Eviplera, the brand equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved fixed-dose combination tablet Complera (rilpivirine, tenofovir and emtricitabine), has been recommended for European approval by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), the scientific committee of the European Medicines Agency.

CHMP’s “positive opinion” suggests the drug is safe and effective for people living with HIV starting therapy for the first time, provided they have pre-treatment viral loads below 100,000 copies.

The CHMP’s positive recommendation will be reviewed by the European Commission, which has the authority to approve medicinal products for use in the 27 countries of the European Union. Gilead, the San Francisco–based company marketing the drug, expects the European Commission to issue its decision on the marketing authorization for the Eviplera single-tablet regimen later this year.