An evaluation of elvitegravir plus cobicistat plus tenofovir alafenamide plus emtricitabine as a single-tablet regimen for the treatment of HIV in children and adolescents. (11th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giacomet, Vania; Cossu, Maria V.; Capetti, Amedeo F.; Zuccotti, GianVincenzo; Rizzardini, Giuliano
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. Volume 20:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 269
• Page End: 276
• Publication Date: 2019-02-11
• Subjects: Elvitegravir -- cobicistat -- children -- adolescent -- antiretroviral therapy; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.5805
• DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1559299
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-6566

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : Approximately 2.1 million of the estimated 36 million infected with HIV are children or adolescents. International guidelines for HIV-1 Infection suggest starting antiretrovirals (ARV) at the moment of diagnosis. Many factors limit the optimization of antiretroviral therapy in children and adolescents: lack of pediatric formulations, poor adherence, metabolic and pharmacokinetic changes associated withnormal child development and puberty. Areas covered : Three integrase inhibitors are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and by European Medical Agency for children and adolescents with HIV-1 infection. Raltegravir is approved for children aged 4 weeks to 18 years, while dolutegravir and elvitegravir co-formulated with cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (E/C/FTC/TAF) are approved for children from 6 years of age. This article evaluates E/C/FTC/TAF as a treatment option. Expert opinion : E/C/FTC/TAF was well tolerated, and the antiretroviral activity and tolerability data of this combination support the use in children and adolescents. However, the studies regarding E/C/FTC/TAF in children and adolescents are scant. Consequently, additional studies investigating its safety and efficacy in children are paramount.