Panelists responsible for the U.S. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents have listed Stribild, formerly the Quad, as an “alternative” treatment option for people living with HIV starting therapy for the first time, according to a September 18 summary by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “Preferred” options remain unchanged: either Atripla, or Norvir-boosted Reyataz, Norvir-boosted Prezista or Isentress combined with Truvada.

Though the panelists underscore that Stribild, approved August 28, is an effective integrase inhibitor-based regimen for first-time treatment takers, they note several limitations that likely prevented the one-pill, once-daily regimen from being listed as a preferred option. These include “a significant potential for drug-drug interactions, the available of only 48 weeks of safety data, usage limited to individuals with [normal kidney function], a possible increased risk of [kidney damage], limited data in patients with advanced HIV disease and in women, and the need for the drug to be taken with food.”

To read the HHS summary, click here.