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GS 7340
Pronunciation(s):
What is GS 7340?
- GS 7340 is an HIV medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines called nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). GS 7340 prevents HIV from entering the nucleus of healthy CD4 cells. This prevents the cells from producing new virus and decreases the amount of virus in the body.
- GS 7340 is an experimental version of tenofovir, the active ingredient in Viread. GS 7340 can be taken at a dose that is ten times lower than the amount of Viread that needs to be taken, which should make it even easier to combine in tablets with other HIV medications, while potentially reducing the risk of certain side effects associated with tenofovir treatment.
- GS 7340 is being developed by Gilead Sciences. It is being studied as a part of fixed-dose combination tablets.
What is already known about GS 7340?
- Early research suggests that, like Viread, GS 7340 only needs to be taken once a day.
 Like Viread, GS 7340 might interact with other medications, including those used to treat HIV. It is important that your personal physician and/or the research nurse or study investigator be aware of all drugs you are taking, including those you buy without a prescription.
- Because GS 7340 contains the same active drug used in Viread, it is not expected to be active against HIV resistant to Viread.
- GS 7340 is being studied in combination with other HIV medications, notably as a component of fixed-dose combination tablets.
- Like Viread, GS 7340 is also likely to be active against the hepatitis B virus (HBV), the virus responsible for hepatitis B. This is potentially good news for people living with both HIV and HBV who require treatment for both infections. However, this will require careful planning with a health care provider; abruptly stopping GS 7340 can cause liver disease to "flare" and damage the liver. Careful monitoring of liver enzymes during and after using this drug will be important.
What has been learned from clinical trials?
- In early Phase II studies, researchers identified a GS 7340 dose that is ten times lower than Viread and provides greater antiviral efficacy. The smaller milligram size of GS 7340 should enable the development of new fixed-dose combinations and single-tablet regimens for HIV therapy that are not feasible with Viread.
- Two advanced Phase II studies of GS 7340, as a part of fixed-dose combination tablets, have been a announced by the company. One such tablet contains GS 7340, Emtriva (emtricitabine), the novel booster cobicistat and the experimental integrase inhibitor elvitegravir. A second tablet, being developed in conjunction with Janssen Therapeutics, contains GS 7340, emtricitabine, cobicistat and the protease inhibitor Prezista.
What is known about side effects?
- GS 7340's side effect profile has not been fully determined. In early Phase II studies, GS 7340 was well tolerated.
Who should not take GS 7340?
- It is not known whether GS 7340 will harm an unborn baby. It is very important to treat HIV/AIDS during pregnancy to reduce the risk of infecting your baby. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
 It is not known whether GS 7340 passes into breast milk and what effect it may have on a nursing baby. To prevent transmission of the virus to uninfected babies, it is recommended that HIV-positive mothers not breast-feed.
Where can I learn more about clinical trials of elvucitabine?
- If you would like to find out if you are eligible for any clinical trials that include GS 7340, a useful service for finding studies is AIDSinfo.nih.gov, a site run by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. They have "health information specialists" you can talk to at their toll-free number at 1-800-HIV-0440 (1-800-448-0440).
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