Pharmacology of Symtuza^® (DRV/c/FTC/TAF)

Symtuza^® is the first and only treatment for HIV-1 that combines 2 nucleos(t)ide analogues (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) together with a boosted protease inhibitor (darunavir/cobicistat) in a once-daily single tablet regimen (STR). This combination is active against a wide variety of HIV strains and, in turn, avoids bone and renal toxicity associated with the use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, combining efficacy, convenience, tolerability and high genetic barrier. Pharmacokinetic studies of its components show a favourable profile, allowing its use in a wide variety of patients and clinical situations. Although, as in any boosted combination, possible interactions with concomitant medication should be borne in mind, cobici-stat inhibits cytochrome P-450 more selectively and has no inducing effect, so it has a more predictable interaction profile than ritonavir. Supplement information: This article is part of a supplement entitled "Co-formulated cobicistat-boosted darunavir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide for the treatment of HIV infection", which is sponsored by Janssen.