Biktarvy vs Descovy
Side-by-side cost comparison based on Medicare Part D data
Biktarvy
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/TAF
Manufactured by Gilead
Descovy
Emtricitabine/TAF
Manufactured by Gilead
Descovy costs 35% less per claim than Biktarvy ($2,418.00 vs $3,746.00). A generic version of Descovy is also available, which may reduce costs further.
Cost Per Claim
Medicare Spending
Beneficiaries
Annual Cost Per Patient
Full Comparison
| Metric | Biktarvy | Descovy |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Cost Per Claim | $3,746.00 | $2,418.00 |
| Total Medicare Spending | $3.8B | $1.6B |
| Total Beneficiaries | 85,000 | 86,000 |
| Total Claims | 1,020,000 | 648,000 |
| Annual Cost/Patient | $44,953.00 | $18,221.00 |
| Year-over-Year Change | +12.8% | +12.4% |
| Generic Available | No | Yes |
| Patent Expiration | Feb 7, 2033 | Jan 31, 2023 |
| Manufacturer | Gilead | Gilead |
| Condition | HIV | HIV |
| Generic Name | Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/TAF | Emtricitabine/TAF |
Biktarvy vs Descovy: What the Data Shows
Biktarvy (Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/TAF) and Descovy (Emtricitabine/TAF) are both used to treat hiv. Based on Medicare Part D data, Descovy costs $2,418.00 per claim, which is 35% less than Biktarvy at $3,746.00 per claim.
Medicare spent $3.8B on Biktarvy and $1.6B on Descovy. In terms of patient reach, Descovy serves more beneficiaries (86,000 vs 85,000).
Year-over-year spending changed +12.8% for Biktarvy and +12.4% for Descovy. Biktarvy saw significant spending growth, suggesting increased utilization or price increases. Descovy saw significant spending growth, suggesting increased utilization or price increases.
Descovy has a generic available, while Biktarvy remains brand-only until its patent expires Feb 7, 2033.
Frequently Asked Questions
Descovy is cheaper at $2,418.00 per claim, compared to $3,746.00 for Biktarvy. That makes Descovy about 35% less expensive per claim based on Medicare Part D data.
Yes, both Biktarvy and Descovy are used to treat hiv. Your doctor can help determine which medication is more appropriate for your specific situation.
Descovy has a generic version (Emtricitabine/TAF) available, which is typically much cheaper. Biktarvy is currently brand-only, with patent expiring Feb 7, 2033.
Medicare Part D spent $3.8B on Biktarvy covering 85,000 beneficiaries, and $1.6B on Descovy covering 86,000 beneficiaries.
Explore Further
Cost data reflects Medicare Part D spending and may not represent retail pharmacy prices. Average cost per claim represents the total drug cost (not patient out-of-pocket) divided by total claims. This comparison is informational only and should not replace medical advice.