VEMLIDY optimizes tenofovir delivery to the hepatocyte1-7

VEMLIDY demonstrates enhanced plasma stability vs TDF for more efficient delivery of tenofovir to hepatocytes1-7

VEMLIDY mechanism of action (MOA) image
TDF=tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. aPlasma half-life: VEMLIDY=30.6 minutes (0.51 hour)1; TDF=0.41 minutes.1,5,6

89%

Lower concentrations of tenofovir in the plasma with VEMLIDY vs TDF, resulting in reduced systemic exposure2,6


VEMLIDY is a novel, targeted prodrug of tenofovir

Why a prodrug?

  • Tenofovir does not readily cross cell membranes and is poorly absorbed after oral administration due to 2 negative charges on the molecule7,8
  • Prodrugs of tenofovir are required for better absorption7
  • Both VEMLIDY and TDF are prodrugs of tenofovir and have demonstrated increased cellular permeability and oral bioavailability compared with tenofovir7,8

VEMLIDY provides greater plasma stability than TDF

  • VEMLIDY is a novel, targeted phosphonamidate prodrug of tenofovir1
  • TDF is an ester prodrug6
  • The phosphonamidate group provides greater plasma stability in VEMLIDY than TDF1-4

How does VEMLIDY compare to TDF?

  • VEMLIDY breaks down less readily in the plasma than TDF for more efficient drug delivery into the hepatocytes1-4
  • 89% less tenofovir in the plasma than TDF allows for VEMLIDY to be given at approximately 1/10th the dose of TDF1,2,5,6

Warnings and Precautions

  • Risk of Development of HIV-1 Resistance in HBV/HIV-1 Coinfected Patients: Due to this risk, VEMLIDY alone should not be used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Safety and efficacy of VEMLIDY have not been established in HBV/HIV-1 coinfected patients. HIV antibody testing should be offered to all HBV-infected patients before initiating therapy with VEMLIDY, and, if positive, an appropriate antiretroviral combination regimen that is recommended for HBV/HIV-1 coinfected patients should be used.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: POSTTREATMENT SEVERE ACUTE EXACERBATION OF HEPATITIS B

  • Discontinuation of anti-hepatitis B therapy, including VEMLIDY, may result in severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B. Hepatic function should be monitored closely with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who discontinue anti-hepatitis B therapy, including VEMLIDY. If appropriate, resumption of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted.

Warnings and Precautions

  • Risk of Development of HIV-1 Resistance in HBV/HIV-1 Coinfected Patients: Due to this risk, VEMLIDY alone should not be used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Safety and efficacy of VEMLIDY have not been established in HBV/HIV-1 coinfected patients. HIV antibody testing should be offered to all HBV-infected patients before initiating therapy with VEMLIDY, and, if positive, an appropriate antiretroviral combination regimen that is recommended for HBV/HIV-1 coinfected patients should be used.
  • New Onset or Worsening Renal Impairment: Postmarketing cases of renal impairment, including acute renal failure, proximal renal tubulopathy (PRT), and Fanconi syndrome have been reported with TAF-containing products. Patients with impaired renal function and/or taking nephrotoxic agents (including NSAIDs) are at increased risk of renal-related adverse reactions. Discontinue VEMLIDY in patients who develop clinically significant decreases in renal function or evidence of Fanconi syndrome. Monitor renal function in all patients – See Dosage and Administration.
  • Lactic Acidosis and Severe Hepatomegaly with Steatosis: Fatal cases have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs, including tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Discontinue VEMLIDY if clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity develop, including hepatomegaly and steatosis in the absence of marked transaminase elevations.

Adverse Reactions

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%; all grades) in clinical studies through week 144 were headache, upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal pain, cough, back pain, arthralgia, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, and pyrexia.

Drug Interactions

  • Coadministration of VEMLIDY with drugs that reduce renal function or compete for active tubular secretion may increase concentrations of tenofovir and the risk of adverse reactions.
  • Coadministration of VEMLIDY is not recommended with the following: oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, or St. John’s wort. Such coadministration is expected to decrease the concentration of tenofovir alafenamide, reducing the therapeutic effect of VEMLIDY. Drugs that strongly affect P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) activity may lead to changes in VEMLIDY absorption.

Consult the full prescribing information for VEMLIDY for more information on potentially significant drug interactions, including clinical comments.

Dosage and Administration

  • Testing Prior to Initiation: HIV infection.
  • Prior to or When Initiating, and During Treatment: On a clinically appropriate schedule, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein in all patients. In patients with chronic kidney disease, also assess serum phosphorus.
  • Dosage in Adults: 1 tablet taken once daily with food.
  • Renal Impairment: Not recommended in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD; eCrCl <15 mL/min) who are not receiving chronic hemodialysis; in patients on chronic hemodialysis, on hemodialysis days, administer VEMLIDY after completion of hemodialysis treatment.
  • Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended in patients with decompensated (Child-Pugh B or C) hepatic impairment.

Pregnancy and Lactation

  • Pregnancy: A pregnancy registry has been established for VEMLIDY. Available clinical trial data show no significant difference in the overall risk of birth defects for VEMLIDY compared with the background rate of major birth defects in the U.S. reference population.
  • Lactation: TAF and tenofovir can pass into breast milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for VEMLIDY and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from VEMLIDY or from the underlying maternal condition.

INDICATION

VEMLIDY is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults with compensated liver disease.

Please see full Prescribing Information for VEMLIDY, including BOXED WARNING.