Tenofovir Usually Suppresses Hepatitis B in HIV/HBV Coinfected People

Tenofovir led to undetectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) levels in 87% of HIV positive coinfected individuals, and a similar proportion maintained viral suppression over 6 years, according to a study described in the June 20 advance edition of Hepatology.

Due to overlapping transmission routes, many people are coinfected with both HIV and HBV. Treatment guidelines recommend that such inidviduals include in their antiretroviral regimen drugs that are active against both viruses, such as tenofovir (Viread), emtricitabine (Emtriva), or lamivudine (3TC or Epivir). Tenofovir and emtricitabine are included in the Truvada, Atripla, Complera, and Stribild coformulations.

Anders Boyd from INSERM in Paris and fellow investigators with the French HIV-HBV Cohort Study looked at hepatitis B outcomes among 111 HIV/HBV coinfected patients on antiretroviral therapy containing tenofovir. Those also treated with entecavir (Baraclude) or pegylated interferon were excluded.

Read more...

Labels: ,