Core Insights - Gilead Sciences, Inc. announced that its investigational single-tablet regimen (STR) of bictegravir and lenacapavir for HIV-1 treatment met the primary endpoint in the late-stage ARTISTRY-1 study [1][5] Study Results - The ARTISTRY-1 study is a multicenter phase II/III trial comparing the once-daily combination of bictegravir and lenacapavir against current therapy in HIV patients who are virologically suppressed on complex regimens [2][4] - The study showed that the STR met the primary success criterion for non-inferiority to baseline multi-tablet antiretroviral therapy regimens, with the primary efficacy endpoint being the percentage of participants with HIV-1 RNA levels ≥50 copies/mL at week 48 [5][8] - The combination was generally well tolerated, with no significant or new safety concerns identified [5][8] Market Performance - Gilead's shares have surged 35.6% year to date, outperforming the industry growth of 15.4% [3] Future Plans - Gilead plans to file the late-stage data from the ARTISTRY trials with regulatory authorities [6][10] - The company is also conducting the double-blind, phase III ARTISTRY-2 trial, evaluating the safety and efficacy of switching from Biktarvy to the fixed-dose combination of bictegravir and lenacapavir in virologically suppressed people with HIV-1, with top-line data expected before the end of 2025 [10] HIV Franchise Strength - Gilead has a market-leading HIV franchise, with Biktarvy and Descovy as flagship therapies driving top-line growth [11] - Biktarvy accounts for over 52% of the treatment market in the U.S., while Descovy holds more than 45% of the U.S. PrEP market [11][12] - The FDA approval of lenacapavir under the brand name Yeztugo for twice-yearly PrEP has further strengthened Gilead's HIV portfolio [12][13] - Yeztugo generated $39 million in sales in the third quarter, achieving a 75% coverage goal ahead of schedule, with a target of 90% coverage by mid-2026 [14] Competitive Landscape - Positive data from the ARTISTRY studies is expected to bolster Gilead's position amid increasing competition from companies like GSK, which is expanding its HIV business with long-acting injectable medicines [15]