Is Tenofovir + Emtricitabine Superior to Zidovudine + Lamivudine?

Study 934 is a phase III, multicenter trial designed to compare a regimen of tenofovir (TDF), emtricitabine (FTC) and efavirenz (EFV) to Combivir® (lamivudine + zidovudine) and EFV in treatment-naive HIV-positive patients. Results from the analysis of 487 patients have recently been released, showing a statistically significant difference favoring TDF/FTC in the percentage of patients who achieved and maintained HIV-RNA < 400 copies/mL at 48 weeks. Overall, 84% of patients in the TDF/FTC arm compared to 73% of patients in the Combivir® arm achieved and maintained HIV-RNA < 400 copies/mL at week 48 using the TLOVR algorithm requested by the FDA (p = 0.002; 95% CI, +4.3% to +18.6%). Similarly, 80% of patients in the TDF/FTC arm compared to 71% of patients in the Combivir® arm achieved and maintained HIV-RNA < 50 copies/mL at week 48 (p = 0.027; 95% CI, +1.2% to +16.1%).