The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical efficacy of elvitegravir + cobicistat + emtricitabine + tenofovir combination therapy for the treatment of HIV

INTRODUCTION: Co-formulated elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine and tenofovir (EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF or Stribild™) is the latest antiretroviral tablet approved in the EU. This review aims to provide an overview of its role in the management of HIV-1 infection. AREAS COVERED: This review covers material searched and obtained through Medline and Pubmed up to July 2014. EXPERT OPINION: Antiretroviral treatment prevents the progressive destruction of the immune system by the HIV, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality. The efficacy and tolerability of EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF compared to current standard of care as a single-tablet treatment choice has been shown in study 102 and study 103. Its use is restricted to patients without significant pre-existing renal impairment and may be limited by concomitant medications but undoubtedly increases treatment choice for HIV-1-infected adults.