Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) announced data from four pre-clinical and Phase 1 studies evaluating bictegravir (GS-9883), a novel, unboosted, investigational once-daily integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI). The studies, which examined the antiviral potency, resistance profile, pharmacokinetics and safety of bictegravir, were presented this weekend during a poster session at the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Microbe 2016 Conference in Boston. Bictegravir is currently in Phase 3 trials as part of a single tablet regimen in combination with tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and emtricitabine (FTC) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection (bictegravir 50 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg).
“We are pleased to share initial results from the bictegravir clinical program, including data from the first Phase 1 human trial, which provided proof of concept for further evaluation of bictegravir as part of a single tablet regimen,” said Norbert Bischofberger, PhD, Executive Vice President, Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer, Gilead Sciences. “Bictegravir represents Gilead’s ongoing efforts to develop new therapies with the potential to improve upon currently available treatments and address the unmet needs of people living with HIV.”
Bictegravir (GS-9883) Data at ASM
Poster 413: Bictegravir (GS-9883), a Novel HIV-1 Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (INSTI) with Optimized In Vitro Resistance Profile
- The study examined the in vitro resistance profile of bictegravir compared to currently available INSTIs dolutegravir (DTG), elvitegravir (EVG) and raltegravir (RAL). Bictegravir demonstrated an improved resistance profile compared to DTG and a markedly improved profile compared to EVG and RAL against a panel of HIV integrase mutant viruses. Results also showed an improved resistance profile against all other INSTIs in patient isolates, particularly those with high-level INSTI resistance.
Poster 414: Discovery of GS-9883, an HIV-1 Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (INSTI) with Improved Pharmacokinetics and In Vitro Resistance Profile
- Several INSTI candidates were tested for a range of properties including HIV-1 potency, metabolic stability, cytotoxicity and protein binding. Bictegravir was shown to be a potent INSTI with improved preclinical pharmacokinetics and an enhanced resistance profile compared to all currently available INSTIs—RAL, EVG and DTG. Bictegravir also exhibited a low potential for drug-to-drug interactions.
Poster 415: Novel Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor Bictegravir 10 Day Monotherapy in HIV-1 Infected Patients
- Twenty adults (19 male) with chronic HIV infection were treated with bictegravir (5, 25, 50 or 100 mg) or placebo once daily for 10 days to determine changes in HIV-1 RNA levels (viral load). Bictegravir was well tolerated at all dosing levels and provided rapid dose-dependent decreases in viral load that were sustained throughout the treatment period. There were no reports of primary resistance mutations in integrase, no serious adverse events (AEs) and no discontinuations due to AEs.
Poster 416: Antiviral Activity of GS-9883, a Potent Next-Generation HIV-1 Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor
The study analyzed in vitro antiviral activity of bictegravir alone and in combination with TAF, FTC and darunavir (DRV). Bictegravir alone was highly potent against HIV-1 infected target cells and demonstrated no antiviral effect against non-HIV viruses. In combination with TAF, FTC and DRV, bictegravir was highly synergistic against HIV-1. Bictegravir exhibited low cytotoxicity in non-target human cell lines. (Original Source)
Shares of Gilead Sciences closed last Friday at $82.65, down $0.86 or -1.03%. GILD has a 1-year high of $123.37 and a 1-year low of $81.28. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $84.60 and its 200-day moving average is $91.09.
On the ratings front, Gilead has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. In a report issued on June 15, Morgan Stanley analyst Matthew Harrison reiterated a Hold rating on GILD, with a price target of $103, which implies an upside of 24.6% from current levels. Separately, on June 14, Jefferies Co.’s Brian Abrahams reiterated a Hold rating on the stock and has a price target of $96.
According to TipRanks.com, which ranks over 7,500 financial analysts and bloggers to gauge the performance of their past recommendations, Matthew Harrison and Brian Abrahams have a total average return of 3.0% and 1.7% respectively. Harrison has a success rate of 47.7% and is ranked #1287 out of 3881 analysts, while Abrahams has a success rate of 37.6% and is ranked #1435.
Overall, 6 research analysts have assigned a Hold rating and 8 research analysts have given a Buy rating to the stock. When considering if perhaps the stock is under or overvalued, the average price target is $107.50 which is 30.1% above where the stock closed last Friday.
