Gilead Sciences announced that the European Commission (EC) has authorized a new low-dose tablet form of Biktarvy® (bictegravir 30 mg/emtricitabine 120 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 15 mg tablets) and an extension of the indication for Biktarvy to treat HIV infection in virologically suppressed children who are at least two years of age and weigh at least 14 kg. The European Marketing Authorization is the first pediatric approval for Biktarvy in the European Union (EU) and applies to all 27 member states of the EU, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
While there have been many advances in the treatment of HIV in children and adolescents, there remains a need to prioritize, evaluate and develop options for the millions of the children worldwide. In 2021, an estimated 800,000 children under the age of 19 living with HIV were still not receiving HIV treatment. Children comprised 4% of people with HIV in 2021 but 15% of AIDS-related deaths, and the gap in HIV treatment coverage between children and adults is increasing rather than narrowing.