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Kestelyn E, Van Nuil JI, Umulisa MM, Umutoni G, Uwingabire A, De Baetselier I, Uwineza M, Agaba S, Crucitti T, Delvaux T, van de Wijgert JHHM. High adherence to intermittent and continuous use of a contraceptive vaginal ring among women in a randomized controlled trial in Kigali, Rwanda. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1278981. [PMID: 38680542 PMCID: PMC11047128 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1278981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The introduction of female-initiated drug-delivery methods, including vaginal rings, have proven to be a promising avenue to address sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, which disproportionally affects women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa. Efficient uptake of existing and new technologies such as vaginal rings requires in depth understanding of product adherence. This remains a major challenge as data on adherence to vaginal rings from African countries is limited. In this study, we explored adherence of contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing®) use in Kigali, Rwanda using a mixed methods approach. Methods We collected quantitative and qualitative data at multiple time points from women participating in a clinical trial exploring the safety and acceptability of either intermittent or continuous use of the NuvaRing®. Various adherence categories were used including monthly and cumulative adherence measurement. The quantitative data were analysed using R and the qualitative data were analysed using a deductive, content-analytical approach based on categories related to the quantitative adherence measures. All data were compared and triangulated. Results Data from 120 enrolled participants showed that self-reported adherence was high at every study visit in both study groups. At first study visit 80% of the intermittent ring users and 79.7% of the continuous ring users reported perfect adherence (assessed as "the ring was never out"). Reporting of ring expulsions and removals were highest (28.3%) at the beginning of the trial. Self-reported perfect ring adherence increased during the study and reports of ring expulsions and removals declined as familiarity with this contraceptive method increased. The percentage of women with perfect cumulative adherence was non-significantly higher in the intermittent (61.7%) than in the continuous use group (54.3%). The low rate of discrepant adherence data after triangulation (6%) is in line with the perception of the participants as adherent throughout the study. Conclusions Self-reported adherence in both study groups was high with removals and expulsions being within the expected product range. Comprehensive adherence data triangulation allowed for a deeper understanding of context-driven behaviour that shaped adherence patterns and challenges. Our data categorisation and triangulation approach has shown potential for implementation in future vaginal ring studies aiming to better understand and measure adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Kestelyn
- Rinda Ubuzima, Kigali, Rwanda
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Ilo Van Nuil
- Rinda Ubuzima, Kigali, Rwanda
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Irith De Baetselier
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Tania Crucitti
- Experimental Bacteriology Unit, Institut Pasteur Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Thérèse Delvaux
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Janneke H. H. M. van de Wijgert
- Rinda Ubuzima, Kigali, Rwanda
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Katz AWK, Balán IC, Reddy K, Etima J, Weber K, Tauya T, Atujuna M, Scheckter R, Ngure K, Soto-Torres L, Mgodi N, Palanee-Phillips T, Baeten JM, van der Straten A. Women's experience receiving drug feedback and adherence counseling in MTN-025/HOPE - an HIV Prevention open-label trial of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3607-3619. [PMID: 35536519 PMCID: PMC9561023 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03663-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
In the Phase IIIB MTN-025/HOPE open label extension trial, participants were offered the dapivirine vaginal ring as HIV prophylaxis, and those who accepted the ring received semi real-time individual adherence feedback, based on residual drug level (RDL) from returned rings, during Motivational Interviewing-based counseling. Counseling messages, based on the best knowledge at the time, framed RDL results in terms of ring use and HIV protection, from no use /no protection (0 RDL) to high use /high protection (3 RDL). At six HOPE sites, in-depth-Interviews (IDIs) about RDL were conducted with 64 participants who had received at least one RDL result. We found mixed interpretations of what the RDL meant and strong emotional reactions with a focus on the external validation of the level itself. Counseling was critical to help participants process their reactions to the RDL and make decisions accordingly (i.e., persistence, adherence improvement, and/or switching to another HIV prevention method). Providing drug adherence feedback was complex to implement yet proved useful as a component of a multi-pronged adherence support strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iván C Balán
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
- Present affiliation Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Krishnaveni Reddy
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Juliane Etima
- Makerere University, Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Thelma Tauya
- College of Health Sciences Clinical Trials Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Millicent Atujuna
- Desmond Tutu AIDS Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
| | | | - Nyaradzo Mgodi
- College of Health Sciences Clinical Trials Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Jared M Baeten
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Present affiliation Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Ariane van der Straten
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Present affiliation ASTRA Consulting, Kensington, CA, USA
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3
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Konda KA, Torres TS, Mariño G, Ramos A, Moreira RI, Leite IC, Cunha M, Jalil EM, Hoagland B, Guanira JV, Benedetti M, Pimenta C, Vermandere H, Bautista‐Arredondo S, Vega‐Ramirez H, Veloso VG, Caceres CF, Grinsztejn B. Factors associated with long-term HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis engagement and adherence among transgender women in Brazil, Mexico and Peru: results from the ImPrEP study. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 5:e25974. [PMID: 36225148 PMCID: PMC9557020 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately impact Latin‐American transgender women (TGW). We assessed factors associated with long‐term pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) engagement and adherence among TGW enrolled in the Implementation of PrEP (ImPrEP) study, the largest PrEP demonstration study in Latin America. Methods HIV‐negative TGW aged ≥18 years reporting 1+eligibility criteria in the 6 months prior to enrolment (e.g. sex partner known to be living with HIV, condomless anal sex [CAS], transactional sex or having a sexually transmitted infection [STI]) who could safely take PrEP were enrolled. Follow‐up visits were conducted at 4 weeks and then quarterly. We conducted logistic regression to identify factors associated with long‐term PrEP engagement (3+ follow‐up visits in 52 weeks) and complete self‐reported adherence (no missed pills in the past 30 days) during follow‐up. For both outcomes, we constructed multivariable models controlling for country, socio‐demographics, sexual behaviour, substance use, STIs and self‐reported adherence at 4 weeks (long‐term engagement outcome only). Results From March 2018 to June 2021, ImPrEP screened 519 TGW, enrolled 494 (Brazil: 190, Mexico: 66 and Peru: 238) and followed them for 52 weeks. At baseline, 27.5% of TGW were aged 18–24 years, 67.8% were mixed‐race and 31.6% had >secondary education. Most, 89.9% reported CAS, 61.9% had >10 sex partners and 71.9% reported transactional sex. HIV incidence was 1.82 cases per 100 person‐years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76–4.38). Almost half of TGW (48.6%) had long‐term PrEP engagement, which was positively associated with reporting complete adherence at week 4 (aOR:2.94 [95%CI:1.88–4.63]) and was inversely associated with reporting CAS with unknown‐HIV partner (aOR:0.52 [95%CI:0.34–0.81]), migration (aOR:0.54 [95%CI:0.34–0.84]), and being from Mexico (aOR:0.28 [95%CI:0.14–0.53]). Self‐reported adherence was associated with TGW aged >34 (aOR:1.61 [95%CI:1.10–2.34]) compared to those aged 25–34 and those with >secondary education (aOR:1.55 [95%CI:1.10–2.19]) and was lower among TGW from Peru (aOR:0.29 [95%CI:0.21–0.41]) or reporting PrEP‐related adverse effects (aOR:0.63 [95%CI:0.42–0.92]). Conclusions Although TGW were willing to enrol in ImPrEP, long‐term PrEP engagement and complete self‐reported adherence were limited, and HIV incidence remained relatively high. A successful HIV prevention agenda should include trans‐specific interventions supporting oral PrEP and exploring long‐acting PrEP strategies for TGW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelika A. Konda
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Centro de Investigaciones Interdisciplinaria en Salud, Sexualidad, y SIDALimaPeru
| | - Thiago S. Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI‐Fiocruz)Rio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Gabriela Mariño
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Centro de Investigaciones Interdisciplinaria en Salud, Sexualidad, y SIDALimaPeru
| | - Alessandra Ramos
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI‐Fiocruz)Rio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Ronaldo I. Moreira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI‐Fiocruz)Rio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Iuri C. Leite
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP‐Fiocruz)Rio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Marcelo Cunha
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP‐Fiocruz)Rio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Emilia M. Jalil
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI‐Fiocruz)Rio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI‐Fiocruz)Rio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Juan V. Guanira
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Centro de Investigaciones Interdisciplinaria en Salud, Sexualidad, y SIDALimaPeru
| | - Marcos Benedetti
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI‐Fiocruz)Rio de JaneiroBrazil
| | | | | | | | - Hamid Vega‐Ramirez
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente MuñizMexico CityMexico
| | - Valdilea G. Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI‐Fiocruz)Rio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Carlos F. Caceres
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Centro de Investigaciones Interdisciplinaria en Salud, Sexualidad, y SIDALimaPeru
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI‐Fiocruz)Rio de JaneiroBrazil
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Kutner BA, Giguere R, Lentz C, Kajura-Manyindo C, Dolezal C, Butheliezi S, Gwande M, Nampiira S, Ndlovu T, Mvinjelwa P, Mwenda W, Balán IC. Sharing Objective Measures of Adherence to a Vaginal Microbicide Promotes Candor About Actual Use and Bolsters Motivation to Prevent HIV. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:721-731. [PMID: 32920652 PMCID: PMC7887002 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03026-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Discrepancies between self-reported and actual adherence to biomedical HIV interventions is common and in clinical trials can compromise the integrity of findings. One solution is to monitor adherence biomarkers, but it is not well understood how to navigate biomarker feedback with participants. We surveyed 42 counselors and interviewed a subset of 22 to characterize their perspectives about communicating with participants about residual drug levels, an objective marker of adherence, within MTN-025/HOPE, a Phase 3b clinical trial of a vaginal ring to prevent HIV. When biomarkers indicated low drug levels that mismatched high adherence by self-report, counselors encountered barriers to acceptance and comprehension among participants. However, discrepancies between low self-report and higher drug levels generally stimulated candor. Women recollected times they had not used the product and disclosed problems that counselors thought might otherwise have remained forgotten or concealed. Navigating conversations toward HIV prevention was easier at mid-range drug levels and when women indicated motivation to prevent HIV. Ratings of residual drug level offered a somewhat objective measure of adherence and protection that counselors perceived as meaningful to participants and as a valuable catalyst for broaching conversation about HIV prevention. However, communication about drug levels required that counselors navigate emotional barriers, respond skillfully to questions about accuracy, and pivot conversations non-judgmentally away from numerical results and toward the priority of HIV prevention. Findings suggest a role for biomarker feedback in future clinical trials as well as other clinical contexts where biomarkers may be monitored, to motivate disclosure of actual adherence and movement toward HIV prevention.Clinical Trial Number NCT02858037.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Andrew Kutner
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Rebecca Giguere
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Cody Lentz
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Clare Kajura-Manyindo
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Curtis Dolezal
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | - Miriam Gwande
- University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences Clinical Trials Research Center, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Susan Nampiira
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration Clinical Research Site, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thakasile Ndlovu
- South African Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Wezi Mwenda
- College of Medicine Clinical Research Site, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Iván C Balán
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Boyd P, Merkatz R, Variano B, Malcolm RK. The ins and outs of drug-releasing vaginal rings: a literature review of expulsions and removals. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:1519-1540. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1798927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Boyd
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Ruth Merkatz
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bruce Variano
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY, USA
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6
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Murphy DJ, McCoy CF, Boyd P, Derrick T, Spence P, Devlin B, Malcolm RK. Drug stability and product performance characteristics of a dapivirine-releasing vaginal ring under simulated real-world conditions. Int J Pharm 2019; 565:351-357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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McLellan-Lemal E, Gvetadze R, Desai MA, Makanga EM, Pan Y, Haaland RE, Holder AN, Mudhune V, Williams T, Samandari T. Non-adherence among women enrolled in a contraceptive vaginal ring use study in Kisumu, Kenya, 2014-2015. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH REPORTS 2018; 2. [PMID: 30976663 DOI: 10.29392/joghr.2.e2018032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Given future potential use of vaginal rings to prevent HIV infection, we examined the association of contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) non-adherence with user dissatisfaction, tolerability, demographic, and behavioral factors. Methods In an open-label single-group study, sexually active women aged 18-34 years using oral or injectable hormonal contraception, conveniently sampled from general population, were assigned to 6-month use of a commercial CVR currently not licensed for use in Kenya. Non-adherence in any CVR cycle completed was assessed from: (1) self-report (not used for at least 1 day), and (2) pharmacy record (failure to timely receive a new CVR or return a used one). Additionally, non-adherence was assessed in a subset of participants by residual progestin and estrogen levels measured in returned CVRs. Results Of 202 participants who underwent CVR insertion by a study clinician, 142 completed all 6 visits, 172 responded to questions about ring use, and 43 provided used CVRs from months 1, 3, and 6 for residual hormone analysis. Non-adherence was 14.0% (24/172) by self-report and 54.5% (110/202) by pharmacy record. Non-adherence by pharmacy record was significantly reduced among women with a salary-based income (prevalence ratio (PR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.55-0.91)] compared to women with income not salary-based or no income. Participants dissatisfied with CVR on ≥4 aspects (ambiguity of instructions, inconvenience of use, sensation, sexual discomfort, etc.) were more likely to report non-adherence (PR 2.69, 95% CI=(1.31-5.52)] compared to those dissatisfied with ≤3 aspects. Non-adherence by residual hormone levels was identified in 46.5% (20/43) participants. Over time, this subset of participants showed increasing non-adherence (P=0.004). We found lack of agreement among the various measures of non-adherence. Conclusions Economic empowerment interventions, especially those emphasizing partner-independent income options, and expanded education on CVR features may alleviate non-adherence. Addressing CVR dissatisfaction preemptively may also help mitigate non-adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor McLellan-Lemal
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Infectious Diseases, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Roman Gvetadze
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Infectious Diseases, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mitesh A Desai
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Infectious Diseases, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Esther M Makanga
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Yi Pan
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Infectious Diseases, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Richard E Haaland
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Infectious Diseases, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Angela N Holder
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Infectious Diseases, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Victor Mudhune
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Tiffany Williams
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Infectious Diseases, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,ICF, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Taraz Samandari
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Infectious Diseases, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Jacot TA, Clark MR, Adedipe OE, Godbout S, Peele AG, Ju S, Schwartz JL, Thurman AR, Doncel GF. Development and clinical assessment of new objective adherence markers for four microbicide delivery systems used in HIV prevention studies. Clin Transl Med 2018; 7:37. [PMID: 30402770 PMCID: PMC6219998 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-018-0213-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adherence is critical for successful topical, vaginally delivered anti-retroviral (ARV)-based HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Quantitating systemic or tissue ARV levels through LC–MS/MS is currently viewed as the most reliable measure of adherence. However, for placebo-controlled trials, this is a high cost analysis that measures adherence only in the drug treatment group. A desirable marker of adherence is one that is measured in both placebo and drug treatment groups using a simple on-site clinical laboratory test, which allows necessary interventions for supporting participant adherence. Our objective was to develop adherence markers for four vaginal placebo products currently used as microbicide delivery systems: gel, film, insert, and intravaginal ring. Excipient and spectroscopy-based approaches were used for preclinical development of the placebo markers and subsequently validated by the CONRAD 135 study. The study collected vaginal swabs collected each day for 1 week post vaginal application of gel, film, or insert in the clinic with or without sex. Intravaginal rings were collected after 1 day, 7, and 30 days of use. Results Placebo gel, film, and insert in vaginal swabs were successfully detected by specific excipient colorimetric or probe-based assays for hydroxyethylcellulose, glycerin, and sorbitol respectively, as well as spectroscopy-based prediction models. The range of detection for gel, film, and insert in swabs collected up to 16 h post vaginal application was 70-100% of the total swabs per time point, with some markers showing potential for longer duration. Decreasing residual glycerin levels and increasing bioanalyte penetration of vaginally used intravaginal rings showed significant changes between 1 and 30 days of use. Conclusions We demonstrated clinical proof-of-concept that adherence markers for placebo product can be measured using simple, lower cost approaches. Measuring adherence in both placebo and drug arms of a HIV PrEP study would better inform future trial designs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40169-018-0213-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry A Jacot
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, 601 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA.
| | - Meredith R Clark
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, 601 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA.,CONRAD, 1911 North Fort Meyer Drive, Arlington, VA, 22209, USA
| | - Oluwatosin E Adedipe
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, 601 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA
| | - Susan Godbout
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, 601 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA
| | - Abby G Peele
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, 601 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA
| | - Susan Ju
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, 601 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA.,CONRAD, 1911 North Fort Meyer Drive, Arlington, VA, 22209, USA
| | - Jill L Schwartz
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, 601 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA.,CONRAD, 1911 North Fort Meyer Drive, Arlington, VA, 22209, USA
| | - Andrea R Thurman
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, 601 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA
| | - Gustavo F Doncel
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, 601 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA.,CONRAD, 1911 North Fort Meyer Drive, Arlington, VA, 22209, USA
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Tolley EE, Guthrie KM, Zissette S, Fava JL, Gill K, Louw CE, Kotze P, Reddy K, MacQueen K. Optimizing adherence in HIV prevention product trials: Development and psychometric evaluation of simple tools for screening and adherence counseling. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195499. [PMID: 29649249 PMCID: PMC5896947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low adherence in recent HIV prevention clinical trials highlights the need to better understand, measure, and support product use within clinical trials. Conventional self-reported adherence instruments within HIV prevention trials, often relying on single-item questions, have proven ineffective. While objective adherence measures are desirable, none currently exist that apply to both active and placebo arms. Scales are composed of multiple items in the form of questions or statements that, when combined, measure a more complex construct that may not be directly observable. When psychometrically validated, such measures may better assess the multiple factors contributing to adherence/non-adherence. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate tools to screen and monitor trial participants’ adherence to HIV prevention products within the context of clinical trial research. Methods and findings Based on an extensive literature review and conceptual framework, we identified and refined 86 items assessing potential predictors of adherence and 48 items assessing adherence experience. A structured survey, including adherence items and other variables, was administered to former ASPIRE and Ring Study participants and similar non-trial participants (n = 709). We conducted exploratory factor analyses (EFA) to identify a reduced set of constructs and items that could be used at screening to predict potential adherence, and at follow-up to monitor and intervene on adherence. We examined associations with other variables to assess content and construct validity. The EFA of screener items resulted in a 6-factor solution with acceptable to very good internal reliability (α: .62-.84). Similar to our conceptual framework, factors represent trial-related commitment (Distrust of Research and Commitment to Research); alignment with trial requirements (Visit Adherence and Trial Incompatibility); Belief in Trial Benefits and Partner Disclosure. The EFA on monitoring items resulted in 4 Product-specific factors that represent Vaginal Ring Doubts, Vaginal Ring Benefits, Ring Removal, and Side Effects with good to very good internal reliability (α = .71-.82). Evidence of content and construct validity was found; relationship to social desirability bias was examined. Conclusions These scales are easy and inexpensive to administer, available in several languages, and are applicable regardless of randomization. Once validated prospectively, they could (1) screen for propensity to adhere, (2) target adherence support/counselling, and (3) complement biomarker measures in determining true efficacy of the experimental product.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Morrow Guthrie
- Centers for Behavioral & Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Deptartment of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Seth Zissette
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Joseph L. Fava
- Centers for Behavioral & Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | | | - Cheryl E. Louw
- Madibeng Centre for Research, Brits, South Africa
- University of Pretoria, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Philip Kotze
- Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic, Ladysmith, South Africa
| | - Krishnaveni Reddy
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Stalter RM, Tharaldson J, Owen DH, Okumu E, Moench T, Mack N, Tolley EE, MacQueen KM. Attitudes and perceptions towards novel objective measures of ARV-based vaginal ring use: Results from a global stakeholder survey. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180963. [PMID: 28708847 PMCID: PMC5510854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Results of recent microbicide and pre-exposure prophylaxis clinical trials have shown adherence to be a significant challenge with new HIV prevention technologies. As the vaginal ring containing dapivirine moves into two open label follow-on studies (HOPE/MTN-025 and DREAM) and other antiretroviral-based and multi-purpose prevention technology ring products advance through the development pipeline, there is a need for more accurate and reliable measures of adherence to microbicide ring products. We previously conducted a comprehensive landscape analysis to identify new technologies that could be applied to adherence measurement of vaginal rings containing antiretrovirals. To explore attitudes and perceptions towards the approaches that we identified, we conducted a survey of stakeholders with experience and expertise in microbicide and HIV prevention clinical trials. From May to July 2015 an electronic survey was distributed via email to 894 stakeholders; a total of 206 eligible individuals responded to at least one question and were included in the data analysis. Survey respondents were presented with various objective measures and asked about their perceived acceptability to trial participants, feasibility of implementation by study staff, usefulness for measuring adherence and ethical concerns. Methods that require no additional input from the participant and require no modifications to the existing ring product (i.e., measurement of residual drug or excipient, or a vaginal analyte that enters the ring) were viewed as being more acceptable to trial participants and more feasible to implement in the field. Respondents saw value in using objective measures to provide real-time feedback on adherence. However, approaches that involve unannounced home visits for sample collection or spot checks of ring use, which could provide significant value to adherence feedback efforts, were met with skepticism. Additional research on the acceptability of these methods to potential trial participants and trial staff is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy M. Stalter
- Contraceptive Technology Innovation Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jenae Tharaldson
- Global Health Research Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Derek H. Owen
- Contraceptive Technology Innovation Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Eunice Okumu
- Global Health Research Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Thomas Moench
- ReProtect, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Natasha Mack
- Global Health Research Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth E. Tolley
- Global Health Research Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. MacQueen
- Global Health Research Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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11
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Moss JA, Baum MM, Easley JT, Cox DM, Smith TJ. An intravaginal ring for real-time evaluation of adherence to therapy. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174729. [PMID: 28384179 PMCID: PMC5383054 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Two recent Phase III clinical trials to investigate an intravaginal ring for preventing HIV infection demonstrated that adherence to prescribed device use was a primary driver of efficacy. Surrogate methods for determining adherence in the studies were limited in their inability to monitor temporal patterns of use and allow deconvolution of the effects of adherence and device efficacy on HIV infection rates. To address this issue, we have developed functionality in an intravaginal ring to continuously monitor when the device is being used and maintain a log of adherence that can be accessed by clinicians after it is removed. An electronic module fabricated with common, inexpensive electronic components was encapsulated in a silicone intravaginal ring. The device uses temperature as a surrogate measure of periods of device insertion and removal, and stores a record of the data for subsequent retrieval. The adherence-monitoring intravaginal ring accurately recorded the device status over 33 simulated IN-OUT cycles and more than 1000 measurement cycles in vitro. Following initial in vitro testing in a temperature-controlled chamber, the device was evaluated in vivo in sheep using a predetermined insertion/removal pattern to simulate intravaginal ring use. After insertion into the vaginal cavity of a sheep, the logged data correctly indicated the device status over 29 hours of continuous measurement including three cycles of insertion and removal. The device described here is a promising, low-cost method for real-time adherence assessment in clinical trials involving medicated intravaginal rings or other intravaginal devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Moss
- Department of Chemistry, Oak Crest Institute of Science, Monrovia, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Marc M. Baum
- Department of Chemistry, Oak Crest Institute of Science, Monrovia, California, United States of America
| | - Jeremiah T. Easley
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Darren M. Cox
- Department of Chemistry, Oak Crest Institute of Science, Monrovia, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas J. Smith
- Auritec Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pasadena, California, United States of America
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12
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Govender EM, Mansoor LE, Abdool Karim Q. Influences of geo-spatial location on pre-exposure prophylaxis use in South Africa: positioning microbicides for better product uptake. AIDS Care 2016; 29:734-740. [PMID: 27799005 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1248349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Young women bear a disproportionately high burden of HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa, prioritising pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can be an integral part of HIV prevention combination strategies. Women initiated HIV prevention technology options will require consistent adherence, an imperative for product effectiveness. With several PrEP clinical trials underway; exploring women's acceptability to advances in HIV prevention technologies can better facilitate demand creation for future PrEP roll out. This study utilised the opportunity of post-trial access to CAPRISA 008 women (trial) and non-trial women from three geo-spatial settings (urban, rural and peri-urban) to identify microbicide acceptability and how product associations of microbicides can influence future HIV prevention choices. Six participatory workshops using participatory action research with art-based activities and discussion groups were conducted in KwaZulu-Natal with 104 women from various geo-spatial locations and social status to understand microbicide acceptability and product associations. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that women's acceptability and product association of the tenofovir gel microbicide differed according to rural and urban areas. Most urban women identified confidence, sexiness and classiness as key associations that will encourage microbicide acceptability and use, while rural women identified respect, responsibility and confidence as the key product associations, with increased focus on the individual and collective family/community benefits of product acceptance and use. Urban-rural differences suggest a market segmentation that is contextualised to be locally responsive to promote HIV prevention technologies. Various sexual encounters further determined the types of HIV prevention technologies women would consider. In line with WHO's recommendation that PrEP should be an additional prevention choice for people at risk of HIV, this study underscores the importance of user engagement, understanding product associations and how this can influence product acceptability and promotion of HIV prevention technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza M Govender
- a Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) , University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa.,b Department of Culture, Communication and Media Studies, School of Applied Human Sciences , University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa
| | - Leila E Mansoor
- a Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) , University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- a Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) , University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa.,c Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
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Biomarkers and biometric measures of adherence to use of ARV-based vaginal rings. J Int AIDS Soc 2016; 19:20746. [PMID: 27142091 PMCID: PMC4854848 DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.1.20746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Poor adherence to product use has been observed in recent trials of antiretroviral (ARV)-based oral and vaginal gel HIV prevention products, resulting in an inability to determine product efficacy. The delivery of microbicides through vaginal rings is widely perceived as a way to achieve better adherence but vaginal rings do not eliminate the adherence challenges exhibited in clinical trials. Improved objective measures of adherence are needed as new ARV-based vaginal ring products enter the clinical trial stage. Methods To identify technologies that have potential future application for vaginal ring adherence measurement, a comprehensive literature search was conducted that covered a number of biomedical and public health databases, including PubMed, Embase, POPLINE and the Web of Science. Published patents and patent applications were also searched. Technical experts were also consulted to gather more information and help evaluate identified technologies. Approaches were evaluated as to feasibility of development and clinical trial implementation, cost and technical strength. Results Numerous approaches were identified through our landscape analysis and classified as either point measures or cumulative measures of vaginal ring adherence. Point measurements are those that give a measure of adherence at a particular point in time. Cumulative measures attempt to measure ring adherence over a period of time. Discussion Approaches that require modifications to an existing ring product are at a significant disadvantage, as this will likely introduce additional regulatory barriers to the development process and increase manufacturing costs. From the point of view of clinical trial implementation, desirable attributes would be high acceptance by trial participants, and little or no additional time or training requirements on the part of participants or clinic staff. We have identified four promising approaches as being high priority for further development based on the following measurements: intracellular drug levels, drug levels in hair, the accumulation of a vaginal analyte that diffuses into the ring, and the depletion of an intrinsic ring constituent. Conclusions While some approaches show significant promise over others, it is recommended that a strategy of using complementary biometric and behavioural approaches be adopted to best understand participants’ adherence to ARV-based ring products in clinical trials.
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Spence P, Nel A, van Niekerk N, Derrick T, Wilder S, Devlin B. Post-use assay of vaginal rings (VRs) as a potential measure of clinical trial adherence. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2016; 125:94-100. [PMID: 27016673 PMCID: PMC4873601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2016.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Simulated use of dapivirine VRs showed no content changes after storage at RT or −20 °C. On average, about 4 mg of dapivirine is released in vivo after 28 days of VR use. Both in vivo and in vitro drug release conform to the Higuchi equation. Residual ring data should be used in conjunction with other PK measures for modeling adherence.
Adherence measurement for microbicide use within the clinical trial setting remains a challenge for the HIV prevention field. This paper describes an assay method used for determining residual dapivirine levels in post-use vaginal rings from clinical trials conducted with the Dapivirine Vaginal Matrix Ring-004 developed by the International Partnership for Microbicides to prevent male to female HIV transmission. Post-use assay results from three Ring-004 clinical trials showed that of the 25 mg drug load, approximately 4 mg of dapivirine is released from the matrix ring over a 28-day use period. Data obtained by both in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that dapivirine is released according to a diffusion mechanism, as determined by conformance of both data sets to the Higuchi equation. This, coupled with the low variability associated with batch production over two manufacturing sites and 20 batches of material, provides evidence that post-use ring analysis can contribute to the assessment of adherence to ring use. Limitations of this method include the potential of intra-participant and inter-participant variability and uncertainty associated with measuring the low amount of dapivirine actually released relative to the drug load. Therefore, residual drug levels should not serve as the only direct measurement for microbicide adherence in vaginal ring clinical trials but should preferably be used as part of a multi-pronged approach towards understanding and assessing adherence to vaginal ring use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Spence
- International Partnership for Microbicides, 8401 Colesville Road, Suite 200, Silver Spring 20910, MD, USA.
| | - Annalene Nel
- International Partnership for Microbicides, 63 Main Road, Paarl 7645, South Africa
| | - Neliëtte van Niekerk
- International Partnership for Microbicides, 63 Main Road, Paarl 7645, South Africa
| | - Tiffany Derrick
- International Partnership for Microbicides, 8401 Colesville Road, Suite 200, Silver Spring 20910, MD, USA
| | - Susan Wilder
- Genentech USA, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco 94080-4990, CA, USA
| | - Bríd Devlin
- International Partnership for Microbicides, 8401 Colesville Road, Suite 200, Silver Spring 20910, MD, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In response to the need for strategies women can use to protect themselves from HIV infection, a new class of product commonly referred to as vaginal 'microbicides' has been under development for the past few decades. Several leading products currently in development contain antiviral agents delivered in a vaginal ring. RECENT FINDINGS Research published over the past year reports advances in identification and continued formulation of specific antiviral agents that have potential for delivery in vaginal rings, including drug combinations for HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and contraception. Most products are antiretroviral reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Advances in vaginal ring design have also been reported; some of these are designed to release specific antiviral agents, while other designs could be used for multiple drugs. This review focuses both on antiviral agents and vaginal ring designs. SUMMARY Over the past year, advances continued to be made in the development of vaginal rings to deliver antiviral agents for prevention of HIV. An array of antiviral agents and vaginal ring designs to deliver these products are at various stages in the product pipeline process. Results from the first efficacy trials of an antiretroviral-containing vaginal ring are expected soon and will inform the continued development of this important product class.
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Planning ahead for implementation of long-acting HIV prevention: challenges and opportunities. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2016; 10:290-5. [PMID: 26049956 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Broad-based access, uptake, and dissemination of daily oral HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have been slow, despite strong evidence for efficacy. Effective and efficient implementation of long-acting HIV prevention products will require both analysis of the dynamics and determinants of daily oral PrEP implementation and identification of the distinct challenges and opportunities inherent in emerging technologies. RECENT FINDINGS Evidence suggests the importance of addressing implementation issues at three levels: patient, provider, and system. Patient-level factors include targeted education and messaging, tailored supports to enhance acceptability and uptake, and effective strategies for promoting adherence/persistence and retention in care. Provider-level factors include engaging a broad mix of providers, while ensuring adequate training and support for patient assessment, counseling, and follow-up. Systems-level factors include optimal delivery modalities, resource allocation, and ensuring access to populations most in need of new prevention options. SUMMARY Formative social/behavioral research must be undertaken proactively to prepare for and address future implementation challenges and reduce the gap between proving efficacy in clinical trials and assuring real-world effectiveness. Conceptualizing new HIV prevention technologies as behavioral interventions at the level of the patient, provider, and system will be paramount to effective and efficient implementation.
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Mukhopadhya I, Murray GI, Berry S, Thomson J, Frank B, Gwozdz G, Ekeruche-Makinde J, Shattock R, Kelly C, Iannelli F, Pozzi G, El-Omar EM, Hold GL, Hijazi K. Drug transporter gene expression in human colorectal tissue and cell lines: modulation with antiretrovirals for microbicide optimization. J Antimicrob Chemother 2015; 71:372-86. [PMID: 26514157 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkv335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to comprehensively assess mRNA expression of 84 drug transporters in human colorectal biopsies and six representative cell lines, and to investigate the alteration of drug transporter gene expression after exposure to three candidate microbicidal antiretroviral (ARV) drugs (tenofovir, darunavir and dapivirine) in the colorectal epithelium. The outcome of the objectives informs development of optimal ARV-based microbicidal formulations for prevention of HIV-1 infection. METHODS Drug transporter mRNA expression was quantified from colorectal biopsies and cell lines by quantitative real-time PCR. Relative mRNA expression was quantified in Caco-2 cells and colorectal explants after induction with ARVs. Data were analysed using Pearson's product moment correlation (r), hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA). RESULTS Expression of 58 of the 84 transporters was documented in colorectal biopsies, with genes for CNT2, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and MRP3 showing the highest expression. No difference was noted between individual subjects when analysed by age, gender or anatomical site (rectum or recto-sigmoid) (r = 0.95-0.99). High expression of P-gp and CNT2 proteins was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Similarity between colorectal tissue and cell-line drug transporter gene expression was variable (r = 0.64-0.84). PCA showed distinct clustering of human colorectal biopsy samples, with the Caco-2 cells defined as the best surrogate system. Induction of Caco-2 cell lines with ARV drugs suggests that darunavir-based microbicides incorporating tenofovir may result in drug-drug interactions likely to affect distribution of individual drugs to sub-epithelial target cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings will help optimize complex formulations of rectal microbicides to realize their full potential as an effective approach for pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graeme I Murray
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Susan Berry
- School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - John Thomson
- Department of Gastroenterology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | | | - Julia Ekeruche-Makinde
- Mucosal Infection & Immunity Group, Section of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Robin Shattock
- Mucosal Infection & Immunity Group, Section of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Charles Kelly
- Mucosal & Salivary Biology, Dental Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Francesco Iannelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianni Pozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Emad M El-Omar
- School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Georgina L Hold
- School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Karolin Hijazi
- School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Abstract
ARV-based HIV prevention methods available in pill, gel or ring formulations (broadly referred to as microbicides) offer the possibility of protection against HIV for women who find it difficult because they cannot ask their partners to use condoms or even refuse sex. Partial efficacy of ARV-based medications has been demonstrated in a number of clinical trials around the world among various populations, building the evidence that ARV-based technologies will contribute to reducing the AIDS epidemic worldwide. Disappointing results, however, from two trials in sub-Saharan Africa, where poor adherence contributed to study closure due to futility, have raised questions about whether women at the centre of the epidemic are able to effectively use products that require routine use. Also, there are fears by some of risk compensation by decreased condom use because of the availability of microbicides when only partial efficacy has been demonstrated in microbicide trials to date. Of note, sub-analyses of biologic measures of adherence in trials where this was possible have shown a strong correlation between good adherence and efficacy, reinforcing the necessity of good adherence. Research conducted in conjunction with clinical trials and post-trials in advance of possible rollout of ARV-based products have examined social and cultural factors, gender-related and otherwise, influencing adherence and other aspects of women's use of products. These include HIV stigma, women's perception of risk, partner and community influences and the differing needs of women in various stages of life and in different circumstances. It is the purpose of this supplement to give voice to the needs of women who can benefit from woman-initiated methods by presenting research results and commentary to contribute to the global conversation about optimizing women's experience with ARV-based prevention.
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