Antiretroviral Drugs for Treatment and Prevention of HIV Infection in Adults: 2020 Recommendations of the International Antiviral Society-USA Panel

Dolutegravir plus Lamivudine as initial therapy for HIV-1 Infected and ARV-naive Patients in West China, 24-Weeks results of a preliminary real-world study

INTRODUCTION

This preliminary real-world study (RWS) was designed to evaluate the antiviral efficacy, safety, and feasibility of the 2-drug regimen (2DR), dolutegravir plus lamivudine as the initial antiretroviral therapy (ART) among antiretroviral (ARV)-naïve adults with HIV-1 in West China.

METHODS

This RWS included the treatment of treatment-naïve adults applying 2DR of dolutegravir 50 mg once daily (QD) plus lamivudine 300mg QD with negative HBsAg from one single center of People's Hospital of Chongqing Banan District in West China. Viral load (VL), CD4+ T-cell count, and laboratory indicators were collected at baseline; weeks 4, 12, and 24 and thereafter every 24 weeks up to 144 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with HIV-1 RNA ＜50 copies/mL at week 24.

RESULTS

A total of 54 ART-naïve patients were treated with the 2-drug regimen of DTG plus 3TC were enrolled in this study since April 1st, 2020. Twenty-one patients recieved 24-week VL tests at screening as required by inclusion criteria. Median HIV-1 RNA at entry was 95,700 copies/mL (interquartile range (IQR): 28,300-310,000) and the median baseline CD4+ cell count was 249 per cubic millimetre(IQR: 118-310). At week twentyfour, 15 (71.4%) of 21 participants achieved virological success, defined as HIV-1 RNA ＜ 50 copies/mL, while 10 (90.9%) of 11 participants with a baseline HIV-1 RNA ＜ 100,000 copies/mL achieved virological success compared with 5 (50%) of 10 participants with a baseline HIV-1 RNA ≥100,000 copies/mL [Relative Risk (RR) 1.818; 95% CI 1.018-1.927]. In participants with CD4+ cell counts ≥ 200 cells/mm3, 9 (75%) of 12 participants achieved virological success compared with 6 (66.7%) of 9 participants with baseline CD4+ cell count ＜ 200 cells/mm3 achieved it (RR 1.124; 95% CI 0.641-1.970). No major tolerability/toxicity issues were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This real-world study suggested that the 2-drug regimen of DTG plus 3TC could be considered as an alternative for ART-naïve patients in West China, especially with HIV-1 RNA less than 100,000 copies/mL at baseline, regarding the limits of viral load test frequency and the absence of HIV genotypic testing of viral resistance.

Construction of Machine Learning Models to Predict Changes in Immune Function Using Clinical Monitoring Indices in HIV/AIDS Patients After 9.9-Years of Antiretroviral Therapy in Yunnan, China

Objective

To investigate trends in clinical monitoring indices in HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at baseline and after treatment in Yunnan Province, China and to provide the basis for guiding clinical treatment to obtain superior clinical outcomes.

Methods

A total of 96 HIV/AIDS patients who had started and persisted in highly active ART treatment from September 2009 to September 2019 were selected. Of these, 54 had a CD4 cell count < 200 cells/μl while 42 had a CD4 cell count ≥ 200 cells/μl. Routine blood tests, liver and renal function, and lipid levels were measured before and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment. Lymphocyte subset counts and viral load were measured once per year, and recorded for analysis and evaluation. Three machine learning models (support vector machine [SVM], random forest [RF], and multi-layer perceptron [MLP]) were constructed that used the clinical indicators above as parameters. Baseline and follow-up results of routine blood and organ function tests were used to analyze and predict CD4+ T cell data after treatment during long-term follow-up. Predictions of the three models were preliminarily evaluated.

Results

There were no statistical differences in gender, age, or HIV transmission route in either patient group. Married individuals were substantially more likely to have <200 CD4+ cells/μl. There was a strong positive correlation between ALT and AST (r = 0.587) and a positive correlation between CD4 cell count and platelet count (r = 0.347). Platelet count was negatively correlated with ALT (r = -0.229), AST (r = -0.251), and positively correlated with WBCs (r = 0.280). Compared with the CD4 cell count < 200 cells/μl group, all three machine learning models exhibited a better predictive capability than for patients with a CD4 cell count ≥ 200 cells/μl. Of all indicators, the three models best predicted the CD4/CD8 ratio, with results that were highly consistent. In patients with a CD4 cell count < 200 cells/μl, the SVM model had the best performance for predicting the CD4/CD8 ratio, while the CD4/CD8 ratio was best predicted by the RF model in patients with a CD4 cell count ≥ 200 cells/μl.

Conclusion

By the incorporation of clinical indicators in SVM, RF, and MLP machine learning models, the immune function and recuperation of HIV/AIDS patients can be predicted and evaluated, thereby better guiding clinical treatment.

Impact of low-level viremia with drug resistance on CD4 cell counts among people living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment in China

Background

Maintaining plasma HIV RNA suppression below the limit of quantification is the goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART). When viral loads (VL) remain in low-level viremia (LLV), or between 201 and 999 copies/mL, the clinical consequences are still not clear. We investigated the occurrence of LLV with drug resistance and its effect on CD4 cell counts in a large Chinese cohort.

Methods

We analysed data of 6,530 ART-experienced patients (42.1 ± 10.9 years; 37.3% female) from the China’s national HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) surveillance database. Participants were followed up for 32.9 (IQR 16.7–50.5) months. LLV was defined as the occurrence of at least one viral load (VL) measurement of 50–200 copies/mL during ART. Outcomes were drug resistance associated mutations (DRAM) and CD4 cell counts levels.

Results

Among 6530 patients, 58.0% patients achieved VL less than 50 copies/mL, 27.8% with VL between 50 and 999 copies/mL (8.6% experienced LLV), and 14.2% had a VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL. Of 1818 patients with VL 50–999 copies/mL, 182 (10.0%) experienced HIVDR, the most common DRAM were M184I/V 28.6%, K103N 19.2%, and V181C/I/V 10.4% (multidrug resistance: 27.5%), and patients with HIVDR had a higher risk of CD4 cell counts < 200 cells/μL (AOR 3.8, 95% CI 2.6–5.5, p < 0.01) comparing with those without HIVDR. Of 925 patients with VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL, 495 (53.5%) acquired HIVDR, the most common DRAM were K103N 43.8%, M184I/V 43.2%, M41L 19.0%, D67N/G 16.4%, V181C/I/V 14.5%, G190A/S 13.9% and K101E 13.7% (multidrug resistance: 75.8%), and patients with HIVDR had a higher risk of CD4 cell counts < 200 cells/μL (AOR 5.8, 95% CI 4.6–7.4, p < 0.01) comparing with those without HIVDR.

Conclusion

Persistent with VL 50–999 copies/mL on ART is associated with emerging DRAM for all drug classes, and patients in this setting were at increased risk of CD4 cell counts < 200 cells/μL, which suggest resistance monitoring and ART optimization be earlier considered.

An Experimental Study of the Effects of Patient Race, Sexual Orientation, and Injection Drug Use on Providers' PrEP-Related Clinical Judgments

Social biases may influence providers' judgments related to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and patients' consequent PrEP access. US primary and HIV care providers (n = 370) completed an experimental survey. Each provider reviewed one fictitious medical record of a patient seeking PrEP. Records varied by patient race (Black or White) and risk behavior (man who has sex with men [MSM], has sex with women [MSW], or injects drugs [MID]). Providers reported clinical judgments and completed measures of prejudice. Minimal evidence of racially biased judgments emerged. Providers expressing low-to-moderate sexual prejudice judged the MSM as more likely than the MSW to adhere to PrEP, which was associated with greater PrEP prescribing intention; sexual prejudice was negatively associated with anticipated MSM adherence. Providers judged the MID to be at higher risk, less likely to adhere, less safety-conscious, and less responsible than both the MSM and MSW; adverse adherence and responsibility judgments were associated with lower prescribing intention.

Intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate accentuates bone loss associated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-containing antiretroviral therapy initiation in young women living with HIV (the BONE: CARE study): a prospective cohort study in Uganda

BACKGROUND

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) are independently associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD). We aimed to assess the combined effects of DMPA-IM use and TDF initiation on BMD in young adult women living with HIV over two years, compared with age-matched people without HIV.

METHODS

Th BONE: CARE study was a prospective cohort study that recruited women aged 18-35 years from 11 HIV care and general health facilities in Kampala, Uganda. The participants were classified into four groups on the basis of their combination of HIV status, TDF use, and DMPA-IM use, as follows: women living with HIV initiating TDF-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) with DMPA-IM (HIV positive, DMPA positive, and TDF positive); women living with HIV using DMPA-IM but not eligible for ART as per local guidelines at the time of enrolment into the study (HIV positive, DMPA positive, and TDF negative); women living with HIV initiating TDF-containing ART without DMPA-IM (HIV positive, DMPA negative, and TDF positive); and controls without HIV using non-hormonal contraceptives (HIV negative, DMPA negative, and TDF negative). BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck were measured using semiannual dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at enrolment and at intervals every 6 months thereafter. We assessed percentage change in mean BMD.

FINDINGS

Between March 30, 2016, and Oct 19, 2017, we enrolled 265 women living with HIV initiating ART (159 DMPA-IM users and 106 non-hormonal contraceptive users), 187 women living with HIV using DMPA-IM but not ART, and 69 controls without HIV. Mean age was 26·1 years (SD 4·2). BMD declined significantly from baseline in women living with HIV on TDF with versus without DMPA-IM at the lumbar spine (-3·406% [95% CI -3·969 to -2·844] vs -1·111% [-1·929 to -0·293]; p<0·0001), total hip (-3·856% [-4·449 to -3·264] vs -1·714% [-2·479 to -0·949]; p=0·0002), and femoral neck (-4·422% [-5·078 to -3·766] vs -1·999% [-3·022 to -0·976]; p=0·0002), increased in controls at the lumbar spine (1·5% change), and remained unchanged at total hip and femoral neck (-0·1% change). Concurrent use of TDF and DMPA-IM resulted in significantly greater BMD decline (p<0·0001) than TDF alone (lumbar spine -2·677% [95% CI -3·743 to -1·611]; p<0·0001; total hip -2·518% [-3·575 to -1·461]; p<0·0001; and femoral neck -2·907 [-4·132 to -1·683]; p<0·0001) or than controls (lumbar spine -4·970% [-6·391 to -3·549]; p<0·0001; total hip -4·151% [-5·579 to -2·724]; p<0.0001; and femoral neck -4·773% [-6·424 to -3·122]; p<0·0001) INTERPRETATION: Concomitant DMPA-IM use resulted in a doubling of BMD loss in women living with HIV initiating TDF-containing ART. Identification of safer contraceptive and bone-sparing ART options should be prioritised for optimal care of women living with HIV.

FUNDING

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the US National Institutes of Health.

Approved HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors in the past decade

HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors are the important components of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAARTs) for anti-HIV treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis in clinical practice. Many RT inhibitors and their combination regimens have been approved in the past ten years, but a review on their drug discovery, pharmacology, and clinical efficacy is lacking. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of RT inhibitors (tenofovir alafenamide, rilpivirine, doravirine, dapivirine, azvudine and elsulfavirine) approved in the past decade, regarding their drug discovery, pharmacology, and clinical efficacy in randomized controlled trials. Novel RT inhibitors such as islatravir, MK-8504, MK-8507, MK8583, IQP-0528, and MIV-150 will be also highlighted. Future development may focus on the new generation of novel antiretroviral inhibitors with higher bioavailability, longer elimination half-life, more favorable side-effect profiles, fewer drug-drug interactions, and higher activities against circulating drug-resistant strains.

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation Reverses Tenofovir-Caused Bone Mineral Density Loss in People Taking ART or PrEP: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The decrease of bone mineral density (BMD) after the intake of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based drugs in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and HIV-negative key populations under pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimen raised concerns. Previous findings on the effects of vitamin D (VD) and calcium supplements and the recovery of BMD loss were inconclusive. The optimal doses of VD and calcium and its supplementary duration remained unknown. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize current evidence on VD and calcium supplements to inform clinical practice.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases for all placebo-controlled trials and prospective cohort studies published before March 5, 2021 that investigated VD and calcium supplements in participants taking TDF-based drugs. The keywords calcium, vitamin D, Tenofovir, and BMD were used for the searches. The primary outcome was changes of spine and hip BMD. A subgroup analysis was performed to determine the factors that were related to the effects of VD supplements on BMD. Locally weighted regression (loess) was used to determine the relationships of VD supplements, supplementary duration, and changes of BMD. This study was registered at PROSPERO (No. 42021231000).

Findings

Seven eligible studies including 703 participants were included in the analyses. The meta-analysis found that VD and calcium supplementation was related to a significant increase of BMD in the spine and hip [standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.43; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.61, p = 0.009]. Moreover, positive dose-response relationships were demonstrated between doses of VD and calcium supplements, supplementary duration, and BMD recovery. Patients who took VD with the dose level of 4,000 IU/D obtained the highest BMD improvement (SMD 0.59, 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.74). No side effects were reported on VD and calcium supplementation.

Interpretation

We found the VD and calcium supplementation was associated with increases of BMD in participants taking TDF-based drugs. An optimal supplementary dose of 4,000 IU/D for VD was suggested for clinicians. The findings could be used in clinical practice to improve the BMD outcomes in people who were taking TDF-based drugs.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.

Role of inflammasomes in HIV-1 infection and treatment

Although combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) is effective in inhibiting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication, it does not eradicate the virus because small amounts of latent HIV-1 provirus persist in quiescent memory CD4⁺ T cells. Therefore, strategies for eradicating latent HIV-1 are urgently needed. Recently, several studies have reported that the inflammatory response and lymphocyte death induced by HIV-1 depend on inflammasomes and pyroptosis, suggesting that inflammasomes and pyroptosis have a vital role in HIV-1 infection and contribute to the eradication of latent HIV-1. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the role of inflammasomes, including NLR family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 8 (CARD8), interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16), NLRP1, NLR family CARD domain-containing 4 (NLRC4), and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), in HIV-1 infection and discuss promising therapeutic strategies for HIV-1-associated diseases by targeting inflammasomes.

Factors associated with human immunodeficiency virus-1 low-level viremia and its impact on virological and immunological outcomes: A retrospective cohort study in Beijing, China

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the impact of low-level viremia (LLV) on virological failure and immune reconstitution among people living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) treated with different antiretroviral regimens in Beijing, China.

METHODS

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1-positive adults who were registered at an infectious disease hospital in Beijing between January 1, 2005 and January 1, 2020 were administered antiretroviral therapy (ART) and whose viral load and CD4 counts were monitored were included in this retrospective cohort study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with LLV in patients on different ART regimens. Cox proportional hazard model was employed to analyze the virological suppression and immune reconstitution cumulative probability in patients with LLV during follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 10 124 HIV-1-infected participants was included. LLV occurred in 723 (8.2%), 204 (10.9%), 133 (8.6%), and 53 (14.4%) patients on first-line ART, second-line ART, third-line ART, and simplified regimens, respectively. Virological failure occurred in 514 (5.8%), 289 (15.5%), 86 (5.5%), and 34 (9.2%) patients on first-line ART, second-line ART, third-line ART, and simplified regimens, respectively. Earlier enrollment, lower baseline CD4 count, and higher baseline viral load were risk factors associated with LLV. LLV was related to increased hazards of virological failure compared to viral suppression of ≤50 copies/ml for those on first-line ART.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of virological failure and poor immune reconstitution increases when LLV occurs. Targeted viral load and CD4 count monitoring are recommended for people living with HIV-1 with LLV to improve health-related outcomes.

Rising rates of recent preexposure prophylaxis exposure among men having sex with men newly diagnosed with HIV: antiviral resistance patterns and treatment outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is contributing to achieve a reduction in HIV diagnoses in men having sex with men (MSM). Albeit infrequent, HIV infections in the context of recent PrEP exposure represent a clinical challenge.

METHODS

Data on recent PrEP use and possible reasons leading to HIV infection were analysed in individuals newly diagnosed with HIV at 56 Dean Street clinic in 2016-2020. Demographics, immune-virological parameters, genotypic resistance test results and treatment management in this group were compared with those not reporting recent PrEP exposure using Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Fifty-two of 1030 (5%) individuals reported recent PrEP exposure at HIV diagnosis; 98% were MSM, median age 34 years (interquartile range [IQR] 28-42), 65% of white ethnicity, 65% non-UK-born. 35% reported PrEP intake the day before testing HIV positive, 46% reported sub-optimal PrEP adherence since their last negative HIV test result. Thirty-three of 52 (63%) were self-sourcing PrEP and 9/52 (17%) reported issues with its supply. Recent PrEP use was associated to lower HIV viral load and higher CD4+ cell count at baseline than in counterparts non-recently exposed to PrEP (P < 0.01). M184V mutation was harboured more commonly in the recent PrEP use group (30% vs. 1%, P < 0.01). The proportion of individuals recently exposed to PrEP among those diagnosed with HIV rose sharply, reaching 21% in the first semester of 2020. Viral suppression was achieved by all patients intensified from PrEP to antiretroviral treatment (ART) who remained in care at week 24.

DISCUSSION

Rapid PrEP intensification to ART allowed to achieve high rates of HIV viral suppression despite significant rates of M184V mutation harboured in those newly diagnosed with HIV and reporting recent PrEP exposure.

Evolving patterns of antiretroviral drug interactions in people living with HIV in British Columbia, Canada

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the annual prevalence of antiretroviral/non-antiretroviral drug interactions (DIs) in relation to antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescribing patterns, and to describe DI-related ART changes.

DESIGN/METHODS

This cohort study included ART-treated adults in British Columbia, Canada between 01-Jan-2010 and 31-Dec-2016. Medication dispensing records were abstracted from a population-based, linked administrative-health dataset and used to identify antiretroviral-comedication DIs ("caution"/"avoid" DIs in HIV-focused DI-checkers). We identified temporal trends in annual DI prevalence and quantified the association between taking higher DI-risk ART and receiving non-recommended antiretroviral-comedication combinations using Poisson regression models, modified for binary outcomes and correlated data. Clinician-reported, DI-related ART changes and associated adverse events were abstracted from an HIV drug treatment registry and summarized descriptively.

RESULTS

Among 8571 ART-treated adults who received non-antiretroviral comedications, prevalence of having any DI or receiving non-recommended drug combination(s) significantly declined from 85% to 71% and 5.6% to 3.2%, respectively, between 2010 and 2016 (p < 0.001). This paralleled a shift from higher DI-risk ART (e.g. ritonavir/cobicistat-boosted protease inhibitors) to lower DI-risk ART (e.g. unboosted integrase inhibitors). Risk of receiving a non-recommended antiretroviral-comedication combination was greater for persons taking higher versus lower DI-risk ART (aRR 3.12, 95%CI 2.24-4.35). Boosted antiretroviral-inhaled corticosteroid DIs accounted for the most commonly dispensed, non-recommended drug combinations, and the most commonly reported DI-related adverse events (adrenal insufficiency).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of antiretroviral-comedication DIs is declining as ART shifts towards antiretrovirals with lower DI potential, but non-recommended drug combinations remain a concern. Healthcare providers should screen for DIs whenever drugs are prescribed or dispensed.

Dolutegravir monotherapy as maintenance strategy: a meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomized controlled trials

Background

Dolutegravir monotherapy (DTG-m) results in virological failure (VF) in some people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). We sought to identify the independent factors associated with the risk of VF and to explore the effect size heterogeneity between subgroups of PWH enrolled in DTG-m trials.

Methods

We searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating DTG-m versus combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) among PWH virologically controlled for at least 6 months on cART. We performed an individual participant data meta-analysis of VF risk factors and quantified their explained heterogeneity in random-effect models. Definition of VF was a confirmed plasma human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 ribonucleic acid (RNA) >50 copies/mL by week 48.

Results

Among 416 PWH from 4 RCTs, DTG-m significantly increased the risk of VF (16 of 227 [7%] versus 0 of 189 for cART; risk difference 7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1%–2%; P = .02; I² = 51%). Among 272 participants exposed to DTG-m, VF were more likely in participants with the following: first cART initiated ≥90 days from HIV acute infection (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 5.16; 95% 95% CI, 1.60–16.65), CD4 T cells nadir <350/mm³ (aHR, 12.10; 95% CI, 3.92–37.40), HIV RNA signal at baseline (aHR, 4.84; 95% CI, 3.68–6.38), and HIV-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) copy number at baseline ≥2.7 log/10⁶ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (aHR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.99–7.30). Among these independent risk factors, the largest effect size heterogeneity was found between HIV DNA subgroups (I² = 80.2%; P for interaction = .02).

Conclusions

Our study supports the importance of a large viral reservoir size for explaining DTG-m simplification strategy failure. Further studies are needed to link size and genetic diversity of the HIV-1 reservoir.

Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (INSTI) Genotypic Resistance Analysis in Treatment-nNaive, INSTI Free Antiretroviral-Experienced and INSTI-Experienced Turkish Patients Infected with HIV-1

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are currently the standard of practice for first-line HIV therapy for most patients. We evaluated the mutations associated with INSTI resistance in naive HIV-1 infected patients and treated them with antiretrovirals (ART).

METHODS

The study, conducted in the 2018 - 2020 period, included 50 ART-naïve patients, 69 INSTI free ART-experienced patients, and 82 INSTI-experienced patients. INSTI resistance mutations were interpreted using the Stanford University HIVdb Program algorithm.

RESULTS

INSTI resistance was not detected in ART naïve patients. At least one INSTI resistance mutation was detected in 10% of the INSTI-free patients and 29% of the INSTI-treated patients. Major INSTI-mutations E138K, Y143R, S147G, Q148R, N155H, and E157Q were found in raltegravir. Additional mutations, E92Q, E138K, G140A, S147G, and Q148R were found in elvitegravir; E192Q, E138K/T, G140A/S, S147G, Q148H/R, N155H, E157Q were found in dolutegravir (DTG) experienced patients. According to all drug classes, drug resistance mutation prevalences were determined at the rate of 60%, 46%, and 46% in the RAL, EVG, and DTG groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide data for treatment and resistance management of INSTIs and may provide feedback for INSTIs resistance surveillance consensus-building efforts. In viral rebound under INSTI treatment, INSTI-resistant mutations follow typical INSTI resistance pathways and high resistance rates. INSTI resistance genotypic analysis should be considered before any DTG-based regimes can be initiated in the future, and reduced DTG susceptibility should be carefully monitored and investigated.

Mucosal-associated invariant T cells: a cryptic coordinator in HIV-infected immune reconstitution

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection causes considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has largely transformed HIV infection from a fatal disease to a chronic condition, approximately 10%~40% of HIV-infected individuals who receive effective ART and sustain long-term viral suppression still cannot achieve optimal immune reconstitution. These patients are called immunological non-responders, a state associated with poor clinical prognosis. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an evolutionarily conserved unconventional T cell subset defined by expression of semi-invariant αβ T cell receptor (TCR), which recognizes metabolites derived from the riboflavin biosynthetic pathway presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-related protein-1 (MR1). MAIT cells, which are considered to act as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, produce a wide range of cytokines and cytotoxic molecules upon activation through TCR-dependent and TCR-independent mechanisms, which is of major importance in defense against a variety of pathogens. In addition, MAIT cells are involved in autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. The number of MAIT cells is dramatically and irreversibly decreased in the early stage of HIV infection and is not fully restored even after long-term suppressive ART. In light of the important role of MAIT cells in mucosal immunity and because microbial translocation is inversely associated with CD4⁺ T cell counts, we propose that MAIT cells participate in the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity and microbial homeostasis, thus further affecting immune reconstitution in HIV-infected individuals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Antiretrovirals for People with HIV on Dialysis

In the era of widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV (PWH) have a near-normal life expectancy. However, PWH have high rates of kidney diseases and progression to end-stage renal disease at a younger age. PWH have multiple risks for developing acute and chronic kidney diseases, including traditional risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and HIV-related factors such as HIV-associated nephropathy and increased susceptibility to infections and exposure to nephrotoxic medications. Despite an improvement in access to kidney transplant among PWH, the number of PWH on dialysis continues to increase. The expansion of the number of antiretrovirals (ARVs) and kidney replacement modalities, the absence of pharmacokinetic data, and therapeutic drug monitoring make it very challenging for providers to dose ARVs appropriately leading to medication errors, adverse events, and higher mortality. Most of the recommendations are either based on small sample size studies or extrapolated based on physiochemical characteristics of ART. We aim to review the most available and most current literature on ART in PWH with renal insufficiency and ART dosing recommendations on dialysis to ensure that PWH are provided with the safest and most effective ART regimen.

Integrase Inhibitor Use Associated with Weight Gain in Women and Incident Diabetes Mellitus

Excessive weight gain associated with integrase strand transfer inhibitor (InSTI) antiretrovirals is an emerging issue; however, the metabolic consequences of this effect have not been established. Our objective was to evaluate for InSTI-emergent weight gain and potential associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among a diverse HIV patient cohort. For this retrospective cohort study, we obtained clinical warehouse data for HIV+ patients between fiscal years 2007-17. We compared patients initiated on an InSTI with those started on an alternate regimen. Our primary outcome was percentage weight change from baseline to 24 months postinitiation using the linear mixed-effects model fit by restricted maximum likelihood. Our secondary outcome was incident T2DM as defined by a new prescription for antihyperglycemic medication within 18 months after antiretroviral therapy (ART) start. Diabetes-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox proportional-hazards model. The cohort included 1,235 individuals initiating ART, 136 (11.0%) with an InSTI. InSTI use in women was significantly associated with greater weight gain compared with non-InSTIs (11.0%, 95% confidence interval, CI: 5.22 to 16.8, p < .01), after adjusting for potential confounding variables. In a univariate analysis, InSTI use was associated with more incident T2DM diagnoses compared with non-InSTI regimens (unadjusted hazard ratio = 3.27, p = .01), although incident T2DM was not associated with weight gain. InSTIs were significantly associated with weight gain among females. We also observed an increased risk of incident diabetes mellitus among both sexes, however, unrelated to weight changes. Further prospective studies will be necessary to confirm this finding and investigate its mechanism.

Comparison of dementia incidence and prevalence between individuals with and without HIV infection in primary care from 2000 to 2016

OBJECTIVE

To compare dementia incidence and prevalence after age 50 years by HIV status.

DESIGN

Observational cohort, 2000-2016.

METHODS

People with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and demographically similar people without HIV (PWoH), all aged 50 years and older, were identified from Kaiser Permanente healthcare systems in Northern California, Southern California, and Mid-Atlantic States (Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC). Dementia diagnoses were obtained from electronic health records. Incidence and prevalence of dementia, overall and by time period (i.e. 2000-2002, 2003-2004, …, 2015-2016), were calculated using Poisson regression. Trends were examined using Joinpoint regression. Rate ratios were used to compare dementia by HIV status with adjustment for sociodemographics, substance use, and clinical factors.

RESULTS

The study included 13 296 PWH and 155 354 PWoH (at baseline: for both, mean age = 54 years, 89% men; for PWH, 80% with HIV RNA <200 copies/ml). From 2000 to 2016, overall incidence of dementia was higher among PWH [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) = 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.60-2.04]. Dementia incidence decreased among both PWH and PWoH (-8.0 and -3.1% per period, respectively) but remained higher among PWH in the most recent time period, 2015-2016 (aIRR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.18-2.12). The overall prevalence of dementia from 2000 to 2016 was higher among PWH [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.70-2.04] and was also higher among PWH in 2015-2016 (aPR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.56-1.97).

CONCLUSION

Reductions in dementia incidence are encouraging and may reflect ART improvement, but PWH are still more likely to have dementia than PWoH. Monitoring the burden of dementia among PWH is important as this population ages.

Analytical Assessment of the Vela Diagnostics NGS Assay for HIV Genotyping and Resistance Testing: The Apulian Experience

Drug-resistance monitoring is one of the hardest challenges in HIV management. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies speed up the detection of drug resistance, allowing the adjustment of antiretroviral therapy and enhancing the quality of life of people living with HIV. Recently, the NGS Sentosa^® SQ HIV Genotyping Assay (Vela Diagnostics) received approval for in vitro diagnostics use. This work is the first Italian evaluation of the performance of the Vela Diagnostics NGS platform, assessed with 420 HIV-1 clinical samples. A comparison with Sanger sequencing performance is also reported, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of the Sentosa^® NGS assay. The precision of the technology was studied with reference specimens, while intra- and inter-assay reproducibility were evaluated for selected clinical samples. Vela Diagnostics’ NGS assay reached an 87% success rate through 30 runs of analysis in a real-world clinical context. The concordance with Sanger sequencing outcomes was equal to 97.2%. Several detected mismatches were due to NGS’s superior sensitivity to low-frequency variants. A high accuracy was observed in testing reference samples. Repeatability and reproducibility assays highlighted the good performance of the NGS platform. Beyond a few technical issues that call for further optimization, the key improvement will be a better balance between costs and processing speed. Once these issues have been solved, the Sentosa^® SQ HIV Genotyping Assay will be the way forward for HIV resistance testing.

Effectiveness of integrase strand transfer inhibitors in HIV-infected treatment-experienced individuals across Europe

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effectiveness and durability of integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimens in pre-treated subjects.

METHODS

Treatment-experienced individuals starting an INSTI-based regimen during 2012-2019 were selected from the INTEGRATE collaborative study. The time to virological failure [VF: one measurement of viral load (VL) ≥ 1000 copies/mL or two ≥ 50 copies/ml or one VL measurement ≥ 50 copies/mL followed by treatment change] and to INSTI discontinuation were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 13 560 treatments analysed, 4284 were from INSTI-naïve, non-viraemic (IN-NV) individuals, 1465 were from INSTI-naïve, viraemic (IN-V) individuals, 6016 were from INSTI-experienced, non-viraemic (IE-NV) individuals and 1795 were from INSTI-experienced, viraemic (IE-V) individuals. Major INSTI drug resistance mutations (DRMs) were previously detected in 4/519 (0.8%) IN-NV, 3/394 (0.8%) IN-V, 7/1510 (0.5%) IE-NV and 25/935 (2.7%) IE-V individuals. The 1-year estimated probabilities of VF were 3.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5-3.8] in IN-NV, 18.4% (95% CI: 15.8-21.2) in IN-V, 4.2% (95% CI: 3.6-4.9) in IE-NV and 23.9% (95% CI: 20.9-26.9) in IE-V subjects. The 1-year estimated probabilities of INSTI discontinuation were 12.1% (95% CI: 11.1-13.0) in IN-NV, 19.6% (95% CI: 17.5-21.6) in IN-V, 10.8% (95% CI: 10.0-11.6) in IE-NV and 21.7% (95% CI: 19.7-23.5) in IE-V subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Both VF and INSTI discontinuation occur at substantial rates in viraemic subjects. Detection of DRMs in a proportion of INSTI-experienced individuals makes INSTI resistance testing mandatory after failure.

Drug resistance profiles and influencing factors among HIV-infected children and adolescents receiving long-term ART: a multicentre observational study in China

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the characteristics and determinants of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in HIV-infected children and adolescents on long-term ART in China.

METHODS

An observational cohort study was conducted in five centres. All participants younger than 15 years at ART initiation were screened, and those identified as having virological failure (VF) with viral load (VL) ≥ 400 copies/mL were included for genotypic resistance testing. Logistic regression analysis was performed and the accumulation of major mutations was analysed in a subgroup of resistant individuals with complete VL results since HIV diagnosis.

RESULTS

Among 562 eligible participants, protease and RT regions were successfully amplified for 93 who failed treatment with a median of 10.0 years ART. Sixty-eight (73.1%) harboured ≥1 major mutations. NRTI, NNRTI and dual-class resistance accounted for 48.4%, 63.4% and 38.7%, respectively. Only 3.2% were resistant to PIs. Age at ART initiation [adjusted OR (aOR) = 0.813, 95% CI 0.690-0.957], subtype B (aOR = 4.378, 95% CI 1.414-13.560) and an initial NNRTI-based regimen (aOR = 3.331, 95% CI 1.180-9.402) were independently associated with DRMs. Among 40 resistant participants with additional VL data, 55.0% had continued VF on a suboptimal regimen and the estimated duration of VF was positively correlated with the total number of major mutations (r = 0.504, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The development of DRMs was common in children and adolescents receiving long-term treatment, and continued VF was prevalent in those with resistance. Timely genotypic testing and new child-friendly formulations are therefore urgently required.

Low-level viremia in treated HIV-1 infected patients: advances and challenges

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively suppress HIV-1 replication, improving quality of life and restoring the lifespan of persons living with HIV (PLWH) to near normal levels. However, after standardized ART, a low level of HIV-1 RNA, i.e., low-level viremia (LLV), may still be identified in 3% to 10% of the patients. LLV is capable of impacting the immunological and clinical outcome of patients and serves as a risk factor for transmission. The underlying mechanism of LLV is not yet certain, and the effects of LLV on patient outcomes remain under evaluation. Understanding LLV will allow effective prevention and control strategies to be designed for the benefit of PLWH.

Incidence and risk factors for recurrent sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis

OBJECTIVE

High rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been reported among PrEP users. We wished to assess the incidence and risk factors for recurrent STIs.

DESIGN

The ANRS IPERGAY trial was a prospective study investigating PrEP among MSM and transgender women in outpatient clinics in France and Canada. In all, 429 participants were enrolled, offered up to four years of PrEP and screened for bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea) at baseline and every 6 months.

METHODS

STIs incidence was calculated yearly. Cox proportional hazards model regression was used to explore associations between participants characteristics at baseline and recurrent STI during follow-up.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 23 months, bacterial STI incidence was 75, 33, 13, 32 and 30 per 100 person-years (PY) for all STIs, rectal STIs, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia, respectively. STI incidence significantly increased from the first year to the fourth year of the study (55 vs. 90 per 100 PY, p < 0.001). During the study period, 167 participants (39%) presented with more than one bacterial STIs which accounted for 86% of all STIs. Baseline risk factors associated with recurrent STIs in a multivariate analysis were an STI at baseline (HR: 1.48 (95% CI: 1.06-2.07, p = 0.02), more than 8 sexual partners in prior 2 months (HR: 1.72 (95% CI: 1.21-2.43, p = 0.002), and the use of GHB (HR: 1.66 (95% CI: 1.16-2.38, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

STI incidence was high and increased over time. Most STIs were concentrated in a high-risk group that should be targeted for future interventions.

Weight Changes With Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor Therapy in the Management of HIV Infection: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To describe weight changes with integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) therapy.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search was performed (through December 15, 2021) using the PubMed and CINAHL databases using the search terms: "integrase inhibitors," "integrase strand transfer inhibitors," and "weight."

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Studies were included that provided relevant information on weight or body mass index (BMI) changes on INSTI therapy. Controlled or observational studies comparing different INSTI therapies or compared INSTI therapy to another class of antiretroviral therapy were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Forty-three articles met criteria for inclusion, and data are presented. Although some trials have observed similar weight gains between INSTI, protease inhibitor, and non-nucleoside inhibitor therapies, the increase appears to be greater with INSTI therapy, particularly during initiation of therapy. Risk factors for weight gain with INSTI therapy include female gender, lower CD4 count, and combined use of tenofovir alafenamide. Within the INSTI class, dolutegravir and bictegravir appear to have the greatest propensity for weight gain.

RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

INSTI-based therapies are the preferred initial management of HIV infection. Discerning the factors contributing to weight changes on INSTI therapy and risks of associated health-related outcomes is important to both the management of weight gain and HIV medical management.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the INSTI class, dolutegravir and bictegravir may be associated with the greatest risk for weight gain particularly when combined with tenofovir alafenamide. Further research is needed to determine mechanisms for observed weight changes and any contributions to clinically significant metabolic and cardiovascular adverse outcomes associated with INSTI therapy.

Use of integrase inhibitors in HIV-associated tuberculosis in high-burden settings: implementation challenges and research gaps

People living with HIV have a higher risk of developing tuberculosis, and tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV globally. Treating HIV and tuberculosis concurrently has morbidity and mortality benefits. However, HIV and tuberculosis co-treatment is challenging due to drug-drug interactions, overlapping toxicities, tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution syndrome, and concerns for treatment failure or drug resistance. Drug-drug interactions between antiretrovirals and tuberculosis drugs are driven mainly by the rifamycins (for example, the first-line tuberculosis drug rifampicin), and dose adjustments or drug switches during co-treatment are commonly required. Several implementation challenges and research gaps exist when combining the integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), highly potent antiretroviral drugs recommended as first-line treatment of HIV, and drugs used for the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis. Ongoing and planned studies will address some critical questions on the use of INSTIs in settings with a high tuberculosis burden, including dosing of dolutegravir, bictegravir, and cabotegravir when used with the rifamycins for both tuberculosis treatment and prevention. Failure, in the past, to include people with tuberculosis in HIV clinical treatment trials has been responsible for some of the research gaps still evident for informing optimisation of HIV and tuberculosis co-treatment.

Trends in hospitalizations and deaths in HIV-infected patients in Spain over two decades

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of HIV infection dramatically improved after the introduction of triple antiretroviral therapy 25 years ago. Herein, we report the impact of further improvements in HIV management since then, looking at all hospitalizations in persons with HIV (PWH) in Spain.

METHODS

A retrospective study using the Spanish National Registry of Hospital Discharges. Information was retrieved since 1997-2018.

RESULTS

From 79 647 783 nationwide hospital admissions recorded during the study period, 532 668 (0.67%) included HIV as diagnosis. The mean age of PWH hospitalized increased from 33 to 51 years (P < 0.001). The rate of HIV hospitalizations significantly declined after 2008. Comparing hospitalizations during the first (1997-2007) and last (2008-2018) decades, the rate of non-AIDS illnesses increased, mostly due to liver disease (from 35.9 to 38.3%), cardiovascular diseases (from 12.4 to 28.2%), non-AIDS cancers (from 6.4 to 15.5%), and kidney insufficiency (from 5.4 to 13%). In-hospital deaths occurred in 5.5% of PWH, declining significantly over time. Although most deaths were the result from AIDS conditions (34.8%), the most frequent non-AIDS deaths were liver disease (47.1%), cardiovascular events (29.2%), non-AIDS cancers (24.2%), and kidney insufficiency (20.7%).

CONCLUSION

Hospital admissions in PWH significantly declined after 2008, following improvements in HIV management and antiretroviral therapy. Non-AIDS cancers, cardiovascular events and liver disease represent a growing proportion of hospital admissions and deaths in PWH.

Body mass index increase and weight gain among people living with HIV-1 initiated on single-tablet darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide or bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide in the United States

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated body mass index (BMI) and weight changes in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1; PLWH) initiated on single-tablet darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (DRV/c/FTC/TAF) or bictegravir/FTC/TAF (BIC/FTC/TAF).

METHODS

Electronic medical record (EMR) data for treatment-naïve or virologically suppressed adults with HIV-1 who initiated treatment with DRV/c/FTC/TAF or BIC/FTC/TAF (index date) were obtained from Decision Resources Group's EMRs (17 July 2017-1 March 2020). Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to account for differences in baseline characteristics between the two cohorts. BMI and weight changes from pre-index to 3, 6, 9 and 12 months following the index date were compared using weighted mean differences (MDs). The time until an increase in BMI or weight ≥5% or ≥10% was compared using weighted hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS

The weighted DRV/c/FTC/TAF and BIC/FTC/TAF cohorts comprised 1116 and 1134 PLWH, respectively (mean age = ∼49 years, females: ∼28%). Larger increases in BMI and weight from pre-index to each post-index time point were observed in PLWH initiating BIC/FTC/TAF vs DRV/c/FTC/TAF (12 months: MD in BMI = 1.23 kg/m², p < .001; MD in weight = 2.84 kg [6.26 lbs], p = .008). PLWH receiving BIC/FTC/TAF were significantly more likely to experience weight gain ≥5% (HR = 1.76, p = .004) and ≥10% (HR = 2.01, p = .020), and BMI increase ≥5% (HR = 1.77, p = .004) and ≥10% (HR = 1.76, p = .044) than those receiving DRV/c/FTC/TAF.

CONCLUSIONS

BIC/FTC/TAF was associated with greater BMI and weight increases compared to DRV/c/FTC/TAF. Weight gain and its sequelae may add to the clinical burden of PLWH and should be considered among other factors when selecting antiretroviral single-tablet regimens.

Intersecting Pandemics of HIV and SARS-CoV-2: Commentary on the Special Issue

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This editorial introduces this special Global Health Section on the interface of the HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics.

RECENT FINDINGS

Authors of articles in this special issue take on a variety of topics that capture how the acute COVID-19 pandemic affected global efforts towards HIV control, and how co-infection, stigma, and social determinants of disease have affected populations on multiple continents. Two historic pandemics -- HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 -- have affected the world in our lifetimes at a level reminiscent of the 1918-1919 H1N1 influenza pandemic. We have much to learn from both experiences to optimize pandemic disease control, prevention, and management.

An up-to-date evaluation of dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine for the treatment of HIV

INTRODUCTION

There are more than 30 agents available for the treatment of HIV with guidelines shifting toward integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) as part of first line therapy. The fixed dose combination of dolutegravir (DTG), abacavir (ABC), and lamivudine (3TC) is a convenient, well tolerated, and highly effective option for treating HIV infection and remains a first line therapy across several prominent guidelines.

AREAS COVERED

In this drug evaluation, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of DTG/ABC/3TC for the treatment of HIV including the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety, and tolerability. The authors also provide the reader with their expert perspectives on this particular treatment strategy.

EXPERT OPINION

While DTG/ABC/3TC remains a valuable HIV treatment option, newer combination regimens have entered the market. Bictegravir with tenofovir alafenamide and emtricitabine offers the benefit of same day initiation and efficacy in hepatitis B co-infection, while new two-drug regimens enhance the simplicity of HIV treatment. Continued study is required into the mechanisms and optimal management strategies for weight gain for many regimens, including DTG/ABC/3TC.

Integrase strand transfer inhibitor use and cancer incidence in a large cohort setting

Background

Limited data exist examining the association between incident cancer and cumulative integrase inhibitor (INSTI) exposure.

Methods

Participants were followed from baseline (latest of local cohort enrollment or January 1, 2012) until the earliest of first cancer, final follow-up, or December 31, 2019. Negative binomial regression was used to assess associations between cancer incidence and time-updated cumulative INSTI exposure, lagged by 6 months.

Results

Of 29 340 individuals, 74% were male, 24% were antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive, and median baseline age was 44 years (interquartile range [IQR], 36–51). Overall, 13 950 (48%) individuals started an INSTI during follow-up. During 160 657 person-years of follow-up ([PYFU] median 6.2; IQR, 3.9–7.5), there were 1078 cancers (incidence rate [IR] 6.7/1000 PYFU; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3–7.1). The commonest cancers were non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 113), lung cancer (112), Kaposi’s sarcoma (106), and anal cancer (103). After adjusting for potential confounders, there was no association between cancer risk and INSTI exposure (≤6 months vs no exposure IR ratio: 1.15 [95% CI, 0.89–1.49], >6–12 months; 0.97 [95% CI, 0.71–1.32], >12–24 months; 0.84 [95% CI, 0.64–1.11], >24–36 months; 1.10 [95% CI, 0.82–1.47], >36 months; 0.90 [95% CI, 0.65–1.26] [P = .60]). In ART-naive participants, cancer incidence decreased with increasing INSTI exposure, mainly driven by a decreasing incidence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome cancers; however, there was no association between INSTI exposure and cancer for those ART-experienced (interaction P < .0001).

Conclusions

Cancer incidence in each INSTI exposure group was similar, despite relatively wide CIs, providing reassuring early findings that increasing INSTI exposure is unlikely to be associated with an increased cancer risk, although longer follow-up is needed to confirm this finding.

Antiviral Activity and Resistance Profile of the Novel HIV-1 Non-Catalytic Site Integrase Inhibitor, JTP-0157602

HIV-1 integrase (IN) is an essential enzyme for viral replication. Non-catalytic site integrase inhibitors (NCINIs) are allosteric HIV-1 IN inhibitors and a potential new class of antiretrovirals. In this report, we identified a novel NCINI, JTP-0157602, with an original scaffold. JTP-0157602 exhibited potent antiviral activity against HIV-1 and showed a serum-shifted EC₉₀ of 138 nM, which is comparable to the FDA-approved IN strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). This compound was fully potent against a wide range of recombinant viruses with IN polymorphisms, including amino acids 124/125, a hot spot of IN polymorphisms. In addition, JTP-0157602 retained potent antiviral activity against a broad panel of recombinant viruses with INSTI-related resistant mutations, including multiple substitutions that emerged in clinical studies of INSTIs. Resistance selection experiments of JTP-0157602 led to the emergence of A128T and T174I mutations, which are located at the lens epithelium-derived growth factor/p75 binding pocket of IN. JTP-0157602 inhibited HIV-1 replication mainly during the late-phase of the replication cycle, and HIV-1 virions produced by reactivation from HIV-1 latently-infected Jurkat cells in the presence of JTP-0157602 were non-infectious. These results suggest that JTP-0157602 and analog compounds can be used to treat HIV-1 infectious diseases. IMPORTANCE Non-catalytic site integrase inhibitors (NCINIs) are allosteric HIV-1 integrase (IN) inhibitors that bind to the lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF)/p75 binding pocket of IN. NCINIs are expected to be a new class of anti-HIV-1 agents. In this study, we present a novel NCINI, JTP-0157602, which has potent activity against a broad range of HIV-1 strains with IN polymorphisms. Furthermore, JTP-0157602 shows strong antiviral activity against IN strand transfer inhibitor-resistant mutations, suggesting JTP-0157602 and its analogs are potential agents to treat HIV-1 infections. Structural modeling indicated that JTP-0157602 binds to the LEDGF/p75 binding pocket of IN, and the results of in vitro resistance induction revealed the JTP-0157602-resistance mechanism of HIV-1. These data shed light on developing novel NCINIs, which exhibit potent activity against HIV-1 with broad IN polymorphisms and multi-drug resistant HIV-1 variants.

Real-life experience with bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide in a large reference clinical centre

BACKGROUND

The use of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) is mainly based on robust, pivotal clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES

To provide data on clinical use of BIC/FTC/TAF in real life.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was an observational, retrospective and single-centre study. We included all adult, treatment-naive (TN) and treatment-experienced (TE) people living with HIV (PLWH) starting BIC/FTC/TAF from 8 June 2018. We evaluated effectiveness [on treatment (OT), modified intention-to-treat (mITT) and intention-to-treat (ITT)], tolerability and safety in those patients who reached 6 months of follow-up (M6).

RESULTS

We included 1584 PLWH [213 TN (13%) and 1371 TE (87%)]. The median (IQR) follow-up was 16 (7-21) months, with 81% and 53% of PLWH reaching M6 and M12, respectively. By OT, mITT and ITT, HIV-RNA <50 copies/mL was 77%, 70% and 62% at M6 and 92%, 77% and 63% at M12 for TN PLWH and 94%, 89% and 83% at M6 and 93%, 85% and 78% at M12 for TE PLWH, respectively. In PLWH carrying an M184V/I substitution, OT RNA <50 copies/mL was 89.5% at M6. The median CD4 cell count increased from 329 to 511/μL in TN PLWH and from 630 to 683/μL in TE PLWH at M6. Of the total, 1148 (88%) PLWH continued on BIC/FTC/TAF at M6. The most frequent known reason for discontinuation was toxicity [42 (69%) cases]; only 7 cases were considered virological failures (0.6% of the total OT cohort at M6), with no emerging resistance substitutions.

CONCLUSIONS

In real life, BIC/FTC/TAF showed high rates of virological suppression and also in PLWH carrying lamivudine/emtricitabine resistance substitutions. The tolerability and safety of BIC/FTC/TAF were good, with high persistence observed for patients on this regimen at M6.

Raltegravir 1200 mg once daily as maintenance therapy in virologically suppressed HIV-1 infected adults: QDISS open-label trial

Background

Raltegravir (RAL) has favorable tolerability and safety profile, with few and manageable drug interactions. The use of RAL 1200 mg once daily (qd) for first-line therapy is well established. We assessed efficacy and safety of RAL 1200 mg qd, as part of triple combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), for maintenance strategy.

Methods

The QDISS trial (NCT03195452) was a 48-week multicenter, single-arm, open-label study designed to evaluate the ability of 2 NRTIs + RAL 1200 mg qd to maintain virological suppression in HIV-1 infected subjects on a stable cART with 2 NRTIs and a third agent for at least 6 months. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL at week 24, by the FDA snapshot algorithm.

Results

Of 100 participants 91% maintained viral suppression (95% CI: 83.6–95.8) at week 24 and 89% (81.2–94.4) at week 48. At week 24, there was one virological failure, without emergence of resistance-associated mutation and 10 participants had discontinued, 4 because of adverse events (AEs). Over 48 weeks, 7 AEs of grade 3–4 were reported, one possibly study-drug related (spontaneous abortion). BMI remained stable regardless of previous therapy or baseline BMI category. Over 48 weeks, total cholesterol (p = 0.023) and LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.009) decreased, lifestyle and ease subscale significantly improved (p = 0.04). The quality of life and Patients Reported Outcomes (PROs) also improved at W12 (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

RAL 1200 mg qd as part of a maintenance triple therapy showed a high efficacy in virologically suppressed HIV-1 infected subjects, with good safety profile and improved lipid profile and patient reported outcomes.

Trial registration: Clinical trials.gov NCT03195452 and EudraCT 2016-003702-13.

Low sexual function is associated with menopausal status in mid-aged women with human immunodeficiency virus infection

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between menopausal status and female sexual function among mid-aged women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study of 221 sexually active HIV-infected women ages 40 to 59 years, based on a secondary analysis of a three-hospital survey in Lima, Perú. We classified menopausal status according to Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop criteria (STRAW+10); this exposure variable was categorized as binary (non-postmenopausal and postmenopausal) and-for exploratory analysis-as multinomial (pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal). We defined low sexual function (LSF) using the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (total score ≤19). Socio-demographic and clinical variables were assessed, including age, used highly active antiretroviral therapy scheme, disease duration, depressive symptoms, and co-morbidities. We performed Poisson generalized linear models with a robust variance to estimate 95% confidence interval (CI), crude prevalence ratios (cPRs), and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) by epidemiological and statistical approaches using nonparametric method of bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap resampling with 1,000 repetitions.

RESULTS

Studied women had a median age of 47.0 years (interquartile range: 7.5); 25.3% were premenopausal, 25.8% were perimenopausal, and 48.9% were postmenopausal. Also, 64.3% had LSF. The frequency of LSF was 53.6% in non-postmenopausal and 75.0% in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal status was associated with LSF in both the crude (cPR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.13-1.71) and the adjusted regression models (aPR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.12-1.71).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-infected postmenopausal women have a higher prevalence of LSF than those non-postmenopausal ones, even when adjusting for multiple potential confounders.

Impact of Integrase Sequences From HIV-1 Subtypes A6/A1 on the In Vitro Potency of Cabotegravir or Rilpivirine

The FLAIR study demonstrated noninferiority of monthly long-acting cabotegravir + rilpivirine versus daily oral dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine for maintaining virologic suppression. Three participants who received long-acting therapy had confirmed virologic failure (CVF) at Week 48, and all had HIV-1 that was originally classified as subtype A1 and contained the baseline integrase polymorphism L74I; updated classification algorithms reclassified all 3 as HIV-1 subtype A6. Retrospectively, the impact of L74I on in vitro sensitivity and durability of response to cabotegravir in HIV-1 subtype B and A6 backgrounds was studied. Site-directed L74I and mutations observed in participants with CVF were generated in HIV-1 subtype B and a consensus integrase derived from 3 subtype A6 CVF baseline sequences. Rilpivirine susceptibility was assessed in HIV-1 subtype B and A1 containing reverse transcriptase mutations observed in participants with CVF. HIV-1 subtype B L74I and L74I/G140R mutants and HIV-1 subtype A6 I74L and I74/G140R mutants remained susceptible to cabotegravir; L74I/Q148R double mutants exhibited reduced susceptibility in HIV-1 subtypes B and A6 (half maximal effective capacity fold change, 4.4 and 4.1, respectively). Reduced rilpivirine susceptibility was observed across HIV-1 subtypes B and A1 with resistance-associated mutations K101E or E138K (half maximal effective capacity fold change, 2.21 to 3.09). In cabotegravir breakthrough experiments, time to breakthrough was similar between L74 and I74 viruses across HIV-1 subtypes B and A6; Q148R was selected at low cabotegravir concentrations. Therefore, the L74I integrase polymorphism did not differentially impact in vitro sensitivity to cabotegravir across HIV-1 subtype B and A6 integrase genes (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02938520).

Hair Zidovudine Concentrations Predict Virologic Outcomes Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in China

BACKGROUND

Hair antiretroviral concentrations are an objective and non-invasive measure of adherence to long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) and can further predict virologic outcomes among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). Zidovudine, one of the mainstream antiretrovirals in China, has been verified to have high reliability in adherence assessment, especially for its hair concentrations. However, data are limited in its predicting virologic outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize whether hair zidovudine concentrations can predict virologic suppression among Chinese PLWH compared with hair lamivudine concentrations and two self-reported measures, the overall frequency of adherence behaviors and percentage adherence.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study randomly recruited 564 PLWH currently treated with zidovudine, lamivudine, and other ART agents (efavirenz, nevirapine, or lopinavir/ritonavir) in Guangxi, China. Hair antiretroviral concentrations were determined using the LC-ESI⁺-MS/MS method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to estimate the optimal classification thresholds of hair concentrations of zidovudine and lamivudine, and the two self-reported measures. Based on those optimal classification thresholds, logistic regression was used to examine whether those four adherence measures can predict virologic suppression (HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/mL).

RESULTS

ROC curves demonstrated good classification performance for association with virologic suppression of zidovudine with the optimal threshold at 58 pg/mg and lamivudine at 255 pg/mg but no self-reported measures. PLWH with hair zidovudine concentrations >58 pg/mg had an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 43.191 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 10.171‒183.418, p < 0.001) for virologic suppression. Hair lamivudine concentrations were also associated with virologic suppression (aOR = 10.656, 95% CI = 3.670‒30.943, p < 0.001). However, two self-reported measures did not predict virologic suppression (aORs = 1.157 and 2.488, ps >0.149).

CONCLUSION

Hair zidovudine concentrations can be served as an alternative tool for clinically predicting virologic suppression among PLWH in China.

Three-year durable efficacy of dolutegravir plus lamivudine in antiretroviral therapy - naive adults with HIV-1 infection

OBJECTIVE

To assess efficacy and safety of dolutegravir (DTG) + lamivudine (3TC) vs. DTG + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) in treatment-naive adults with HIV-1 in the prespecified 144-week secondary analyses of GEMINI-1 and GEMINI-2.

DESIGN

Identical, multicenter, phase III, randomized, non-inferiority studies (double-blind through 96 weeks).

METHODS

Participants with HIV-1 RNA ≤500 000 copies/ml and no major viral resistance mutations to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, or protease inhibitors were randomized 1:1 to once-daily DTG + 3TC or DTG + TDF/FTC.

RESULTS

At week 144, DTG + 3TC (N = 716) was noninferior to DTG + TDF/FTC (N = 717) in proportion of participants achieving HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml (Snapshot algorithm) in the pooled analysis (82% vs. 84%, respectively; adjusted treatment difference [95% confidence interval (CI)], -1.8% [-5.8, 2.1]), GEMINI-1 (-3.6% [-9.4, 2.1]), and GEMINI-2 (0.0% [-5.3, 5.3]). Twelve DTG + 3TC participants and nine DTG + TDF/FTC participants met protocol-defined confirmed virologic withdrawal (CVW) criteria; none developed treatment-emergent resistance. One DTG + 3TC participant who did not meet CVW criteria developed M184V at week 132 and R263R/K at week 144, conferring a 1.8-fold change in susceptibility to DTG; non-adherence to therapy was reported. Significantly fewer drug-related adverse events occurred with DTG + 3TC vs. DTG + TDF/FTC (20% vs. 27%; relative risk [95% CI], 0.76 [0.63-0.92]). Renal and bone biomarker changes favored DTG + 3TC.

CONCLUSIONS

Three-year durable efficacy, long-term tolerability, and high barrier to resistance support first-line use of DTG + 3TC for HIV-1 treatment (see Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/QAD/C297; video abstract).

Ultra-long-acting (XLA) antivirals for chronic viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is among the top four causes of mortality globally, causing 1.4 million deaths each year, exceeding tuberculosis, malaria and human immunodeficiency virus. Hepatitis B and C are responsible for 90% of hepatitis deaths, and the remaining 10% are caused by other hepatitis viruses. The annual number of deaths from hepatitis C is declining, whereas the numbers of deaths from hepatitis B and D are increasing. Hepatitis B alone represents the seven highest cause of mortality worldwide. Spurred on by development of curative antivirals for hepatitis C and expanding access to hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, the World Health Organization has committed to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Like the majority of current antivirals, those available for HBV are virostatic. They are capable of suppressing viral replication but cannot eliminate the virus from infected patients. Therefore, treatment is lifelong. Long-term adherence to medication continues to represent a major challenge. Importantly, HBV often reactivates, leading to potential life-threatening events in immunosuppressed patients. Therapeutic options are limited for hepatitis D; however, promising new, effective antivirals are on the horizon. Recent advances have emerged in medicinal chemistry and drug delivery approaches to produce ultra-long-acting (XLA) antivirals. These can extend antiviral activity from months to 1 year or even longer. These new formulations can overcome the challenges of daily dosing and maximize drug exposure. The development of XLA antivirals targeting viral hepatitis may also facilitate cure strategies.

Update and latest advances in antiretroviral therapy

Since the first cases of AIDS appeared in 1981, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection has reached pandemic proportions. Forty years later, research has led to the approval of more than 30 antiretroviral drugs, while combination therapies have turned HIV-1 infection into a chronic, but manageable disease. Still, drug toxicity and acquired and transmitted drug resistance remain as major threats to therapy success. In this review, we provide an overview on currently available anti-HIV drugs and the latest developments in antiretroviral therapy, focused on new antiretroviral agents acting on known and unexploited antiviral targets, prevention therapies aimed to improve available drug combinations, and research on new long-acting therapies, particularly those involving novel drug candidates such as lenacapavir or islatravir.

Real life use of dolutegravir doravirine dual regimen in experienced elderly PLWH with multiple comorbidities and on polypharmacy: A retrospective analysis

By increasing life expectancy of people living with HIV, the most clinical challenge is managing both drug-to-drug interactions and comorbidities (especially metabolic). Doravirine (DOR), a new non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, recently approved for the treatment of HIV, could be a good companion of dolutegravir (DTG) in a dual regimen for experienced elderly patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy.We herein report our preliminary experience in a small cohort of elderly patients (>50 years of age) with multimorbidity and on polypharmacy who were switched to DOR/DTG dual regimen and followed-up for 3 months. The study was conducted at the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit of Padua University Hospital, Italy.Eighteen patients were included, 72.2% males and 27.8% postmenopausal women, mean age was of 61.3 years (7.6), 50% experienced AIDS events. Switches to DOR and DTG were mainly due to high cardiovascular and metabolic risk (72.2%), and interactions among comedications (50%). Antiretrovirals that subjects were switched off were mostly boosted protease inhibitors 66.7%. We observed a viral suppression among all subjects. Interestingly, we observed a statistically significant reduction in body mass index, body weight and waist circumference, eGFR, and a significant increase in serum creatinine levels. No significant changes in CD4+ T cell count was observed from the baseline. Lipid and fasting glucose values did not change significantly.To the best of our knowledge this is the first experience reporting real-life outcome of switch to DTG + DOR in elderly with multimorbidity and on polypharmacy. From our very preliminary data the dual combination of DTG and DOR could be a good treatment strategy for these subjects. However, our findings need to be validated on a greater number of patients.

Sustained HIV Viral Suppression With Dolutegravir, Tenofovir, and Emtricitabine as Initial Therapy Despite High-Level Transmitted Multiclass Resistance

Multiclass high-level transmitted HIV drug resistance is uncommon, and the selection of the optimal initial antiretroviral drug regimen may be challenging. We report a case of extensive transmitted multiclass resistance successfully treated with dolutegravir, tenofovir, and emtricitabine even though the baseline genotype demonstrated full susceptibility to only 1 drug class, integrase strand transfer inhibitors. Our case highlights both the high resistance barrier of dolutegravir and the residual antiviral activity of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors despite extensive resistance on genotype.

Pharmacokinetic drug interactions of integrase strand transfer inhibitors

The integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-containing regimens are currently considered as the first-line treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Although possessing a common mechanism of action to inhibit HIV integrase irreversibly to stop HIV replication cycle, the INSTIs, including raltegravir, elvitegravir, dolutegravir, and bictegravir, differ in pharmacokinetic characteristics. While raltegravir undergoes biotransformation by the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), elvitegravir is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and co-formulated with cobicistat to increase its plasma exposure. The metabolism pathways of dolutegravir and bictegravir are similar, both including CYP3A and UGT1A1, and both agents are substrates to different drug transporters. Because of their differences in metabolism, INSTIs interact with other medications differently through CYP enzymes and transporters as inducers or inhibitors. These drug interactions may become an important consideration in the long-term clinical use because the life expectancy of people with HIV (PWH) approaches to that of the general population. Also, common geriatric challenges such as multimorbidity and polypharmacy have been increasingly recognized in PWH. This review provides a summary of pharmacokinetic interactions with INSTIs and future perspectives in implications of INSTI drug interactions.

The incidence of and risk factors for hospitalized acute kidney injury among people living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment

OBJECTIVES

The epidemiology of hospitalized acute kidney injury (AKI) among people living with HIV (PLWH) in the era of modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all PLWH is not well characterized. We evaluated the incidence of and risk factors for hospitalized AKI from 2005 to 2015 among PLWH on ART.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of PLWH from the Johns Hopkins HIV Clinical Cohort. We defined hospitalized AKI as a rise of ≥ 0.3 mg/dL in serum creatinine (SCr) within any 48-h period or a 50% increase in SCr from baseline and assessed associations of risk factors with incident AKI using multivariate Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Most participants (75%) were black, 34% were female, and the mean age was 43 years. The incidence of AKI fluctuated annually, peaking at 40 per 1000 person-years (PY) [95% confidence interval (CI) 22-69 per 1000 PY] in 2007, and reached a nadir of 20 per 1000 PY (95% CI 11-34 per 1000 PY) in 2010. There was no significant temporal trend (-3.3% change per year; 95% CI -8.6 to 2.3%; P = 0.24). After multivariable adjustment, characteristics independently associated with AKI included black race [hazard ratio (HR) 2.44; 95% CI 1.42-4.20], hypertension (HR 1.62; 95% CI 1.09-2.38), dipstick proteinuria > 1 (HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.07-3.23), a history of AIDS (HR 1.82; 95% CI 1.29-2.56), CD4 count < 200 cells/µL (HR 1.46; 95% CI 1.02-2.07), and lower serum albumin (HR 1.73 per 1 g/dL decrease; 95% CI 1.02-2.07).

CONCLUSIONS

In this contemporary cohort of PLWH, the annual incidence of first AKI fluctuated during the study period. Attention to modifiable AKI risk factors and social determinants of health may further reduce AKI incidence among PLWH.