16 summarize pharmacokinetic effects of coadministered drug on tenofovir pharmacokinetics and effects of VIREAD on the pharmacokinetics of coadministered drug.
TDF is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) transporters. When TDF is coadministered with an inhibitor of these transporters, an increase in absorption may be observed.
No clinically significant drug interactions have been observed between VIREAD and efavirenz, methadone, nelfinavir, oral contraceptives, ribavirin, or sofosbuvir.
Table 15 Drug Interactions: Changes in Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Tenofovira in the Presence of the Coadministered Drug
Coadministered Drug |
Dose of Coadministered Drug (mg) |
N |
% Change of Tenofovir Pharmacokinetic Parametersb (90% CI) |
Cmax |
AUC |
Cmin |
Atazanavirc |
400 once daily × 14 days |
33 |
↑ 14 (↑ 8 to ↑ 20) |
↑ 24 (↑ 21 to ↑ 28) |
↑ 22 (↑ 15 to ↑ 30) |
Atazanavir/ Ritonavirc |
300/100 once daily |
12 |
↑ 34 (↑ 20 to ↑ 51) |
↑ 37 (↑ 30 to ↑ 45) |
↑ 29 (↑ 21 to ↑ 36) |
Darunavir/ Ritonavird |
300/100 twice daily |
12 |
↑ 24 (↑ 8 to ↑ 42) |
↑ 22 (↑ 10 to ↑ 35) |
↑ 37 (↑ 19 to ↑ 57) |
Indinavir |
800 three times daily × 7 days |
13 |
↑ 14 (↓ 3 to ↑ 33) |
⇔ |
⇔ |
Ledipasvir/ Sofosbuvire,f |
90/400 once daily × 10 days |
24 |
↑ 47 (↑ 37 to ↑ 58) |
↑ 35 (↑ 29 to ↑ 42 ) |
↑ 47 (↑ 38 to ↑ 57) |
Ledipasvir/ Sofosbuvire,g |
23 |
↑ 64 (↑ 54 to ↑ 74) |
↑ 50 (↑ 42 to ↑ 59) |
↑ 59 (↑ 49 to ↑ 70) |
Ledipasvir/ Sofosbuvirh |
90/400 once daily × 14 days |
15 |
↑ 79 (↑ 56 to ↑ 104) |
↑ 98 (↑ 77 to ↑ 123) |
↑ 163 (↑ 132 to↑197) |
Lopinavir/ Ritonavir |
400/100 twice daily × 14 days |
24 |
⇔ |
↑ 32 (↑ 25 to ↑ 38) |
↑ 51 (↑ 37 to ↑ 66) |
Saquinavir/ Ritonavir |
1000/100 twice daily × 14 days |
35 |
⇔ |
⇔ |
↑ 23 (↑ 16 to ↑ 30) |
Sofosbuviri |
400 single dose |
16 |
↑ 25 (↑ 8 to ↑ 45) |
⇔ |
⇔ |
Sofosbuvir/ Velpatasvirj |
400/100 once daily |
24 |
↑ 44 (↑ 33 to ↑ 55) |
↑ 40 (↑ 34 to ↑ 46) |
↑ 84 (↑ 76 to ↑ 92) |
Sofosbuvir/ Velpatasvirk |
400/100 once daily |
30 |
↑ 46 (↑ 39 to ↑ 54) |
↑ 40 (↑ 34 to ↑ 45) |
↑ 70 (↑ 61 to ↑ 79) |
Sofosbuvir/ Velpatasvir/ Voxilaprevirl |
400/100/100 + Voxilaprevirm 100 once daily |
29 |
↑ 48 (↑ 36 to ↑ 61) |
↑ 39 (↑ 32 to ↑ 46) |
↑ 47 (↑ 38 to ↑ 56) |
Tacrolimus |
0.05 mg/kg twice daily × 7 days |
21 |
↑ 13 (↑ 1 to ↑ 27) |
⇔ |
⇔ |
Tipranavir/ Ritonavirn |
500/100 twice daily |
22 |
↓ 23 (↓ 32 to ↓ 13) |
↓ 2 (↓ 9 to ↑ 5) |
↑ 7 (↓ 2 to ↑ 17) |
750/200 twice daily (23 doses) |
20 |
↓ 38 (↓ 46 to ↓ 29) |
↑ 2 (↓ 6 to ↑ 10) |
↑ 14 (↑ 1 to ↑ 27) |
a.Subjects received VIREAD 300 mg once daily.
b.Increase = ↑; Decrease = ↓; No Effect = ⇔
c.Reyataz Prescribing Information.
d.Prezista Prescribing Information.
e.Data generated from simultaneous dosing with HARVONI (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir). Staggered administration (12 hours apart) provided similar results.
f.Comparison based on exposures when administered as atazanavir/ritonavir + FTC/TDF.
g.Comparison based on exposures when administered as darunavir/ritonavir + FTC/TDF.
h.Study conducted with ATRIPLA (EFV/FTC/TDF) coadministered with HARVONI; coadministration with HARVONI also results in comparable increases in tenofovir exposure when TDF is administered as COMPLERA (FTC/rilpivirine/TDF), or TRUVADA + dolutegravir.
i.Study conducted with ATRIPLA coadministered with SOVALDI® (sofosbuvir).
j.Study conducted with COMPLERA coadministered with EPCLUSA; coadministration with EPCLUSA also results in comparable increases in tenofovir exposures when TDF is administered as ATRIPLA, STRIBILD (elvitegravir/cobicistat/FTC/TDF), TRUVADA + atazanavir/ritonavir, or TRUVADA + darunavir/ritonavir.
k.Administered as raltegravir + FTC/TDF.
l.Comparison based on exposures when administered as darunavir + ritonavir + FTC/TDF.
m.Study conducted with additional voxilaprevir 100 mg to achieve voxilaprevir exposures expected in HCV-infected patients.
n.Aptivus Prescribing Information. |
No effect on the pharmacokinetic parameters of the following coadministered drugs was observed with VIREAD: abacavir, didanosine (buffered tablets), emtricitabine, entecavir, and lamivudine.
Table 16 Drug Interactions: Changes in Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Coadministered Drug inthe Presence of VIREAD
Coadministered Drug |
Dose of Coadministered Drug(mg) |
N |
% Change of Coadministered Drug Pharmacokinetic Parametersa (90% CI) |
Cmax |
AUC |
Cmin |
Abacavir |
300 once |
8 |
↑ 12 (↓ 1 to ↑ 26) |
⇔ |
NA |
Atazanavirb |
400 once daily × 14 days |
34 |
↓ 21 (↓ 27 to ↓ 14) |
↓ 25 (↓ 30 to ↓ 19) |
↓ 40 (↓ 48 to ↓ 32) |
Atazanavirb |
Atazanavir/ Ritonavir 300/100 once daily × 42 days |
10 |
↓ 28 (↓ 50 to ↑ 5) |
↓ 25c (↓ 42 to ↓ 3) |
↓ 23c (↓ 46 to ↑ 10) |
Darunavird |
Darunavir/Ritonavir 300/100 once daily |
12 |
↑ 16 (↓ 6 to ↑ 42) |
↑ 21 (↓ 5 to ↑ 54) |
↑ 24 (↓ 10 to ↑ 69) |
Didanosinee |
250 once, simultaneously with VIREAD and a light mealf |
33 |
↓ 20g (↓ 32 to ↓ 7) |
⇔g |
NA |
Emtricitabine |
200 once daily × 7 days |
17 |
⇔ |
⇔ |
↑ 20 (↑ 12 to ↑ 29) |
Entecavir |
1 mg once daily × 10 days |
28 |
⇔ |
↑ 13 (↑ 11 to ↑ 15) |
⇔ |
Indinavir |
800 three times daily × 7 days |
12 |
↓ 11 (↓ 30 to ↑ 12) |
⇔ |
⇔ |
Lamivudine |
150 twice daily × 7 days |
15 |
↓ 24 (↓ 34 to ↓ 12) |
⇔ |
⇔ |
Lopinavir |
Lopinavir/Ritonavir 400/100 twice daily × 14 days |
24 |
⇔ |
⇔ |
⇔ |
Ritonavir |
⇔ |
⇔ |
⇔ |
Saquinavir |
Saquinavir/Ritonavir 1000/100 twice daily × 14 days |
32 |
↑ 22 (↑ 6 to ↑ 41) |
↑ 29h (↑ 12 to ↑ 48) |
↑ 47h (↑ 23 to ↑ 76) |
Ritonavir |
⇔ |
⇔ |
↑ 23 (↑ 3 to ↑ 46) |
Tacrolimus |
0.05 mg/kg twice daily × 7 days |
21 |
⇔ |
⇔ |
⇔ |
Tipranaviri |
Tipranavir/Ritonavir 500/100 twice daily |
22 |
↓ 17 (↓ 26 to ↓ 6) |
↓ 18 (↓ 25 to ↓ 9) |
↓ 21 (↓ 30 to ↓ 10) |
Tipranavir/Ritonavir 750/200 twice daily (23 doses) |
20 |
↓ 11 (↓ 16 to ↓ 4) |
↓ 9 (↓ 15 to ↓ 3) |
↓ 12 (↓ 22 to 0) |
a.Increase = ↑; Decrease = ↓; No Effect = ⇔; NA = Not Applicable
b.Reyataz Prescribing Information.
c.In HIV-infected subjects, addition of TDF to atazanavir 300 mg plus ritonavir 100 mg, resulted in AUC and Cmin values of atazanavir that were 2.3-and 4-fold higher than the respective values observed for atazanavir 400 mg when given alone.
d.Prezista Prescribing Information.
e.Videx EC Prescribing Information. Subjects received didanosine enteric-coated capsules.
f.373 kcal, 8.2 g fat
g.Compared with didanosine (enteric-coated) 400 mg administered alone under fasting conditions.
h.Increases in AUC and Cmin are not expected to be clinically relevant; hence no dose adjustments are required when TDF and ritonavir-boosted saquinavir are coadministered.
i.Aptivus Prescribing Information. |
Microbiology
Mechanism of Action
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate diester analog of adenosine monophosphate. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate requires initial diester hydrolysis for conversion to tenofovir and subsequent phosphorylations by cellular enzymes to form tenofovir diphosphate (TFVDP), an obligate chain terminator. Tenofovir diphosphate inhibits the activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and HBV RT by competing with the natural substrate deoxyadenosine 5’triphosphate and, after incorporation into DNA, by DNA chain termination. Tenofovir diphosphate is a weak inhibitor of mammalian DNA polymerases α, β, and mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ.
Activity Against HIV
Antiviral Activity
The antiviral activity of tenofovir against laboratory and clinical isolates of HIV-1 was assessed in lymphoblastoid cell lines, primary monocyte/macrophage cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes. The EC50 (50% effective concentration) values for tenofovir were in the range of 0.04 μM to 8.5 μM. In drug combination studies, tenofovir was not antagonistic with HIV-1 NRTIs (abacavir, didanosine, lamivudine, stavudine, zidovudine), NNRTIs (efavirenz, nevirapine), and protease inhibitors (amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir). Tenofovir displayed antiviral activity in cell culture against HIV-1 clades A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and O (EC50 values ranged from 0.5 μM to 2.2 μM) and strain-specific activity against HIV-2 (EC50 values ranged from 1.6 μM to 5.5 μM).
Resistance
HIV-1 isolates with reduced susceptibility to tenofovir have been selected in cell culture. These viruses expressed a K65R substitution in RT and showed a 2-to 4-fold reduction in susceptibility to tenofovir. In addition, a K70E substitution in HIV-1 RT has been selected by tenofovir and results in low-level reduced susceptibility to tenofovir.
In Trial 903 of treatment-naïve subjects (VIREAD+3TC+EFV versus d4T+3TC+EFV) [see Clinical Studies], genotypic analyses of isolates from subjects with virologic failure through Week 144 showed development of EFV and 3TC resistance-associated substitutions to occur most frequently and with no difference between the treatment arms. The K65R substitution occurred in 8/47 (17%) of analyzed patient isolates in the VIREAD arm and in 2/49 (4%) of analyzed patient isolates in the d4T arm. Of the 8 subjects whose virus developed K65R in the VIREAD arm through 144 weeks, 7 occurred in the first 48 weeks of treatment and one at Week 96. One patient in the VIREAD arm developed the K70E substitution in the virus. Other substitutions resulting in resistance to VIREAD were not identified in this trial.
In Trial 934 of treatment-naïve subjects (VIREAD+FTC+EFV versus AZT/3TC+EFV) [see Clinical Studies], genotypic analysis performed on HIV-1 isolates from all confirmed virologic failure subjects with >400 copies/mL of HIV-1 RNA at Week 144 or early discontinuation showed development of EFV resistance-associated substitutions occurred most frequently and was similar between the two treatment arms. The M184V substitution, associated with resistance to FTC and 3TC, was observed in 2/19 of analyzed subject isolates in the VIREAD+FTC group and in 10/29 of analyzed subject isolates in the AZT/3TC group. Through 144 weeks of Trial 934, no subjects have developed a detectable K65R substitution in their HIV-1 as analyzed through standard genotypic analysis.
Cross Resistance
Cross resistance among certain HIV-1 NRTIs has been recognized. The K65R and K70E substitutions selected by tenofovir are also selected in some HIV-1 infected subjects treated with abacavir or didanosine. HIV-1 isolates with this substitution also show reduced susceptibility to FTC and 3TC. Therefore, cross resistance among these drugs may occur in patients whose virus harbors the K65R or K70E substitution. HIV-1 isolates from subjects (N=20) whose HIV-1 expressed a mean of three AZT-associated RT substitutions (M41L, D67N, K70R, L210W, T215Y/F, or K219Q/E/N), showed a 3.1-fold decrease in the susceptibility to tenofovir.
In Trials 902 and 907 conducted in treatment-experienced subjects (VIREAD + Standard Background Therapy (SBT) compared to placebo + SBT) [see Clinical Studies], 14/304 (5%) of the VIREAD-treated subjects with virologic failure through Week 96 had >1.4-fold (median 2.7-fold) reduced susceptibility to tenofovir. Genotypic analysis of the baseline and failure isolates showed the development of the K65R substitution in the HIV-1 RT gene.
The virologic response to VIREAD therapy has been evaluated with respect to baseline viral genotype (N=222) in treatment-experienced subjects participating in Trials 902 and 907. In these clinical trials, 94% of the participants evaluated had baseline HIV-1 isolates expressing at least one NRTI substitution. Virologic responses for subjects in the genotype substudy were similar to the overall trial results.
Several exploratory analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of specific substitutions and substitutional patterns on virologic outcome. Because of the large number of potential comparisons, statistical testing was not conducted. Varying degrees of cross resistance of VIREAD to pre-existing AZT resistance-associated substitutions (M41L, D67N, K70R, L210W, T215Y/F, or K219Q/E/N) were observed and appeared to depend on the type and number of specific substitutions. VIREAD-treated subjects whose HIV-1 expressed 3 or more AZT resistance-associated substitutions that included either the M41L or L210W RT substitution showed reduced responses to VIREAD therapy; however, these responses were still improved compared with placebo. The presence of the D67N, K70R, T215Y/F, or K219Q/E/N substitution did not appear to affect responses to VIREAD therapy. Subjects whose virus expressed an L74V substitution without AZT resistance-associated substitutions (N=8) had reduced response to VIREAD. Limited data are available for subjects whose virus expressed a Y115F substitution (N=3), Q151M substitution (N=2), or T69 insertion (N=4), all of whom had a reduced response.
In the protocol defined analyses, virologic response to VIREAD was not reduced in subjects with HIV1 that expressed the abacavir/FTC/3TC resistance-associated M184V substitution. HIV-1 RNA responses among these subjects were durable through Week 48.
Trials 902 and 907 Phenotypic Analyses
Phenotypic analysis of baseline HIV-1 from treatment-experienced subjects (N=100) demonstrated a correlation between baseline susceptibility to VIREAD and response to VIREAD therapy. Table 17 summarizes the HIV-1 RNA response by baseline VIREAD susceptibility.
Table 17 HIV-1 RNA Response at Week 24 by Baseline VIREAD Susceptibility (Intent-To-Treat)a
Baseline VIREAD Susceptibilityb |
Change in HIV-1 RNAc (N) |
<1 |
−0.74 (35) |
>1 and ≤3 |
−0.56 (49) |
>3 and ≤4 |
−0.3 (7) |
>4 |
−0.12 (9) |
a.Tenofovir susceptibility was determined by recombinant phenotypic Antivirogram assay (Virco).
b.Fold change in susceptibility from wild-type.
c.Average HIV-1 RNA change from baseline through Week 24 (DAVG24) in log10 copies/mL. |
Activity Against HBV
Antiviral Activity
The antiviral activity of tenofovir against HBV was assessed in the HepG2 2.2.15 cell line. The EC50 values for tenofovir ranged from 0.14 to 1.5 μM, with CC50 (50% cytotoxicity concentration) values >100 μM. In cell culture combination antiviral activity studies of tenofovir with HBV NrtIs entecavir, lamivudine, and telbivudine, and with the HIV-1 NRTI emtricitabine, no antagonistic activity was observed.
Resistance
Cumulative VIREAD genotypic resistance has been evaluated annually for up to 384 weeks in Trials 0102, 0103, 0106, 0108, and 0121 [see Clinical Studies] with the paired HBV rt amino acid sequences of the pretreatment and on-treatment isolates from subjects who received at least 24 weeks of VIREAD monotherapy and remained viremic with HBV DNA ≥400 copies/mL (69 IU/mL) at the end of each study year (or at discontinuation of VIREAD monotherapy) using an as-treated analysis. In the nucleotide-naïve population from Trials 0102 and 0103, HBeAg-positive subjects had a higher baseline viral load than HBeAg-negative subjects and a significantly higher proportion of the subjects remained viremic at their last time point on VIREAD monotherapy (15% versus 5%, respectively).
HBV isolates from these subjects who remained viremic showed treatment-emergent substitutions (Table 18); however, no specific substitutions occurred at a sufficient frequency to be associated with resistance to VIREAD (genotypic and phenotypic analyses).
Table 18 Amino Acid Substitutions in Viremic Subjects across HBV Trials of VIREAD
|
Compensated Liver Disease |
Decompensated Liver Disease (N=39)d |
Nucleotide-Naïve (N=417)a |
HEPSERA-Experienced (N=247)b |
Lamivudine-Resistant (N=136)c |
Viremic at Last Time Point on VIREAD |
38/417 (9%) |
37/247 (15%) |
9/136 (7%) |
7/39 (18%) |
Treatment-Emergent Amino Acid Substitutionse |
18f/32 (56%) |
11g/31 (35%) |
6h/8 (75%) |
3/5 (60%) |
a.Nucleotide-naïve subjects from Trials 0102 (N=246) and 0103 (N=171) receiving up to 384 weeks of treatment with VIREAD.
b.HEPSERA-experienced subjects from Trials 0102/0103 (N=195) and 0106 (N=52) receiving up to 336 weeks of treatment with VIREAD after switching to VIREAD from HEPSERA. Trial 0106, a randomized, double-blind, 168-week Phase 2 trial, has been completed.
c.Lamivudine-resistant subjects from Trial 0121 (N=136) receiving up to 96 weeks of treatment with VIREAD after switching to VIREAD from lamivudine.
d.Subjects with decompensated liver disease from Trial 0108 (N=39) receiving up to 48 weeks of treatment with VIREAD.
e.Denominator includes those subjects who were viremic at last time point on VIREAD monotherapy and had evaluable paired genotypic data.
f.Of the 18 subjects with treatment-emergent amino acid substitutions during Trials 0102 and 0103, 5 subjects had substitutions at conserved sites and 13 subjects had substitutions only at polymorphic sites, and 8 subjects had only transient substitutions that were not detected at the last time point on VIREAD.
g.Of the 11 HEPSERA-experienced subjects with treatment-emergent amino acid substitutions, 2 subjects had substitutions at conserved sites and 9 had substitutions only at polymorphic sites.
h.Of the 6 lamivudine-resistant subjects with treatment-emergent substitutions during Trial 0121, 3 subjects had substitutions at conserved sites and 3 had substitutions only at polymorphic sites. |
Cross Resistance
Cross resistance has been observed between HBV NrtIs.
In cell based assays, HBV strains expressing the rtV173L, rtL180M, and rtM204I/V substitutions associated with resistance to lamivudine (3TC) and telbivudine showed a susceptibility to tenofovir ranging from 0.7-to 3.4-fold that of wild type virus. The rtL180M and rtM204I/V double substitutions conferred 3.4-fold reduced susceptibility to tenofovir.
HBV strains expressing the rtL180M, rtT184G, rtS202G/I, rtM204V, and rtM250V substitutions associated with resistance to entecavir showed a susceptibility to tenofovir ranging from 0.6-to 6.9fold that of wild type virus.
HBV strains expressing the adefovir resistance-associated substitutions rtA181V and/or rtN236T showed reductions in susceptibility to tenofovir ranging from 2.9-to 10-fold that of wild type virus. Strains containing the rtA181T substitution showed changes in susceptibility to tenofovir ranging from 0.9-to 1.5-fold that of wild type virus.
One hundred fifty-two subjects initiating VIREAD therapy in Trials 0102, 0103, 0106, 0108, and 0121 harbored HBV with known resistance substitutions to HBV NrtIs: 14 with adefovir resistance-associated substitutions (rtA181S/T/V and/or rtN236T), 135 with 3TC resistance-associated substitutions (rtM204I/V), and 3 with both adefovir and 3TC resistance-associated substitutions. Following up to 384 weeks of VIREAD treatment, 10 of the 14 subjects with adefovir-resistant HBV, 124 of the 135 subjects with 3TC-resistant HBV, and 2 of the 3 subjects with both adefovir-and 3TCresistant HBV achieved and maintained virologic suppression (HBV DNA <400 copies/mL [69 IU/mL]). Three of the 5 subjects whose virus harbored both the rtA181T/V and rtN236T substitutions remained viremic.
Animal Toxicology And/Or Pharmacology
Tenofovir and TDF administered in toxicology studies to rats, dogs, and monkeys at exposures (based on AUCs) greater than or equal to 6 fold those observed in humans caused bone toxicity. In monkeys the bone toxicity was diagnosed as osteomalacia. Osteomalacia observed in monkeys appeared to be reversible upon dose reduction or discontinuation of tenofovir. In rats and dogs, the bone toxicity manifested as reduced bone mineral density. The mechanism(s) underlying bone toxicity is unknown.
Evidence of renal toxicity was noted in 4 animal species. Increases in serum creatinine, BUN, glycosuria, proteinuria, phosphaturia, and/or calciuria and decreases in serum phosphate were observed to varying degrees in these animals. These toxicities were noted at exposures (based on AUCs) 2−20 times higher than those observed in humans. The relationship of the renal abnormalities, particularly the phosphaturia, to the bone toxicity is not known.
Clinical Studies
Overview Of Clinical Trials
The efficacy and safety of VIREAD in adults and pediatric subjects were evaluated in the trials summarized in Table 19.
Table 19 Trials Conducted with VIREAD in Adults and Pediatric Subjects for HIV-1 Treatment and Chronic HBV Treatment
Trial |
Population |
Study Arms (N)a |
Timepoint (Week) |
Trial 903b (NCT00158821) |
HIV-1 treatment-naïve adults |
VIREAD + lamivudine + efavirenz (299)
stavudine + lamivudine + efavirenz (301) |
144 |
Trial 934c (NCT00112047) |
emtricitabine + VIREAD + efavirenz (257)
zidovudine/lamivudine + efavirenz (254) |
144 |
Trial 907d (NCT00002450) |
HIV-1 treatment-experienced adults |
VIREAD (368) Placebo (182) |
24 |
Trial 0102b (NCT00117676) |
HBeAg-negative adults with chronic HBV |
VIREAD (250) HEPSERA (125) |
48 |
Trial 0103b (NCT00116805) |
HBeAg-positive adults with chronic HBV |
VIREAD (176) HEPSERA (90) |
48 |
Trial 121b (NCT00737568) |
Adults with lamivudine-resistant chronic HBV |
VIREAD (141) |
96 |
Trial 0108b (NCT00298363) |
Adults with chronic HBV and decompensated liver disease |
VIREAD (45) |
48 |
Trial 352c (NCT00528957) |
HIV-1 treatment experienced pediatric subjects 2 years to <12 years |
VIREAD (44) stavudine or zidovudine (48) |
48 |
Trial 321d (NCT00352053) |
HIV-1 treatment-experienced pediatric subjects 12 years to <18 years |
VIREAD (45) Placebo (42) |
48 |
Trial 115d (NCT00734162) |
Pediatric subjects 12 years to <18 years with chronic HBV |
VIREAD (52) Placebo (54) |
72 |
Trial 144d (NCT01651403) |
Pediatric subjects 2 years to <12 years with chronic HBV |
VIREAD (60) Placebo (29) |
48 |
a.Randomized and dosed.
b.Randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial.
c.Randomized, open-label active-controlled trial.
d.Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. |
Clinical Trial Results In Adults With HIV-1 Infection
Treatment-Naïve Subjects
Trial 903
Data through 144 weeks are reported for Trial 903, a double-blind, active-controlled multicenter trial comparing VIREAD (300 mg once daily) administered in combination with lamivudine (3TC) and efavirenz (EFV) versus stavudine (d4T), 3TC, and EFV in 600 antiretroviral-naïve subjects. Subjects had a mean age of 36 years (range 18−64); 74% were male, 64% were Caucasian, and 20% were Black. The mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 279 cells/mm3 (range 3−956) and median baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA was 77,600 copies/mL (range 417−5,130,000). Subjects were stratified by baseline HIV-1 RNA and CD4+ cell count. Forty-three percent of subjects had baseline viral loads >100,000 copies/mL and 39% had CD4+ cell counts <200 cells/mm3. Table 20 provides treatment outcomes through 48 and 144 weeks.
Table 20 Outcomes of Randomized Treatment at Week 48 and 144 (Trial 903)
Outcomes |
At Week 48 |
At Week 144 |
VIREAD+ 3TC +EFV (N=299) |
d4T+ 3TC +EFV (N=301) |
VIREAD+ 3TC +EFV (N=299) |
d4T+ 3TC +EFV (N=301) |
Respondera |
79% |
82% |
68% |
62% |
Virologic failureb |
6% |
4% |
10% |
8% |
Rebound |
5% |
3% |
8% |
7% |
Never suppressed |
0% |
1% |
0% |
0% |
Added an antiretroviral agent |
1% |
1% |
2% |
1% |
Death |
<1% |
1% |
<1% |
2% |
Discontinued due to adverse event |
6% |
6% |
8% |
13% |
Discontinued for other reasonsc |
8% |
7% |
14% |
15% |
a.Subjects achieved and maintained confirmed HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL through Week 48 and 144.
b.Includes confirmed viral rebound and failure to achieve confirmed <400 copies/mL through Week 48 and 144.
c.Includes lost to follow-up, subject’s withdrawal, noncompliance, protocol violation and other reasons. |
Achievement of plasma HIV-1 RNA concentrations of <400 copies/mL at Week 144 was similar between the two treatment groups for the population stratified at baseline on the basis of HIV-1 RNA concentration (> or ≤100,000 copies/mL) and CD4+ cell count (< or ≥200 cells/mm3). Through 144 weeks of therapy, 62% and 58% of subjects in the VIREAD and d4T arms, respectively, achieved and maintained confirmed HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL. The mean increase from baseline in CD4+ cell count was 263 cells/mm3 for the VIREAD arm and 283 cells/mm3 for the d4T arm.
Through 144 weeks, 11 subjects in the VIREAD group and 9 subjects in the d4T group experienced a new CDC Class C event.
Treatment-Naïve Subjects
Trial 934
Data through 144 weeks are reported for Trial 934, a randomized, open-label, active-controlled multicenter trial comparing emtricitabine (FTC) + VIREAD administered in combination with efavirenz (EFV) versus zidovudine (AZT)/lamivudine (3TC) fixed-dose combination administered in combination with EFV in 511 antiretroviral-naïve subjects. From Weeks 96 to 144 of the trial, subjects received a fixed-dose combination of FTC and TDF with EFV in place of FTC + VIREAD with EFV. Subjects had a mean age of 38 years (range 18−80); 86% were male, 59% were Caucasian, and 23% were Black. The mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 245 cells/mm3 (range 2−1191) and median baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA was 5.01 log10 copies/mL (range 3.56−6.54). Subjects were stratified by baseline CD4+ cell count (< or ≥200 cells/mm3); 41% had CD4+ cell counts <200 cells/mm3 and 51% of subjects had baseline viral loads >100,000 copies/mL. Table 21 provides treatment outcomes through 48 and 144 weeks for those subjects who did not have EFV resistance at baseline.
Table 21 Outcomes of Randomized Treatment at Week 48 and 144 (Trial 934)
Outcomes |
At Week 48 |
At Week 144 |
FTC + VIREAD +EFV (N=244) |
AZT/3TC + EFV (N=243) |
FTC + VIREAD +EFV (N=227)a |
AZT/3TC + EFV (N=229)a |
Responderb |
84% |
73% |
71% |
58% |
Virologic failurec |
2% |
4% |
3% |
6% |
Rebound |
1% |
3% |
2% |
5% |
Never suppressed |
0% |
0% |
0% |
0% |
Change in antiretroviral regimen |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
Death |
<1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
Discontinued due to adverse event |
4% |
9% |
5% |
12% |
Discontinued for other reasonsd |
10% |
14% |
20% |
22% |
a.Subjects who were responders at Week 48 or Week 96 (HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL) but did not consent to continue the trial after Week 48 or Week 96 were excluded from analysis.
b.Subjects achieved and maintained confirmed HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL through Weeks 48 and 144.
c.Includes confirmed viral rebound and failure to achieve confirmed <400 copies/mL through Weeks 48 and 144.
d.Includes lost to follow-up, subject withdrawal, noncompliance, protocol violation and other reasons. |
Through Week 48, 84% and 73% of subjects in the FTC + VIREAD group and the AZT/3TC group, respectively, achieved and maintained HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL (71% and 58% through Week 144). The difference in the proportion of subjects who achieved and maintained HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL through 48 weeks largely results from the higher number of discontinuations due to adverse events and other reasons in the AZT/3TC group in this open-label trial. In addition, 80% and 70% of subjects in the FTC + VIREAD group and the AZT/3TC group, respectively, achieved and maintained HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL through Week 48 (64% and 56% through Week 144). The mean increase from baseline in CD4+ cell count was 190 cells/mm3 in the FTC + VIREAD group and 158 cells/mm3 in the AZT/3TC group at Week 48 (312 and 271 cells/mm3 at Week 144).
Through 48 weeks, 7 subjects in the FTC + VIREAD group and 5 subjects in the AZT/3TC group experienced a new CDC Class C event (10 and 6 subjects through 144 weeks).
Treatment-Experienced Subjects
Trial 907
Trial 907 was a 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial of VIREAD added to a stable background regimen of antiretroviral agents in 550 treatment-experienced subjects. After 24 weeks of blinded trial treatment, all subjects continuing on trial were offered open-label VIREAD for an additional 24 weeks. Subjects had a mean baseline CD4+ cell count of 427 cells/mm3 (range 23−1,385), median baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA of 2,340 (range 50−75,000) copies/mL, and mean duration of prior HIV-1 treatment was 5.4 years. Mean age of the subjects was 42 years; 85% were male, 69% Caucasian, 17% Black, and 12% Hispanic.
Table 22 provides the percent of subjects with HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL and outcomes of subjects through 48 weeks.
Table 22 Outcomes of Randomized Treatment (Trial 907)
Outcomes |
0−24 weeks |
0−48 weeks |
24−48 weeks |
VIREAD (N=368) |
Placebo (N=182) |
VIREAD (N=368) |
Placebo Crossover to VIREAD (N=170) |
HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL a |
40% |
11% |
28% |
30% |
Virologic failureb |
53% |
84% |
61% |
64% |
Discontinued due to adverse event |
3% |
3% |
5% |
5% |
Discontinued for other reasonsc |
3% |
3% |
5% |
1% |
a.Subjects with HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL and no prior study drug discontinuation at Week 24 and 48, respectively.
b.Subjects with HIV-1 RNA ≥400 copies/mL efficacy failure or missing HIV-1 RNA at Week 24 and 48, respectively.
c.Includes lost to follow-up, subject withdrawal, noncompliance, protocol violation, and other reasons. |
At 24 weeks of therapy, there was a higher proportion of subjects in the VIREAD arm compared to the placebo arm with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL (19% and 1%, respectively). Mean change in absolute CD4+ cell counts by Week 24 was +11 cells/mm3 for the VIREAD group and −5 cells/mm3 for the placebo group. Mean change in absolute CD4+ cell counts by Week 48 was +4 cells/mm3 for the VIREAD group.
Through Week 24, one subject in the VIREAD group and no subjects in the placebo group experienced a new CDC Class C event.
Clinical Trial Results In Pediatric Subjects With HIV-1 Infection
In Trial 352, 92 treatment-experienced subjects 2 years to less than 12 years of age with stable, virologic suppression on a stavudine (d4T)-or zidovudine (AZT)-containing regimen were randomized to either replace d4T or AZT with VIREAD (N=44) or continue their original regimen (N=48) for 48 weeks. Five additional subjects over the age of 12 years were enrolled and randomized (VIREAD N=4, original regimen N=1) but are not included in the efficacy analysis. After 48 weeks, all eligible subjects were allowed to continue in the trial receiving open-label VIREAD. At Week 48, 89% of subjects in the VIREAD treatment group and 90% of subjects in the d4T or AZT treatment group had HIV-1 RNA concentrations <400 copies/mL. During the 48-week randomized phase of the trial, 1 subject in the VIREAD group discontinued the trial prematurely because of virologic failure/lack of efficacy and 3 subjects (2 subjects in the VIREAD group and 1 subject in the d4T or AZT group) discontinued for other reasons.
In Trial 321, 87 treatment-experienced subjects 12 years to less than 18 years of age were treated with VIREAD (N=45) or placebo (N=42) in combination with an optimized background regimen (OBR) for 48 weeks. The mean baseline CD4 cell count was 374 cells/mm3 and the mean baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA was 4.6 log10 copies/mL. At baseline, 90% of subjects harbored NRTI resistance-associated substitutions in their HIV-1 isolates. Overall, the trial failed to show a difference in virologic response between the VIREAD and placebo groups. Subgroup analyses suggest the lack of difference in virologic response may be attributable to imbalances between treatment arms in baseline viral susceptibility to VIREAD and OBR.
Although changes in HIV-1 RNA in these highly treatment-experienced subjects were less than anticipated, the comparability of the pharmacokinetic and safety data to that observed in adults supports the use of VIREAD in pediatric patients 12 years and older who weigh at least 35 kg and whose HIV-1 isolate is expected to be sensitive to VIREAD [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS, and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Clinical Trial Results In Adults With Chronic Hepatitis B
HBeAg-Negative Chronic HBV Subjects
Trial 0102
Trial 0102 was a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial of VIREAD 300 mg compared to HEPSERA 10 mg in 375 HBeAg-(anti-HBe+) subjects with compensated liver function, the majority of whom were nucleoside-naïve. The mean age of subjects was 44 years; 77% were male, 25% were Asian, 65% were Caucasian, 17% had previously received alpha-interferon therapy, and 18% were nucleoside-experienced (16% had prior lamivudine experience). At baseline, subjects had a mean Knodell necroinflammatory score of 7.8; mean plasma HBV DNA was 6.9 log10 copies/mL; and mean serum ALT was 140 U/L.
HBeAg-Positive Chronic HBV Subjects
Trial 0103
Trial 0103 was a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial of VIREAD 300 mg compared to HEPSERA 10 mg in 266 HBeAg+ nucleoside-naïve subjects with compensated liver function. The mean age of subjects was 34 years; 69% were male, 36% were Asian, 52% were Caucasian, 16% had previously received alpha-interferon therapy, and <5% were nucleoside experienced. At baseline, subjects had a mean Knodell necroinflammatory score of 8.4; mean plasma HBV DNA was 8.7 log10 copies /mL; and mean serum ALT was 147 U/L.
The primary data analysis was conducted after all subjects reached 48 weeks of treatment and results are summarized below.
The primary efficacy endpoint in both trials was complete response to treatment defined as HBV DNA <400 copies/mL (69 IU/mL) and Knodell necroinflammatory score improvement of at least 2 points, without worsening in Knodell fibrosis at Week 48 (see Table 23).
Table 23 Histological, Virological, Biochemical, and Serological Response at Week 48 (Trials 0102and 0103)
|
0102 (HBeAg-) |
0103 (HBeAg+) |
VIREAD (N=250) |
HEPSERA (N=125) |
VIREAD (N=176) |
HEPSERA (N=90) |
CompleteResponse |
71% |
49% |
67% |
12% |
Histology
Histological Responsea |
72% |
69% |
74% |
68% |
HBV DNA
<400 copies/mL (<69 IU/mL) |
93% |
63% |
76% |
13% |
ALT
Normalized ALTb |
76% |
77% |
68% |
54% |
Serology
HBeAg Loss/ Seroconversion |
NAc |
NAc |
20%/19% |
16%/16% |
HBsAg Loss/ Seroconversion |
0/0 |
0/0 |
3%/1% |
0/0 |
a.Knodell necroinflammatory score improvement of at least 2 points without worsening in Knodell fibrosis.
b.The population used for analysis of ALT normalization included only subjects with ALT above ULN at baseline.
c.NA = Not Applicable |
Treatment Beyond 48 Weeks
Trials 0102 and 0103
In Trials 0102 (HBeAg-negative) and 0103 (HBeAg-positive), subjects who completed double-blind treatment (389 and 196 subjects who were originally randomized to VIREAD and HEPSERA, respectively) were eligible to roll over to open-label VIREAD with no interruption in treatment.
In Trial 0102, 266 of 347 subjects who entered the open-label period (77%) continued in the trial through Week 384. Among subjects randomized to VIREAD followed by open-label treatment with VIREAD, 73% had HBV DNA <400 copies/ml (69 IU/ml), and 63% had ALT normalization at Week 384. Among subjects randomized to HEPSERA followed by open-label treatment with VIREAD, 80% had HBV DNA <400 copies/mL (69 IU/mL) and 70% had ALT normalization through Week 384. At Week 384, both HBsAg loss and seroconversion were approximately 1% in both treatment groups.
In Trial 0103, 146 of 238 subjects who entered the open-label period (61%) continued in the trial through Week 384. Among subjects randomized to VIREAD, 49% had HBV DNA <400 copies/mL (69 IU/mL), 42% had ALT normalization, and 20% had HBeAg loss (13% seroconversion to anti-HBe antibody) through Week 384. Among subjects randomized to HEPSERA followed by open-label treatment with VIREAD, 56% had HBV DNA <400 copies/mL (69 IU/mL), 50% had ALT normalization, and 28% had HBeAg loss (19% seroconversion to anti-HBe antibody) through Week 384. At Week 384, HBsAg loss and seroconversion were 11% and 8%, respectively, in subjects initially randomized to VIREAD and 12% and 10%, respectively, in subjects initially randomized to HEPSERA.
Of the originally randomized and treated 641 subjects in the two trials, liver biopsy data from 328 subjects who received continuing open-label treatment with VIREAD monotherapy were available for analysis at baseline, Week 48, and Week 240. There were no apparent differences between the subset of subjects who had liver biopsy data at Week 240 and those subjects remaining on open-label VIREAD without biopsy data that would be expected to affect histological outcomes at Week 240. Among the 328 subjects evaluated, the observed histological response rates were 80% and 88% at Week 48 and Week 240, respectively. In the subjects without cirrhosis at baseline (Ishak fibrosis score 0−4), 92% (216/235) and 95% (223/235) had either improvement or no change in Ishak fibrosis score at Week 48 and Week 240, respectively. In subjects with cirrhosis at baseline (Ishak fibrosis score 5−6), 97% (90/93) and 99% (92/93) had either improvement or no change in Ishak fibrosis score at Week 48 and Week 240, respectively. Twenty-nine percent (27/93) and 72% (67/93) of subjects with cirrhosis at baseline experienced regression of cirrhosis by Week 48 and Week 240, respectively, with a reduction in Ishak fibrosis score of at least 2 points. No definitive conclusions can be established about the remaining study population who were not part of this subset analysis.
Lamivudine-Resistant Chronic HBV Subjects
Trial 121
Trial 121 was a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of VIREAD compared to an unapproved antiviral regimen in subjects with chronic hepatitis B, persistent viremia (HBV DNA ≥1,000 IU/mL), and genotypic evidence of lamivudine resistance (rtM204I/V +/rtL180M). One hundred forty-one adult subjects were randomized to the VIREAD treatment arm. The mean age of subjects randomized to VIREAD was 47 years (range 18−73); 74% were male, 59% were Caucasian, and 37% were Asian. At baseline, 54% of subjects were HBeAg-negative, 46% were HBeAg-positive, and 56% had abnormal ALT. Subjects had a mean HBV DNA of 6.4 log10 copies/mL and mean serum ALT of 71 U/L at baseline.
After 96 weeks of treatment, 126 of 141 subjects (89%) randomized to VIREAD had HBV DNA <400 copies/mL (69 IU/mL), and 49 of 79 subjects (62%) with abnormal ALT at baseline had ALT normalization. Among the HBeAg-positive subjects randomized to VIREAD, 10 of 65 subjects (15%) experienced HBeAg loss and 7 of 65 subjects (11%) experienced anti-HBe seroconversion through Week 96. The proportion of subjects with HBV DNA concentrations below 400 copies/mL (69 IU/mL) at Week 96 was similar between the VIREAD monotherapy and the comparator arms.
Across the combined chronic hepatitis B treatment trials, the number of subjects with adefovirresistance associated substitutions at baseline was too small to establish efficacy in this subgroup.
Chronic HBV And Decompensated Liver Disease Subjects
Trial 0108
Trial 0108 was a small randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial evaluating the safety of VIREAD compared to other antiviral drugs in subjects with chronic hepatitis B and decompensated liver disease through 48 weeks.
Forty-five adult subjects (37 males and 8 females) were randomized to the VIREAD treatment arm. At baseline, 69% of subjects were HBeAg-negative and 31% were HBeAg-positive. Subjects had a mean Child-Pugh score of 7, a mean MELD score of 12, mean HBV DNA of 5.8 log10 copies/mL, and mean serum ALT of 61 U/L at baseline. Trial endpoints were discontinuation due to an adverse event and confirmed increase in serum creatinine ≥0.5 mg/dL or confirmed serum phosphorus of <2 mg/dL [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
At 48 weeks, 31/44 (70%) and 12/26 (46%) VIREAD-treated subjects achieved an HBV DNA <400 copies/mL (69 IU/mL), and normalized ALT, respectively. The trial was not designed to evaluate treatment impact on clinical endpoints such as progression of liver disease, need for liver transplantation, or death.
Clinical Trial Results In Pediatric Subjects With Chronic Hepatitis B
Pediatric Subjects 12 Years To Less Than 18 Years Of Age With Chronic HBV
In Trial 115, 106 HBeAg negative (9%) and positive (91%) subjects aged 12 to less than 18 years with chronic HBV infection were randomized to receive blinded treatment with VIREAD 300 mg (N=52) or placebo (N=54) for 72 weeks. At trial entry, the mean HBV DNA was 8.1 log10 copies/mL and mean ALT was 101 U/L. Of 52 subjects treated with VIREAD, 20 subjects were nucleos(t)idenaïve and 32 subjects were nucleos(t)ide-experienced. Thirty-one of the 32 nucleos(t)ide-experienced subjects had prior lamivudine experience. At Week 72, 88% (46/52) of subjects in the VIREAD group and 0% (0/54) of subjects in the placebo group had HBV DNA <400 copies/mL (69 IU/mL). Among subjects with abnormal ALT at baseline, 74% (26/35) of subjects receiving VIREAD had normalized ALT at Week 72 compared to 31% (13/42) in the placebo group. One VIREAD-treated subject experienced sustained HBsAg-loss and seroconversion to anti-HBs during the first 72 weeks of trial participation.
Pediatric Subjects 2 Years To Less Than 12 Years Of Age With Chronic HBV
In Trial 144, 89 HBeAg positive (96%) and negative (4%) subjects 2 years to less than 12 years of age with chronic HBV infection were treated with VIREAD 8 mg/kg up to a maximum dose of 300 mg (N=60) or placebo (N=29) once daily for 48 weeks. At trial entry, the mean HBV DNA was 8.1 log10 IU/mL and mean ALT was 123 U/L. There was an overall higher proportion in the VIREAD group with HBV DNA <400 copies/mL (69 IU/mL) and ALT normalization rate at Week 48 compared to the placebo group (Table 24). There was no difference between treatment groups in those who achieved HBeAg loss or HBeAg seroconversion.
Table 24 Outcomes of Randomized Treatment (Trial 144) in Children 2 Years to <12 Years ofAge
Endpoint at Week 48 |
VIREAD N=60 |
Placebo N=29 |
HBV DNA <400 copies/mL (69 IU/ml) |
46/60 (77%) |
2/29 (7%) |
ALT Normalizationa |
38/58 (66%) |
4/27 (15%) |
HBeAg lossb |
17/56 (30%) |
8/29 (28%) |
HBeAg seroconversionb |
14/56 (25%) |
7/29 (24%) |
a.Normal ALT was defined as ≤ 34 U/L for females 2-15 years or males 1-9 years old, and ≤ 43 U/L for males 10-15 years. The ALT Normalization analysis excluded 4 treated subjects who had normal ALT at baseline.
b.The analysis excluded 4 subjects who were HBeAg negative and HBeAb positive at baseline. |
In Trials 115 and 144, sequencing data from paired baseline and on treatment HBV isolates from subjects who received VIREAD were available for 14 of 15 subjects who had plasma HBV DNA ≥400 copies/mL No amino acid substitutions associated with resistance to VIREAD were identified in these isolates by Week 72 (Trial 115) or Week 48 (Trial 144).