Waitlist-controlled trial of an online intervention to address mental health among older people living with HIV

Background: Older people living with HIV (PLWH) often experience elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.Methods: This waitlist-controlled trial examined the effectiveness of online audio mindfulness lessons in impacting these feelings among older PLWH.Results: Among 214 participants, the mean (SD) age was 60.4 (5.9) years, 89% were male, and 69% were white. After 25 days, the intervention group showed significant improvements versus the waitlist control group in symptoms of depression (20.3% improvement, p < .01) and symptoms of anxiety (22.4% improvement, p = .03), but not in loneliness as measured by a Daily Diary (12.9% improvement, p = .07) or the 3-Item Loneliness Scale (4.8% improvement, p = .27). Secondary analyses among participants with elevated baseline symptoms of depression showed a 26.3% improvement (p < .01), with a moderate effect size (Hedge's g = 0.69). Similarly, those with elevated baseline symptoms of anxiety showed a 25.6% improvement (p < .01), a moderate effect size (g = 0.54), while those with moderate or severely elevated loneliness showed an 18.9% improvement in daily loneliness (p < .01), a moderate effect size (g = 0.55).Conclusion: This waitlist-controlled trial is the first to show that a series of brief, online audio mindfulness lessons improves mental health outcomes among older PLWH. For many patients, this intervention may offer relief that is both accessible and affordable.

Expanded Multivariable Models to Assist Patient Selection for Long-Acting Cabotegravir + Rilpivirine Treatment: Clinical Utility of a Combination of Patient, Drug Concentration, and Viral Factors Associated With Virologic Failure

BACKGROUND

Previously reported post hoc multivariable analyses exploring predictors of confirmed virologic failure (CVF) with cabotegravir + rilpivirine long-acting (CAB + RPV LA) were expanded to include data beyond week 48, additional covariates, and additional participants.

METHODS

Pooled data from 1651 participants were used to explore dosing regimen (every 4 or every 8 weeks), demographic, viral, and pharmacokinetic covariates as potential predictors of CVF. Prior dosing regimen experience was accounted for using 2 populations. Two models were conducted in each population-baseline factor analyses exploring factors known at baseline and multivariable analyses exploring baseline factors plus postbaseline model-predicted CAB/RPV trough concentrations (4 and 44 weeks postinjection). Retained factors were evaluated to understand their contribution to CVF (alone or in combination).

RESULTS

Overall, 1.4% (n = 23/1651) of participants had CVF through 152 weeks. The presence of RPV resistance-associated mutations, human immunodeficiency virus-1 subtype A6/A1, and body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 were associated with an increased risk of CVF (P < .05 adjusted incidence rate ratio), with participants with ≥2 of these baseline factors having a higher risk of CVF. Lower model-predicted CAB/RPV troughs were additional factors retained for multivariable analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of ≥2 baseline factors (RPV resistance-associated mutations, A6/A1 subtype, and/or body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) was associated with increased CVF risk, consistent with prior analyses. Inclusion of initial model-predicted CAB/RPV trough concentrations (≤first quartile) did not improve the prediction of CVF beyond the presence of a combination of ≥2 baseline factors, reinforcing the clinical utility of the baseline factors in the appropriate use of CAB + RPV LA.

Number of Sexual Partners and Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Men Age 50+ with HIV

Many men age 50+ with HIV (MWH age 50+) are sexually active. However, little is known about the relationship between the number of sexual partners and patient-reported outcomes in this population. To help address this need, analyses were performed on data from the Aging with Dignity, Health, Optimism and Community cohort, an observational study of adults age 50+ with HIV. Of 876 MWH age 50+, 26.8% had 0 sexual partners in the past year, 27.9% had 1, 21.5% had 2-5, and 23.9% had >5. Men with one partner were significantly less lonely and less depressed than any other group (p < .01 for pairwise comparisons). Men with zero partners were more depressed than any other group. Linear regression controlling for race and relationship status showed men with one partner had lower levels of loneliness than any other group. They also had lower levels of depression than men with zero or more than than five sexual partners, although depression levels were not significantly different for men with one or with two to five partners. Linear regression also showed that men in relationships were less lonely and less depressed than men who were not in relationships, after controlling for race and number of sexual partners. Better understanding of the roles that number of sex partners and relationships play in the mental health of MWH age 50+ may help ameliorate the burden of loneliness and depression in this vulnerable population. ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04311554).

1417. The Impact of Psychosocial Factors on ART Adherence is Mediated by Poverty in Older Adults Living With HIV

Background

Despite decades of work evaluating multiple interventions to improve ART adherence, viral load suppression in the U.S. remains far below Ending the HIV Epidemic goals. Previous research demonstrates that income and other factors, including social well-being (SWB), resilience, and exercise, are correlated with ART adherence. However, it is unclear how these factors interact with income to impact adherence in older adults living with HIV (OALWH).

Methods

Self-reported outcome measures from the Aging with Dignity, Health, Optimism, and Community (ADHOC) cohort were collected from November 2017 to June 2019. Adherence was measured using the Brief Adherence Self-Report Questionnaire, depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2, SWB using the Functional Assessment of HIV Infection, and resilience using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Face-valid questions provided data on household income, race, sexual orientation, # of ART pills daily, and exercise. Linear regressions assessed the associations between these variables and adherence. Mediation analysis using bootstrapping assessed the significance of the mediation effects of income on these variables.

Results

For 1,039 ADHOC participants, average age was 59 years, 86% were male, 69% were White, and mean adherence was 96.2% (SD=11.2). In bivariate analyses, depression, SWB, exercise, resilience, White race, # ART pills daily, and sexual orientation were each significantly correlated with both ART adherence and income. Interestingly, depression, SWB, resilience, and exercise became non-significant predictors of adherence after adjusting for the effects of income. Mediation analysis with bootstrapping demonstrated significant causal mediation effects of income on depression and adherence (B=-0.14, 95% CI (-0.25 – -0.04)), SWB and adherence (B=0.03, 95% CI (0.01 – 0.05)), resilience and adherence (B=0.15, 95% CI (0.04 – 0.27)), and exercise and adherence (B=0.002, 95% CI (0.0007-0.003)).

Conclusion

In OALWH, household income mediates the relationship between ART adherence and depression, SWB, resilience, and exercise. Therefore, interventions to improve adherence must address the causal role of income and focus on providing low-income patients with economic support to help lift them out of poverty.

Disclosures

Peter J. Mazonson, MD, MBA, ViiV Healthcare: Grant/Research Support Maile Y. Karris, MD, Gilead Sciences: Grant/Research Support|Gilead Sciences: I have received honorarium to speak at conferences|ViiV Healthcare: Grant/Research Support Emily Huang, MPH, ViiV Healthcare: Grant/Research Support Jeff Berko, MPH, ViiV Healthcare: Grant/Research Support Frank Spinelli, MD, Gilead Sciences: Employee|ViiV Healthcare: former employee Andrew Zolopa, MD, ViiV Healthcare: full time employee|ViiV Healthcare: Stocks/Bonds.

1284. Suppressed Switch to DTG/3TC 2-Drug Regimen Vs. BIC- or DTG-Based 3-Drug Regimens

Background

Real-world effectiveness of fixed dose dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) two-drug regimens (2DR) during the first 24 months of availability in the US was compared to common three-drug regimens (3DRs) among suppressed antiretroviral therapy (ART)-experienced people living with HIV (PLWH).

Methods

Suppressed (viral load [VL] < 200 copies/mL) PLWH initiating DTG/3TC 2DR, bictegravir (BIC)-3DR, or DTG-3DR between 01MAY2019 and 31OCT2020 in the OPERA^® Cohort were followed until 30APR2021 (potential for ≥6 months of follow-up). Univariate Poisson regression (incidence rates) and Cox proportional hazards marginal structural models were employed to assess confirmed virologic failure (2 viral loads [VLs] ≥200 copies/mL) or regimen discontinuation.

Results

Overall, 8037 PLWH were included in the analysis (Table). Virologic failure incidence rates were low, ranging from 0.66 (DTG/3TC) to 1.78 (DTG 3DR) per 100 person-years. Compared to DTG/3TC, only DTG 3DR was associated with an increase in the hazard of virologic failure. Discontinuation incidence rates ranged from 8.30 (BIC 3DR) to 24.9 (DTG 3DR) per 100 person-years. The discontinuation hazard was 69% greater with DTG 3DRs and 49% lower with BIC 3DRs compared to DTG/3TC. Regardless of regimen, most discontinuers were suppressed (VL< 200 copies/mL) at the time of discontinuation (DTG/3TC 2DR: 96%, BIC 3DR: 94%, DTG 3DR: 93%; all p >0.05). Discontinuations following an adverse diagnosis/side effect were uncommon with DTG/3TC 2DR (3%) and DTG 3DR (4%, p=0.5), and higher with BIC 3DR discontinuation (7%, p=0.02). The most common reason for DTG 3DR discontinuations was regimen simplification (21%); no reason was given for >50% of the discontinuations in each group.

Conclusion

Among ART-experienced, virologically suppressed PLWH, virologic failure was rare after switching to DTG/3TC 2DR, BIC 3DR or DTG 3DR. Most discontinuations were not attributed to the treatment (i.e., loss of suppression, adverse diagnosis, side effects), suggesting other reasons for discontinuation despite high levels of suppression and tolerability.

Disclosures

Gerald Pierone, Jr., MD, Gilead: Grant/Research Support|GSK-VIIV: Grant/Research Support Jennifer S. Fusco, BS, AIDS Healthcare Foundation: Client of my employer|EMD Serono: Client of my employer|Gilead Sciences: Client of my employer|Janssen: Client of my employer|Merck & Co.: Client of my employer|TheraTechnologies: Client of my employer|ViiV Healthcare: Client of my employer Laurence Brunet, PhD, AIDS Healthcare Foundation: Client of my employer|EMD Serono: Client of my employer|Gilead Sciences: Client of my employer|Janssen: Client of my employer|Merck & Co: Client of my employer|TheraTechnologies: Client of my employer|ViiV Healthcare: Client of my employer Vani Vannappagari, MBBS, MPH, PhD, ViiV Healthcare: I am full time employee of ViiV Healthcare and receive GlaxoSmithKline stock as part of my compensation package|ViiV Healthcare: Stocks/Bonds Supriya Sarkar, PhD, MPH, ViiV Healthcare: Salary|ViiV Healthcare: Stocks/Bonds Cassidy Henegar, PhD, MSPH, GlaxoSmithKline: Stocks/Bonds|ViiV Healthcare: full-time employee Andrew Zolopa, MD, ViiV Healthcare: full time employee|ViiV Healthcare: Stocks/Bonds Gregory P. Fusco, MD, MPH, AIDS Healthcare Foundation: Client of employer|EMD: Grant/Research Support|Gilead Sciences: Client of employer|Janssen: Client of employer|Merck & Co.: Client of employer|Theratechnologies: Client of employer|ViiV Healthcare: Client of employer.

1582. Real-World Use of Long-Acting Cabotegravir + Rilpivirine in the US: Effectiveness in the First Year

Background

The first long-acting (LA) antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen, cabotegravir+rilpivirine (CAB+RPV) injection, was approved by the FDA in January 2021 for ART-experienced, people with HIV (PWH) with undetectable viral load (VL< 50 copies/mL). We assessed clinical effectiveness of CAB+RPV LA in the first year of use in the United States (US).

Methods

Using electronic health record data from the OPERA® cohort, all ART-experienced adults who received ≥1 CAB+RPV LA prescriptions for the first time between 21Jan2021 and 28Feb2022 were followed until 13Mar2022. Discontinuation was defined as an ART switch or > 2 consecutive missed doses. VL were monitored from first injection until end of follow-up or discontinuation. Confirmed virologic failure was defined as 2 consecutive VLs > 200 copies/mL or 1 VL > 200 copies/mL + discontinuation. Results were stratified by VL at first prescription (i.e., suppressed: < 200 copies/mL; viremic: ≥ 200 copies/mL).

Results

Of 994 PWH prescribed CAB+RPV, all were ART-experienced and 85% had undetectable VL (< 50 copies/mL), 90% were suppressed (< 200 copies/mL), and the remainder had VL ≥200/mL (6%) or missing baseline VL (4%). Of those prescribed, 344 (38%) received CAB+RPV LA injections over a median 53 (IQR: 35, 79) days; 14% were women, 36% were Black, 29% were Hispanic, 25% had a BMI of ≥30, and the median age was 40 (IQR: 32, 53) years (Table 1). At the end of observation, 62% had not yet received CAB+RPV injections as they were in the process of approval, were on oral lead-in, or had been denied. At study end, 310 (90%) of the 344 remained on CAB+RPV LA with median follow-up of 3.4 (2.2, 6.1) months. Among those with VLs after first injection, the last VL was < 200 copies/mL in 99% and < 50 copies/mL in 94% (Table 2); all follow-up VLs were < 200 copies/mL in 97%, and < 50 copies/mL in 88%. Thirty viremic PWH received CAB+RPV LA injections (Table) with a median VL at first prescription of 4.2 (IQR: 3.2, 4.9) log copies/mL. Five or fewer PWH experienced confirmed virologic failure in each of the suppressed and viremic groups.

Conclusion

In this real-world cohort of PWH who received CAB+RPV LA injections in the US, observations from the first year suggest that this regimen is effective among virologically suppressed individuals.

Disclosures

Michael G. Sension, MD, Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead: Honoraria|Viiv: Advisor/Consultant|Viiv: Grant/Research Support|Viiv: Honoraria Ricky K. Hsu, MD, Gilead: Honoraria|Merck: Honoraria|ViiV: Advisor/Consultant|ViiV: Grant/Research Support|ViiV: Honoraria Jennifer S. Fusco, BS, AIDS Healthcare Foundation: Client of my employer|EMD Serono: Client of my employer|Gilead Sciences: Client of my employer|Janssen: Client of my employer|Merck & Co.: Client of my employer|TheraTechnologies: Client of my employer|ViiV Healthcare: Client of my employer Laurence Brunet, PhD, AIDS Healthcare Foundation: Client of my employer|EMD Serono: Client of my employer|Gilead Sciences: Client of my employer|Janssen: Client of my employer|Merck & Co: Client of my employer|TheraTechnologies: Client of my employer|ViiV Healthcare: Client of my employer Gayathri Sridhar, MBBS, MPH, PhD, GlaxoSmithKline: Stocks/Bonds|ViiV Healthcare: Employment Vani Vannappagari, MBBS, MPH, PhD, ViiV Healthcare: I am full time employee of ViiV Healthcare and receive GlaxoSmithKline stock as part of my compensation package|ViiV Healthcare: Stocks/Bonds Andrew Zolopa, MD, ViiV Healthcare: full time employee|ViiV Healthcare: Stocks/Bonds Jean A. van Wyk, MB,ChB; MFPM, ViiV Healthcare Limited: I am an employee of ViiV Healthcare|ViiV Healthcare Limited: Stocks/Bonds Gregory P. Fusco, MD, MPH, AIDS Healthcare Foundation: Client of employer|EMD: Grant/Research Support|Gilead Sciences: Client of employer|Janssen: Client of employer|Merck & Co.: Client of employer|Theratechnologies: Client of employer|ViiV Healthcare: Client of employer.

Evaluating Diversity in Randomized Clinical Trials of Dolutegravir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy Regimens: Pooled 48-Week Analyses by Race, Sex, and Regional Subgroups

Background

In HIV clinical trials, proportions of Black and female participants achieving virologic suppression (VS) are often lower compared with White and male participants. As the antiretroviral therapy (ART) landscape continues to evolve, addressing existing challenges in clinical trial diversity will be critical to effectively translate results into clinical practice. Here, we pooled data to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dolutegravir (DTG)-containing regimens by race, sex, and regional subgroups.

Methods

Three pooled analyses were conducted using 48-week results from phase 3/3b trials: DTG 3-drug vs non-DTG-containing 3- or 4-drug regimens in ART-naive participants (ARIA, FLAMINGO, SINGLE, SPRING-2), DTG-containing 2-drug vs 3-drug regimens in ART-naive participants (GEMINI-1, GEMINI-2), and DTG 3-drug vs non-DTG-containing 3- or 4-drug regimens in ART-experienced participants (SAILING, DAWNING). Proportions of participants with VS, safety, and change from baseline in CD4+ cell count were analyzed.

Results

Proportions of participants achieving VS were high among those receiving DTG vs comparator regimens. Proportions of participants achieving VS were generally lower in Black (vs non-Black), female (vs male), and US (vs non-US) subgroups. No new safety signals emerged from any subgroup in pooled analyses.

Conclusions

These analyses confirm that, across subgroups, DTG has robust efficacy and a good safety profile at week 48 relative to comparator regimens. Achieving VS may vary by participant characteristics, highlighting the urgent need for enrollment to reflect the demographics of global HIV populations more accurately. Future studies should strive to support participants throughout the trial to ensure optimal representation, inclusion, and retention.

Factors Associated with Resilience Among Older People Living with HIV

Resilience, a measure of stress coping ability, may be important in helping older people (age 50+) living with HIV (PLWH) age successfully, but limited data exist regarding factors that contribute to resilience for this group. This study uses the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 2 (CD-RISC2) to assess resilience, based on a cross-sectional analysis of 1047 older PLWH. Bivariate linear regression models were used to identify predictor variables that had a relationship with resilience. Those variables were then included in a multivariable linear regression model, which was pared using backward selection. In the multivariable model, higher income and greater interpersonal support were associated with greater resilience, whereas depression and anxiety were associated with lower resilience. Relevant interventions that address these issues, such as increasing opportunities for social support and increasing screening for and treatment of depression and anxiety, are identified as potential pathways to increase resilience among older PLWH.

Impact of treatment adherence on efficacy of dolutegravir plus lamivudine and dolutegravir plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine: pooled analysis of the GEMINI-1 and GEMINI-2 clinical studies

Background: GEMINI-1 and GEMINI-2 (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02831673 and NCT02831764, respectively) are double-blind, multicenter, phase III studies that demonstrated the non-inferiority of once-daily dolutegravir + lamivudine to dolutegravir + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine in achieving HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL at 48, 96, and 144 weeks in treatment-naive adults with HIV-1 infection.Objective: We present a post hoc analysis of the impact of treatment adherence on Week 48 virologic response.Methods: Adherence was estimated using pill counts and categorized as ≥90% vs <90%. Unadjusted treatment differences with exact 95% CIs were derived for the proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL within each adherence category, using Snapshot algorithm and last available on-treatment viral load through Week 48.Results: In each treatment group, 5% of participants had <90% adherence (dolutegravir + lamivudine group, 35/716; dolutegravir + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine group, 34/717). The proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL (Snapshot) at Week 48 in the <90% adherence group was 69% in the dolutegravir + lamivudine group and 65% in the dolutegravir + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine group (analysis by last on-treatment viral load: 91% and 85%, respectively). Corresponding proportions in the ≥90% adherence group were 93% and 96% (analysis by last on-treatment viral load: 97% and 99%, respectively).Conclusions: Decreased adherence resulted in lower Week 48 virologic efficacy outcomes that were comparable between treatment groups. These results indicate that the robust antiviral activity and regimen forgiveness of dolutegravir + lamivudine is similar to dolutegravir-containing 3-drug regimens (see graphical abstract).

886. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical Follow-Up, Monitoring and Regimen Discontinuation for People Living with HIV in the US

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health care services for people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aimed to compare rates of clinical visits, viral load monitoring and antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen discontinuation among virally suppressed PLWH in the US before and during the COVID pandemic.

Methods

The study population consisted of ART-experienced PLWH ≥18 years of age and active in care in the OPERA cohort within 2 years prior to 31OCT2020. Virally suppressed PLWH (i.e., viral load < 200 copies/mL) were included if they switched to either dolutegravir/lamivudine or a dolutegravir- or bictegravir-based 3-drug regimen between 01MAY2019 and 30APR2020. The study periods spanned from 01MAY2019 to 28FEB2020 (pre-COVID) and 01MAR2020 to 31OCT2020 (during COVID). Incidence rates of clinical visits, viral load measurements and regimen discontinuation were estimated using univariate Poisson regression for both study periods. In-person visits comprised any scheduled or walk-in outpatient, inpatient, emergency or laboratory visit. Telehealth visits comprised any phone or video encounters.

Results

The study included 4806 PLWH in the pre-COVID and 4992 in the COVID period. Rates of in-person visits were reduced almost 2-fold during COVID, while telehealth visits increased almost 9-fold, resulting in an overall reduction in any visits rates from 10.07 visits per person-year (95% CI: 9.93, 10.21) pre-COVID to 7.10 (95% CI: 7.01, 7.19) during COVID [Fig 1]. Rates of viral load measurements dropped from 2.99 viral loads per person-year (95% CI: 2.92, 3.07) pre-COVID to 1.97 (95% CI: 1.92, 2.02) during COVID [Fig 2]. Regimen discontinuation rates were also reduced from 14.3 discontinuations per 100 person-years pre-COVID (95% CI: 12.7, 16.1) to 9.6 (95% CI: 8.6, 10.8) during COVID [Fig 3]. In both study periods, virologic failures were detected in < 1% of PLWH with ≥ 1 viral load.

Figure 1. Incidence rates for overall, in-person, and telehealth visits during the pre-COVID (open circle) and the COVID (filled circle) study periods

Incidence rates for viral load measurements during the pre-COVID (open circle) and the COVID (filled circle) study periods

Incidence rates for regimen discontinuation during the pre-COVID (open circle) and the COVID (filled circle) study periods

Conclusion

The COVID pandemic has led to an important reduction in the frequency and type of clinical follow-up visits and viral load monitoring among virally suppressed PLWH in the US. A reduction in regimen discontinuation rates was also observed, presumably associated to less frequent follow-up. The long-term impact of the pandemic on HIV care remains uncertain.

Disclosures

Gerald Pierone, MD, Epividian (Board Member) Jennifer S. Fusco, BS, Epividian, inc (Employee) Laurence Brunet, PhD, Epividian, inc (Employee) Cassidy Henegar, PhD, GSK (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Jean A. van Wyk, MB,ChB, GlaxoSmithKline (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Supriya Sarkar, PhD, GSK (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Vani Vannappagari, MBBS, MPH, PhD, ViiV Healthcare Limited (Employee) Andrew Zolopa, MD, GlaxoSmithKline (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Michael B. Wohlfeiler, MD, Epividian, inc (Board Member)ViiV Healthcare (Research Grant or Support) Gregory Fusco, MD, MPH, Epividian, inc (Employee)

75. High Rates of Virologic Suppression with DTG/3TC in Newly Diagnosed Adults with HIV-1 Infection and Baseline Viral Load &gt;500,000 c/mL: 48-Week Subgroup Analysis of the STAT Study

Background

The primary analysis of the STAT study demonstrated the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of using DTG/3TC as a first-line regimen in a test-and-treat setting through 24 weeks, with therapy adjustments for baseline resistance or hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection. Here we present secondary analyses through Week 48 of virologic outcomes in participants by baseline viral load (VL).

Methods

STAT is a single-arm study of treatment-naive adults with HIV-1 infection who initiated DTG/3TC ≤ 14 days after HIV-1 diagnosis without availability of screening/baseline laboratory results. If baseline testing indicated DTG or 3TC resistance, HBV co-infection, or creatinine clearance &lt; 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, then antiretroviral therapy (ART) was potentially adjusted and participants remained on study. Efficacy analyses included proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA &lt; 50 c/mL regardless of ART regimen at Week 48, among all participants (ITT-E missing = failure analysis) and among participants with available HIV-1 RNA data at Week 48 (observed analysis).

Results

Of 131 enrolled, DTG/3TC treatment was adjusted in 10 participants, and of those with available data (n=7), all (100%) achieved HIV-1 RNA &lt; 50 c/mL at Week 48. At Week 48, 82% (107/131) of all participants (Figure 1) and 97% (107/110) of those with available data (Figure 2) achieved HIV-1 RNA &lt; 50 c/mL. Of participants with baseline VL ≥ 500,000 c/mL, 89% (17/19) achieved HIV-1 RNA &lt; 50 c/mL at Week 48; the remaining 2 withdrew from study. Of participants with baseline VL ≥ 1,000,000 c/mL, 90% (9/10) achieved HIV-1 RNA &lt; 50 c/mL at Week 48 (Table); the remaining participant withdrew consent. Of the 17 participants with baseline VL ≥ 500,000 c/mL with available data through Week 48, 76% (13/17) achieved virologic suppression by Week 24. One participant with baseline VL ≥ 500,000 c/mL switched from DTG/3TC before the Week 48 assessment. Of the 9 participants with baseline VL

≥ 1,000,000 c/mL with available data through Week 48, most participants (8/9; 89%) were suppressed by Week 24.

Figure 1. Virologic outcomes at Week 48, overall and by baseline VL and CD4+ cell count: ITT-E missing = failure analysis.

Conclusion

These data provide evidence for the efficacy and feasibility of using DTG/3TC as a first-line regimen in a test-and-treat setting, including among participants with very high baseline VL.

Disclosures

Charlotte-Paige M. Rolle, MD MPH, Gilead Sciences (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Speaker’s Bureau)Janssen Infectious Disease (Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member)ViiV Healthcare (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker's Bureau) Tulika Singh, MD MS AAHIVS, Gilead (Grant/Research Support, Advisor or Review Panel member)ViiV (Grant/Research Support, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker's Bureau) Moti Ramgopal, MD FIDSA, Abbvie (Scientific Research Study Investigator, Speaker's Bureau)Gilead (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Speaker's Bureau)Janssen (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Research Grant or Support, Speaker's Bureau)Merck (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)ViiV (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Speaker's Bureau) Dushyantha Jayaweera, MD, mrcog(uk), face, Gilead (Research Grant or Support)Janssen (Research Grant or Support)viiv (Research Grant or Support) Peter Leone, MD, viiv healthcare (Employee) Jessica Matthews, BS, ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Michael Cupo, Ph.D., GlaxoSmithKline (Employee) Mark Underwood, PhD, GlaxoSmithKline (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Kostas Angelis, PhD, GSK (Employee, Shareholder) Brian Wynne, MD, ViiV Healthcare (Employee, Shareholder, I have shares in GSK, the part owner of ViiV) Deanna Merrill, PharmD, MBA, AAHIVP, GlaxoSmithKline (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Christopher T. Nguyen, MD, ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Jean A. van Wyk, MB,ChB, GlaxoSmithKline (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Andrew Zolopa, MD, GlaxoSmithKline (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee)

1024. Impact of Treatment Adherence on Efficacy of DTG/3TC and DTG + TDF/FTC: Pooled Analysis of the GEMINI 1 and 2 Clinical Trials

Background

GEMINI 1 & 2 are global double-blind, multi-center phase III non-inferiority studies evaluating efficacy and safety of dolutegravir (DTG) + lamivudine (3TC) once daily in treatment-naive HIV-1-infected adults with Screening HIV-1 RNA ≤ 500,000 c/mL (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02831673/NCT02831764). Participants were randomized 1:1 to treatment with DTG+3TC or DTG + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC). The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants with plasma HIV-1 RNA &lt; 50 c/mL at Week 48 (Snapshot algorithm). DTG+3TC was non-inferior to DTG+TDF/FTC at Weeks 48 and 96. Here we evaluate the impact of treatment adherence on Week 48 virologic response (VR) within the GEMINI trials as a post-hoc analysis.

Methods

Adherence was estimated using pill counts data and categorized as follows: ≥ 90% vs &lt; 90%. Week 48 VR was measured as % of participants with HIV-1 RNA &lt; 50 c/mL by Food and Drug Administration Snapshot and by last on treatment viral load (VL) for the intention to treat–exposed population for which adherence could be derived. VR and differences between treatment arms within each adherence category were calculated along with exact unadjusted 95% confidence intervals.

Results

5% of participants had &lt; 90% adherence in both treatment arms. Baseline VL and CD4+ cell counts were similar across adherence categories. VR was lower in the &lt; 90% adherence group than the ≥ 90% group, but not different between the 2 treatment arms within the same adherence category: In the low adherence group, DTG+3TC VR was 69% compared to 65% in DTG+TDF/FTC arm by Snapshot and 91% and 85% respectively by last on treatment VL analysis (Table).

Table.

Conclusion

In the GEMINI studies, a lower Week 48 VR was observed in participants with &lt; 90% adherence, but the impact of lower adherence on VR was similar in the DTG+3TC compared with DTG+TDF/FTC arms. One limitation of the analysis is the small number of participants in the lower adherence subgroup. However, the results add further information about the robustness of DTG+3TC compared to 3-drug DTG-containing regimens and may suggest similar regimen forgiveness.

Disclosures

Mounir Ait-Khaled, PhD, ViiV Healthcare (Employee, Shareholder) Choy Man, BSc, ViiV Healthcare (Employee, Shareholder) Jorg Sievers, DPhil, ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Richard Grove, MSc, GSK/ViiV (Employee, Shareholder) Brian Wynne, MD, ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Rimgaile Urbaityte, MSc, GlaxoSmithKline (Employee, Shareholder) Jean A. van Wyk, MB,ChB, ViiV Healthcare (Employee, Shareholder) Debbie Hagins, MD, Gilead Sciences Inc. (Consultant, Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member)Janssen (Grant/Research Support)Merck (Consultant, Grant/Research Support, Advisor or Review Panel member)Viiv Healthcare (Consultant, Grant/Research Support, Advisor or Review Panel member) Andrew Zolopa, MD, ViiV Healthcare (Employee)

943. Older Gay Black Men Living with HIV Report Higher Quality of Life than Older Gay White Men, Despite Facing Additional Burdens

Background

Improving quality of life (QoL) is an important goal of care for people living with HIV (PLWH). This analysis uses data from the Aging with Dignity, Health, Optimism and Community (ADHOC) online registry to identify the different challenges faced by older white/Caucasian (“white”) and black/African American (“black”) gay or bisexual men living with HIV, and to assess differences in total QoL between the two groups.

Methods

QoL was measured using the PozQoL, a validated instrument for PLWH. The PozQoL assesses QoL across four domains: health concerns, psychological, social, and functional wellbeing. Total QoL was determined by combining domain scores for a total score. Student’s t-tests and chi-squared tests were used to identify disparities between black and white men. Factors with p< 0.05 were used as control variables in a multivariable linear regression model where PozQoL total score was the dependent variable.

Results

In the ADHOC database, 91% (n=612) of respondents were white men (WM) and 9% (n=59) were black men (BM). Both BM and WM had a median age of 59 years, and had a similar number of comorbidities (7.9 vs 9.2 respectively, p=0.12). Compared to WM, BM were more likely to be single (74% vs 51%, p< 0.001), less likely to have an income greater than $50,000 (25% vs 56%, p< 0.001), less likely to have a college degree or more (42% vs 69%, p=0.034), and less likely to be virally suppressed (87% vs 96%, p=0.001). Even after controlling for these differences in the multivariable model, BM had significantly higher total QoL than WM (Table 1).

Conclusion

In this analysis, there were substantial differences between older BM and WM living with HIV. After controlling for sociodemographic and clinical challenges, BM still reported higher QoL than WM. Programs designed to improve QoL for older gay and bisexual BM and WM living with HIV should take into consideration the unique strengths and challenges faced by each group.

Disclosures

Peter Mazonson, MD, MBA, ViiV Healthcare (Grant/Research Support) Theoren Loo, MS, BS, ViiV Healthcare (Grant/Research Support) Jeff Berko, MPH, BS, ViiV Healthcare (Grant/Research Support) Oluwatoyin Adeyemi, MD, ViiV Healthcare (Grant/Research Support) Alan Oglesby, MPH, ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Frank Spinelli, MD, ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Andrew Zolopa, MD, ViiV Healthcare (Employee)

929. Characteristics Associated with Pain in Older People Living with HIV

Background

Pain impacts up to 55% of people living with HIV (PLWH) and negatively impacts function. To date, limited data exist regarding factors that contribute to pain in older PLWH.

Methods

Data were utilized from the Aging with Dignity, Health, Optimism and Community (ADHOC) cohort, an observational study of older PLWH from ten clinics across the U.S. that collects patient-reported outcomes (PROs) on socioeconomic, psychosocial, and health factors. To measure pain, ADHOC participants were asked whether they had been diagnosed with back pain, hip pain, joint pain, or muscle pain, and were also instructed to report chronic pain conditions that were not listed. Bivariate analyses were performed to determine the associations between pain and PROs.

Results

Of 1,051 participants, 66% reported at least one type of pain. Factors associated with pain included multimorbidity, low income, anxiety, loneliness, depression, tobacco use, and older age (Table 1). Factors negatively associated with pain included employment, higher cognitive function, higher quality of life, greater resilience, higher social well-being, and alcohol use.

Table 1. Characteristics associated with pain among older people living with HIV. Pairwise correlations are reported above using correlation coefficient r.

Conclusion

Improving pain management is currently a priority in the US healthcare system. Some factors identified in this study, including systemic issues such as socioeconomic status and employment, are not easily modifiable. Other factors, such as anxiety, depression, and smoking, are modifiable and therefore represent targets for interventions focused on improving pain and its sequelae in older PLWH.

Disclosures

Maile Karris, MD, Gilead Sciences (Grant/Research Support)Viiv Healthcare (Grant/Research Support) Peter Mazonson, MD, MBA, ViiV Healthcare (Grant/Research Support) Theoren Loo, MS, BS, ViiV Healthcare (Grant/Research Support) Jeff Berko, MPH, BS, ViiV Healthcare (Grant/Research Support) Frank Spinelli, MD, ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Andrew Zolopa, MD, ViiV Healthcare (Employee)

Association of Pain and Pain Medication Use with Multiple Characteristics of Older People Living with HIV

People living with HIV (PLWH) experience chronic pain that may impact function. Gaps in knowledge exist for factors that impact pain and pain medication use in older (age 50+) PLWH. Data for this study were obtained from the Aging with Dignity, Health, Optimism and Community (ADHOC) cohort, an observational study of older PLWH from 10 clinics across the United States. Participants self-reported socioeconomic, psychosocial, and health factors via an online questionnaire. Of 1,051 participants, 66% reported pain. In a multivariable regression model, multimorbidity and tobacco use were associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing pain, whereas being male, black, and having higher cognitive function were associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing pain. Of the 696 participants who reported pain, 46% reported using pain medication. In a multivariable regression model, pain medication use was associated with multimorbidity and with lower income. Recognition of the factors associated with pain and pain medication use in this vulnerable population may lead to strategies that mitigate negative health outcomes.

Loneliness among older adults living with HIV: the "older old" may be less lonely than the "younger old"

Loneliness is common among older (age 50+) people living with HIV (PLWH). However, little is known about the prevalence of loneliness across subgroups of older PLWH, and the factors that impact loneliness. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from 998 older PLWH. Of those, 61% were 50-59 years old and 39% were 60 or older. The majority were male (89%), gay (77%), and white (69%). Fifty-one percent of participants were classified as lonely. The prevalence of loneliness was lower in the older age group, 46.2% vs. 53.8% (Χ ² = 5.53, p = 0.02). Covariates associated with loneliness included being younger, being single, having at least a four-year college degree, living alone, screening positive for depression, using recreational drugs, smoking tobacco, having a lower quality of life, and not feeling close to friends. Logistic regression analysis showed that the "younger old" were at 26% greater risk of loneliness, after controlling for the effects of these covariates (RR 1.26, 95% CI: 1.06-1.45). Reasons why the "older old" were less lonely may include lower rates of depression and lower likelihood of feeling distant from friends. Understanding factors that protect the "older old" against loneliness may provide guidance for future interventions.

605. Loneliness Among Older Adults Living with HIV: A Study and Online Community

Background

The population of people living with HIV (PLHIV) is aging. A new registry and online community, called Aging with Dignity, Health, Optimism and Community (ADHOC), has been launched to investigate how HIV impacts the lives of older PLHIV.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis of ADHOC was performed on 208 PLHIV 50+ years of age. One hypothesis was that increasing age would be associated with greater loneliness. Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-3). A score ≥6 was classified as lonely. The impact of aging on loneliness was analyzed by ANOVA and multiple linear regression.

Results

ULS-3 scores ranged from 3 to 9 and 48.6% of subjects were classified as lonely. Significant differences were found between the 50–59, 60–65 and 65+ age groups, with older age associated with decreased loneliness (P = 0.018) (Table 1). In the multiple linear regression model, these observations persisted even after controlling for gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, relationship status, education, income, and number of comorbidities (Table 2). Decreases in loneliness were associated with female gender, being in a relationship, higher income, and fewer comorbidities (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Among PLHIV over 50, loneliness is less severe in older age groups. Additional investigation is needed to better understand potential causes and to find ways to remediate loneliness among older PLHIV.

Disclosures

M. Kane, ViiV Healthcare: Research Contractor, Research grant and Research support. Mazonson & Santas, Inc.: Employee, Salary. P. Mazonson, Mazonson & Santas, Inc.: Co-Founder and Shareholder, Salary. ViiV Healthcare: Investigator and Research Contractor, Research grant and Research support. A. Zolopa, ViiV Healthcare: Employee, Salary. F. Spinelli, ViiV Healthcare: Employee, Salary. P. Eitz Ferrer, ViiV Healthcare: Employee, Salary. P. Shalit, Gilead: Consultant, Investigator and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee, Research support and Speaker honorarium. Viiv: Consultant and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee and Speaker honorarium. Janssen: Consultant, Investigator and Speaker’s Bureau, Research support and Speaker honorarium. Merck: Speaker’s Bureau, Speaker honorarium.

Short Communication: Dolutegravir-Based Regimens Are Active in Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor-Naive Patients with Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Resistance

In the SAILING study, dolutegravir demonstrated superior virologic efficacy compared with raltegravir in treatment-experienced, integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)–naive patients with HIV-1 who harbored resistance to ≥2 antiretroviral drug classes. Significantly fewer dolutegravir-treated patients demonstrated virologic failure with treatment-emergent resistance than raltegravir-treated patients through 48 weeks. Investigator-selected background therapy (ISBT) included at least one fully active agent, selected on the basis of resistance analysis. Genotypic and phenotypic resistance testing were performed on baseline and time-of-failure samples from patients with protocol-defined virologic failure (PDVF). A post hoc analysis of SAILING (N = 715; 354 dolutegravir, 361 raltegravir) assessed efficacy in subpopulations defined by ISBT activity, resistance profiles, and treatment history. When ISBT contained only nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), PDVF occurred in 0% (0/32) of dolutegravir-treated patients and 21.9% (7/32) of raltegravir-treated patients (p = .005). In patients harboring M184 V whose ISBT contained lamivudine or emtricitabine plus a second NRTI, 0% (0/13) of dolutegravir- and 33.3% (4/12) of raltegravir-treated patients (p = .026) experienced PDVF. Among patients receiving protease inhibitor (PI)–containing ISBT, 6.0% (18/300) of dolutegravir-treated patients versus 11.8% (36/305) of raltegravir-treated patients (p = .012) experienced PDVF. Darunavir/ritonavir was part of ISBT in 130 dolutegravir-treated patients and 145 raltegravir-treated patients; 6 (4.6%) and 12 (8.3%), respectively, experienced PDVF (difference −3.7%; 95% confidence interval: −10.1% to 2.5%; p = .256). There was no or less virologic failure in treatment-experienced, INSTI-naive subjects receiving dolutegravir versus raltegravir, even when the ISBT was suboptimal or NRTI resistance was present at baseline. These findings are not explained by the use of PI/ritonavir-containing ISBT.

A Randomized Switch From Nevirapine-Based Antiretroviral Therapy to Single Tablet Rilpivirine/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Virologically Suppressed Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1-Infected Rwandans

There is a need to improve antiretroviral options in Africa. This study shows switching from a neviripine-based treatment to co-formulated rilpivirine/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in virologically suppressed Rwandans is safe and non-inferior to continued nevirapine-based therapy at 24 weeks.

Background. Many human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients remain on nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) despite safety and efficacy concerns. Switching to a rilpivirine-based regimen is an alternative, but there is little experience with rilpivirine in sub-Saharan Africa where induction of rilpivirine metabolism by nevirapine, HIV subtype, and dietary differences could potentially impact efficacy.

Methods. We conducted an open-label noninferiority study of virologically suppressed (HIV-1 ribonucleic acid [RNA] < 50 copies/mL) HIV-1-infected Rwandan adults taking nevirapine plus 2 nucleos(t)ide reverse-transcriptase inhibitors. One hundred fifty participants were randomized 2:1 to switch to coformulated rilpivirine-emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (referenced as the Switch Arm) or continue current therapy. The primary efficacy endpoint was HIV-1 RNA < 200 copies/mL at week 24 assessed by the US Food and Drug Administration Snapshot algorithm with a noninferiority margin of 12%.

Results. Between April and September 2014, 184 patients were screened, and 150 patients were enrolled; 99 patients switched to rilpivirine-emtricitabine-tenofovir, and 51 patients continued their nevirapine-based ART. The mean age was 42 years and 43% of participants were women. At week 24, virologic suppression (HIV-1 RNA level <200 copies/mL) was maintained in 93% and 92% in the Switch Arm versus the continuation arm, respectively. The Switch Arm was noninferior to continued nevirapine-based ART (efficacy difference 0.8%; 95% confidence interval, −7.5% to +12.0%). Both regimens were generally safe and well tolerated, although 2 deaths, neither attributed to study medications, occurred in participants in the Switch Arm.

Conclusions. A switch from nevirapine-based ART to rilpivirine-emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate had similar virologic efficacy to continued nevirapine-based ART after 24 weeks with few adverse events.

Empirical tuberculosis therapy versus isoniazid in adult outpatients with advanced HIV initiating antiretroviral therapy (REMEMBER): a multicountry open-label randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Mortality within the first 6 months after initiating antiretroviral therapy is common in resource-limited settings and is often due to tuberculosis in patients with advanced HIV disease. Isoniazid preventive therapy is recommended in HIV-positive adults, but subclinical tuberculosis can be difficult to diagnose. We aimed to assess whether empirical tuberculosis treatment would reduce early mortality compared with isoniazid preventive therapy in high-burden settings.

METHODS

We did a multicountry open-label randomised clinical trial comparing empirical tuberculosis therapy with isoniazid preventive therapy in HIV-positive outpatients initiating antiretroviral therapy with CD4 cell counts of less than 50 cells per μL. Participants were recruited from 18 outpatient research clinics in ten countries (Malawi, South Africa, Haiti, Kenya, Zambia, India, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Peru, and Uganda). Individuals were screened for tuberculosis using a symptom screen, locally available diagnostics, and the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay when available before inclusion. Study candidates with confirmed or suspected tuberculosis were excluded. Inclusion criteria were liver function tests 2·5 times the upper limit of normal or less, a creatinine clearance of at least 30 mL/min, and a Karnofsky score of at least 30. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either the empirical group (antiretroviral therapy and empirical tuberculosis therapy) or the isoniazid preventive therapy group (antiretroviral therapy and isoniazid preventive therapy). The primary endpoint was survival (death or unknown status) at 24 weeks after randomisation assessed in the intention-to-treat population. Kaplan-Meier estimates of the primary endpoint across groups were compared by the z-test. All participants were included in the safety analysis of antiretroviral therapy and tuberculosis treatment. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01380080.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 31, 2011, and June 9, 2014, we enrolled 850 participants. Of these, we randomly assigned 424 to receive empirical tuberculosis therapy and 426 to the isoniazid preventive therapy group. The median CD4 cell count at baseline was 18 cells per μL (IQR 9-32). At week 24, 22 (5%) participants from each group died or were of unknown status (95% CI 3·5-7·8) for empirical group and for isoniazid preventive therapy (95% CI 3·4-7·8); absolute risk difference of -0·06% (95% CI -3·05 to 2·94). Grade 3 or 4 signs or symptoms occurred in 50 (12%) participants in the empirical group and 46 (11%) participants in the isoniazid preventive therapy group. Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities occurred in 99 (23%) participants in the empirical group and 97 (23%) participants in the isoniazid preventive therapy group.

INTERPRETATION

Empirical tuberculosis therapy did not reduce mortality at 24 weeks compared with isoniazid preventive therapy in outpatient adults with advanced HIV disease initiating antiretroviral therapy. The low mortality rate of the trial supports implementation of systematic tuberculosis screening and isoniazid preventive therapy in outpatients with advanced HIV disease.

FUNDING

National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases through the AIDS Clinical Trials Group.

Phase I/II study of the pharmacokinetics, safety and antiretroviral activity of tenofovir alafenamide, a new prodrug of the HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitor tenofovir, in HIV-infected adults

BACKGROUND

Tenofovir alafenamide (formerly GS-7340) is a new oral prodrug of tenofovir, a nucleotide analogue that inhibits HIV-1 reverse transcription. Unlike the currently marketed tenofovir prodrug, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, tenofovir alafenamide is stable in plasma and then rapidly converted into tenofovir once inside cells.

METHODS

The pharmacokinetics, safety and antiviral activity of 40 or 120 mg of tenofovir alafenamide compared with 300 mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate when administered as monotherapy once daily for 14 days in HIV-1-infected, treatment-naive subjects was studied.

RESULTS

Administration of 40 mg of tenofovir alafenamide for 14 days resulted in lower tenofovir Cmax (13 versus 207 ng/mL) and lower systemic exposures (AUC0-t, 383 versus 1810 ng · h/mL) compared with subjects who received tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. There were higher intracellular tenofovir concentrations within peripheral blood mononuclear cells with both 40 mg of tenofovir alafenamide (8.2 μM) and 120 mg of tenofovir alafenamide (16.9 μM) compared with 300 mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (0.9 μM). The most commonly observed adverse events were headache, nausea and flatulence, which occurred similarly across the three groups. After 14 days, the mean changes in HIV-1 RNA were -0.94 log₁₀copies/mL for the tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group, -1.57 log₁₀ copies/mL for the 40 mg of tenofovir alafenamide group and -1.71 log₁₀ copies/mL for the 120 mg of tenofovir alafenamide group. The mean first-phase HIV-1 RNA decay slopes were -0.36, -0.63 and -0.64 for the tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group, the 40 mg of tenofovir alafenamide group and the 120 mg of tenofovir alafenamide group, respectively. No resistance mutations to either tenofovir alafenamide or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Tenofovir alafenamide, a new once-daily oral prodrug of tenofovir, showed more potent anti-HIV-1 activity and higher intracellular tenofovir levels compared with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, while maintaining lower plasma tenofovir exposure at 40 mg with good tolerability over 14 days of monotherapy.

Treating psychological trauma among Rwandan orphans is associated with a reduction in HIV risk-taking behaviors: A pilot study

The nongovernmental organization, Uyisenga N'Manzi (UNM), provides Rwandan orphans of genocide and HIV/AIDS with education, social, and mental health services. Many orphans in UNM report symptoms of psychological trauma. The primary study objective was to evaluate a multidisciplinary program integrating HIV prevention with an existing package of mental health services. We randomly selected 120 orphans between ages 15-25 years served by UNM and evaluated sexually-transmitted infections, HIV risk-taking behaviors and knowledge, and mental health at baseline, 5, 9, and 12 months. Increased trauma symptoms at baseline were associated with poorer coping skills and social functioning, and increased psychological distress and HIV risk-taking behavior. Following the 12-month intervention, trauma symptoms declined significantly, with those accessing counseling services showing greatest improvement. Orphans with the highest trauma scores benefited most from the intervention. In this at-risk population, addressing mental health issues in the context of HIV prevention is critical.

Patient monitoring and follow-up in lentiviral clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Lentiviral vectors are being used with increasing frequency in human clinical trials. We were the first to use lentiviral vectors in clinical trials in 2003. Our lentiviral vector encoded a long RNA antisense sequence to the HIV-1 envelope and was used in an ex vivo autologous setting to provide viral load control in HIV-1 positive subjects failing anti-HIV therapy. A total of 65 subjects have been treated in Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials in six institutions.

METHODS

Good manufacturing practices (GMP) lots of the lentiviral vector used in our clinical trials were assayed for the presence of replication competent lentivirus (RCL). RCL assays were conducted at two stages. The first testing was performed on samples collected immediately following bulk harvest of the GMP product lot and consisted of 1 × 10(8) cells used in production. RCL assays were also performed on aliquots of the final fill of the vector by the inoculation of at least 5% of the GMP final fill volume into C8166 cells, passaged for at least ten passages and tested for RCL by p24 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and vesicular stomatitis virus-G envelope DNA.

RESULTS

Following 263 infusions of autologous, transduced cells, no adverse events have been detected in these subjects, with some followed for more than 8 years following infusions. More than 4.3 × 10(12) VRX496 proviral copies were administered to these 65 subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from this small population suggest that there is no apparent risk for serious adverse events with the use of lentiviral vectors.

Co-formulated elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir versus co-formulated efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir for initial treatment of HIV-1 infection: a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial, analysis of results after 48 weeks

BACKGROUND

The integrase inhibitor elvitegravir (EVG) has been co-formulated with the CYP3A4 inhibitor cobicistat (COBI), emtricitabine (FTC), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in a single tablet given once daily. We compared the efficacy and safety of EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF with standard of care-co-formulated efavirenz (EFV)/FTC/TDF-as initial treatment for HIV infection.

METHODS

In this phase 3 trial, treatment-naive patients from outpatient clinics in North America were randomly assigned by computer-generated allocation sequence with a block size of four in a 1:1 ratio to receive EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF or EFV/FTC/TDF, once daily, plus matching placebo. Patients and study staff involved in giving study treatment, assessing outcomes, and collecting and analysing data were masked to treatment allocation. Eligibility criteria included screening HIV RNA concentration of 5000 copies per mL or more, and susceptibility to efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. The primary endpoint was HIV RNA concentration of fewer than 50 copies per mL at week 48. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01095796.

FINDINGS

700 patients were randomly assigned and treated (348 with EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF, 352 with EFV/FTC/TDF). EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF was non-inferior to EFV/FTC/TDF; 305/348 (87·6%) versus 296/352 (84·1%) of patients had HIV RNA concentrations of fewer than 50 copies per mL at week 48 (difference 3·6%, 95% CI -1·6% to 8·8%). Proportions of patients discontinuing drugs for adverse events did not differ substantially (13/348 in the EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF group vs 18/352 in the EFV/FTC/TDF group). Nausea was more common with EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF than with EFV/FTC/TDF (72/348 vs 48/352) and dizziness (23/348 vs 86/352), abnormal dreams (53/348 vs 95/352), insomnia (30/348 vs 49/352), and rash (22/348 vs 43/352) were less common. Serum creatinine concentration increased more by week 48 in the EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF group than in the EFV/FTC/TDF group (median 13 μmol/L, IQR 5 to 20 vs 1 μmol/L, -6 to 8; p<0·001).

INTERPRETATION

If regulatory approval is given, EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF would be the only single-tablet, once-daily, integrase-inhibitor-based regimen for initial treatment of HIV infection.

FUNDING

Gilead Sciences.

Standardized comparison of the relative impacts of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) mutations on nucleoside RT inhibitor susceptibility

Determining the phenotypic impacts of reverse transcriptase (RT) mutations on individual nucleoside RT inhibitors (NRTIs) has remained a statistical challenge because clinical NRTI-resistant HIV-1 isolates usually contain multiple mutations, often in complex patterns, complicating the task of determining the relative contribution of each mutation to HIV drug resistance. Furthermore, the NRTIs have highly variable dynamic susceptibility ranges, making it difficult to determine the relative effect of an RT mutation on susceptibility to different NRTIs. In this study, we analyzed 1,273 genotyped HIV-1 isolates for which phenotypic results were obtained using the PhenoSense assay (Monogram, South San Francisco, CA). We used a parsimonious feature selection algorithm, LASSO, to assess the possible contributions of 177 mutations that occurred in 10 or more isolates in our data set. We then used least-squares regression to quantify the impact of each LASSO-selected mutation on each NRTI. Our study provides a comprehensive view of the most common NRTI resistance mutations. Because our results were standardized, the study provides the first analysis that quantifies the relative phenotypic effects of NRTI resistance mutations on each of the NRTIs. In addition, the study contains new findings on the relative impacts of thymidine analog mutations (TAMs) on susceptibility to abacavir and tenofovir; the impacts of several known but incompletely characterized mutations, including E40F, V75T, Y115F, and K219R; and a tentative role in reduced NRTI susceptibility for K64H, a novel NRTI resistance mutation.

Association of HIV infection, demographic and cardiovascular risk factors with all-cause mortality in the recent HAART era

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship of HIV infection, demographic, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors with mortality in the recent highly active antiretroviral therapy era.

METHODS

Vital status was ascertained from 2004 to 2007 in 922 HIV infected and 280 controls in the Study of Fat Redistribution and Metabolic Change in HIV infection; 469 HIV infected were included in analysis comparing HIV with similar age controls. Multivariable exponential survival regression (adjusting for demographic and CVD factors) estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for death.

RESULTS

After 5 years of follow-up, the overall adjusted mortality HR was 3.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35-8.5]; HR was 6.3 among HIV infected with CD4 < 200 (95% CI: 2.2-18.2), 4.3 with CD4 200-350 (95% CI: 1.14-16.0), and 2.3 with CD4 > 350 (95% CI: 0.78-6.9). Among HIV infected, current smoking (HR = 2.73 vs. never smokers, 95% CI: 1.64-4.5) and older age (HR = 1.61 per decade, 95% CI: 1.27-2.1) were independent risk factors for death; higher baseline CD4 count was associated with lower risk (HR = 0.65 per CD4 doubling, 95% CI: 0.58-0.73).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV infection was associated with a 3-fold mortality risk compared with controls after adjustment for demographic and CVD risk factors. In addition to low baseline CD4 count, older age and current smoking were strong and independent predictors of mortality in a US cohort of HIV-infected participants in clinical care.

Early antiretroviral therapy reduces AIDS progression/death in individuals with acute opportunistic infections: a multicenter randomized strategy trial

BACKGROUND

Optimal timing of ART initiation for individuals presenting with AIDS-related OIs has not been defined.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

A5164 was a randomized strategy trial of "early ART"--given within 14 days of starting acute OI treatment versus "deferred ART"--given after acute OI treatment is completed. Randomization was stratified by presenting OI and entry CD4 count. The primary week 48 endpoint was 3-level ordered categorical variable: 1. Death/AIDS progression; 2. No progression with incomplete viral suppression (ie HIV viral load (VL) >or=50 copies/ml); 3. No progression with optimal viral suppression (ie HIV VL <50 copies/ml). Secondary endpoints included: AIDS progression/death; plasma HIV RNA and CD4 responses and safety parameters including IRIS. 282 subjects were evaluable; 141 per arm. Entry OIs included Pneumocytis jirovecii pneumonia 63%, cryptococcal meningitis 12%, and bacterial infections 12%. The early and deferred arms started ART a median of 12 and 45 days after start of OI treatment, respectively. THE DIFFERENCE IN THE PRIMARY ENDPOINT DID NOT REACH STATISTICAL SIGNIFICANCE: AIDS progression/death was seen in 20 (14%) vs. 34 (24%); whereas no progression but with incomplete viral suppression was seen in 54 (38%) vs. 44 (31%); and no progression with optimal viral suppression in 67 (48%) vs 63 (45%) in the early vs. deferred arm, respectively (p = 0.22). However, the early ART arm had fewer AIDS progression/deaths (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.27-0.94) and a longer time to AIDS progression/death (stratified HR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.30-0.92). The early ART had shorter time to achieving a CD4 count above 50 cells/mL (p<0.001) and no increase in adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Early ART resulted in less AIDS progression/death with no increase in adverse events or loss of virologic response compared to deferred ART. These results support the early initiation of ART in patients presenting with acute AIDS-related OIs, absent major contraindications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00055120.

Maintaining reduced viral fitness and CD4 response in HIV-infected patients with viremia receiving a boosted protease inhibitor

When fully suppressive regimens are not available, incompletely suppressive regimens also provide immunologic benefits. In this study, with stable background therapy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients who were randomized to receive atazanavir or boosted atazanavir, compared with those who continued boosted protease inhibitor therapy, maintained similar virologic and immunologic control, resistance-mutation patterns, and replication capacities with reduced use of lipid-lowering medication.

Evaluation of high-protein supplementation in weight-stable HIV-positive subjects with a history of weight loss: a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial

BACKGROUND

HIV patients with wasting are at increased risk of opportunistic complications and fatality.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that augmenting dietary intake with high-biologic-value protein would enhance weight and lean tissue in weight-stable subjects with a prior unintentional weight loss of >3%.

DESIGN

Fifty-nine subjects with HIV RNA concentrations <5000 copies/mL were randomly assigned to receive a 280-kcal supplement containing 40 g whey protein or a matched isocaloric control supplement without added protein twice daily for 12 wk.

RESULTS

Before the study, intake of total energy and protein exceeded estimated requirements (44.3 +/- 12.6 kcal x kg(-1) x d(-1) and 1.69 +/- 0.55 g x kg(-1) x d(-1), respectively). Both supplements failed to increase total energy intake because of decreases in self-selected food intake. Changes in weight (0.8 +/- 2.4 and 0.7 +/- 2.4 kg) and lean body mass (0.3 +/- 1.4 and 0.3 +/- 1.5 kg) did not differ significantly between the whey protein and control groups, respectively. Waist-to-hip ratio improved more with whey protein (-0.02 +/- 0.05) than with the control (0.01 +/- 0.03; P = 0.025) at week 6 but not at week 12. Fasting triacylglycerol increased by 39 +/- 98 mg/dL with the control supplement and decreased by 16 +/- 62 mg/dL with whey protein at week 12 (P = 0.03). CD4 lymphocytes increased by 31 +/- 84 cells/mm(3) with whey protein and decreased by 5 +/- 124 cells/mm(3) with the control supplement at 12 wk (P = 0.03). Gastrointestinal symptoms occurred more often with whey protein.

CONCLUSIONS

A whey protein supplement did not increase weight or lean body mass in HIV-positive subjects who were eating adequately, but it did increase CD4 cell counts. The control supplement with rapidly assimilable carbohydrate substituted for protein increased cardiovascular disease risk factors. Careful dietary and weight history should be obtained before starting nutritional supplements in subjects with stable weight loss and good viral control.

Phase 2 Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Vicriviroc, a CCR5 Inhibitor, in HIV‐1–Infected, Treatment‐Experienced Patients: AIDS Clinical Trials Group 5211

BACKGROUND

Vicriviroc, an investigational CCR5 inhibitor, demonstrated short-term antiretroviral activity in a phase 1 study.

METHODS

The present study was a double-blind, randomized phase 2 study of vicriviroc in treatment-experienced, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects experiencing virologic failure while receiving a ritonavir-containing regimen with an HIV-1 RNA level >or=5000 copies/mL and CCR5-using virus. Vicriviroc at 5, 10, or 15 mg or placebo was added to the failing regimen for 14 days, after which the antiretroviral regimen was optimized. The primary end point was the change in plasma HIV-1 RNA levels at day 14; secondary end points included safety/tolerability and HIV-1 RNA changes at week 24.

RESULTS

One hundred eighteen subjects were randomized with a median HIV-1 RNA level of 36,380 (4.56 log(10)) copies/mL and a median CD4 cell count of 146 cells/mm(3). At 14 days and 24 weeks, mean changes in HIV-1 RNA level (log(10) copies/mL) were greater in the vicriviroc groups (-0.87 and -1.51 [5 mg], -1.15 and -1.86 [10 mg], and -0.92 and -1.68 [15 mg]) than in the placebo group (+0.06 and -0.29) (P<.01). Grade 3/4 adverse events were similar across groups. Malignancies occurred in 6 subjects randomized to vicriviroc and in 2 to placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

In HIV-1-infected, treatment-experienced patients, vicriviroc demonstrated potent virologic suppression through 24 weeks. The relationship of vicriviroc to malignancy is uncertain. Further development of vicriviroc in treatment-experienced patients is warranted.

A randomized, partially blinded phase 2 trial of antiretroviral therapy, HIV-specific immunizations, and interleukin-2 cycles to promote efficient control of viral replication (ACTG A5024)

Strategies to limit life-long dependence on antiretroviral therapy (ART) are needed. We randomized 81 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects to 4 interventional arms involving continued ART plus ALVAC vCP1452 (or placebo) with or without interleukin (IL)-2 infusions. Viral load rebound 12 weeks after ART interruption was then analyzed to assess immune control. Fifty-two subjects reached the study end point. ALVAC recipients had 0.5 log(10) lower virologic rebounds (P=.033). IL-2 plus vaccine boosted CD4(+) T cell counts (P<.001) but did not diminish viral rebound. Significant changes were not detected for HIV-specific lymphoproliferative responses in any arm. This exploratory protocol provides useful clinical data for future therapeutic immunization trial design.

The effect of diagnosis with HIV infection on health-related quality of Life

We sought to understand how diagnosis with HIV affects health-related quality of life. We assessed health-related quality of life using utility-based measures in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic and a University-based clinic. Respondents assessed health-related quality of life regarding their current health, and retrospectively assessed their health 1 month prior to and 2 months after diagnosis with HIV infection. Sixty-six patients completed the study. The overall mean utilities for health 1 month before and 2 months after diagnosis were 0.87 (standard error 0.037), and 0.80 (0.043) (p<0.005 by rank sign test), but the effect of diagnosis differed between the two clinics, with a substantial decrease in the university clinic and a small non-significant decrease in the VA clinic. The overall mean utility for current health was 0.85 (0.034), assessed on average 7.5 years after diagnosis. When asked directly whether diagnosis of HIV decreased health-related quality of life, 47% agreed, but 35% stated that HIV diagnosis positively affected health-related quality of life. Diagnosis with HIV decreased health-related quality of life at 2 months on average, but this effect diminished over time, and differed among patient populations. Years after diagnosis, although half of the patients believed that diagnosis reduced health-related quality of life, one-third reported improved health-related quality of life.

Clinically validated genotype analysis: guiding principles and statistical concerns

Whereas previously the output of HIV resistance tests has been based on therapeutically arbitrary criteria, there is now an ongoing move towards correlating test interpretation with virological outcomes on treatment. This approach is undeniably superior, in principle, for tests intended to guide drug choices. However the predictive accuracy of a given stratagem that links genotype or phenotype to drug response is strongly influenced by the study design, data capture and analytical methodology used to derive it. For genotyping, the most widely used resistance tool in clinical practice, these considerations are further complicated by the range of mutational patterns present in the treated population. There is no definitively superior methodology for generating a genotype-response association for use in interpreting a resistance test, and the various approaches used to date all have their strengths and weaknesses. This review discusses the processes involved in constructing such tools, with particular emphasis on establishing validated mutation score rules, and examines the key issues and confounding factors that influence predictive accuracy outside the originating dataset. Since the size of the sample is a key influence on the statistical power to determine an effect, it is hoped that a greater understanding of the influence of study design and methodology will assist the development of standardized outcome measures and reporting formats that allow data pooling at the international level.

Clinically Validated Genotype Analysis: Guiding Principles and Statistical Concerns

Whereas previously the output of HIV resistance tests has been based on therapeutically arbitrary criteria, there is now an ongoing move towards correlating test interpretation with virological outcomes on treatment. This approach is undeniably superior, in principle, for tests intended to guide drug choices. However the predictive accuracy of a given stratagem that links genotype or phenotype to drug response is strongly influenced by the study design, data capture and analytical methodology used to derive it. For genotyping, the most widely used resistance tool in clinical practice, these considerations are further complicated by the range of mutational patterns present in the treated population. There is no definitively superior methodology for generating a genotype-response association for use in interpreting a resistance test, and the various approaches used to date all have their strengths and weaknesses. This review discusses the processes involved in constructing such tools, with particular emphasis on establishing validated mutation score rules, and examines the key issues and confounding factors that influence predictive accuracy outside the originating dataset. Since the size of the sample is a key influence on the statistical power to determine an effect, it is hoped that a greater understanding of the influence of study design and methodology will assist the development of standardized outcome measures and reporting formats that allow data pooling at the international level.

High levels of adherence do not prevent accumulation of HIV drug resistance mutations

OBJECTIVES

To assess the relationship between development of antiretroviral drug resistance and adherence by measured treatment duration, virologic suppression, and the rate of accumulating new drug resistance mutations at different levels of adherence.

METHODS

Adherence was measured with unannounced pill counts performed at the participant's usual place of residence in a prospective cohort of HIV-positive urban poor individuals. Two genotypic resistance tests separated by 6 months (G1 and G2) were obtained in individuals on a stable regimen and with detectable viremia (> 50 copies/ml). The primary resistance outcome was the number of new HIV antiretroviral drug resistance mutations occurring over the 6 months between G1 and G2.

RESULTS

High levels of adherence were closely associated with greater time on treatment (P < 0.0001) and viral suppression (P < 0.0001) in 148 individuals. In a subset of 57 patients with a plasma viral load > 50 copies/ml on stable therapy, the accumulation of new drug resistance mutations was positively associated with the duration of prior treatment (P = 0.03) and pill count adherence (P = 0.002). Assuming fully suppressed individuals (< 50 copies/ml) do not develop resistance, it was estimated that 23% of all drug resistance occurs in the top quintile of adherence (92-100%), and over 50% of all drug resistance mutations occur in the top two quintiles of adherence (79-100%).

CONCLUSION

Increasing rates of viral suppression at high levels of adherence is balanced by increasing rates of drug resistance among viremic patients. Exceptionally high levels of adherence will not prevent population levels of drug resistance.

Current management challenges in HIV: antiretroviral resistance

Emergence of drug-resistant viral variants is a major reason why HIV-infected patients experience viral rebound during antiretroviral therapy. Although combination antiretroviral therapy substantially inhibits viral replication, replication-competent mutant virus remains. In addition, it is now clear that virologic failure is not necessarily caused by failure of all drugs in a regimen. The use of resistance-testing data can assist in understanding the reasons for failure of antiretroviral therapy. However, there is a need for additional trials to better define the role resistance testing may play in developing management approaches to mitigate or minimize emergence of resistant HIV.

Virtual inhibitory quotient predicts response to ritonavir boosting of indinavir-based therapy in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with ongoing viremia

Depending on the degree of underlying resistance present, optimization of the pharmacokinetics of protease inhibitors may result in improved virologic suppression. Thirty-seven human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects who had chronic detectable viremia and who were receiving 800 mg of indinavir three times a day (TID) were switched to 400 mg of indinavir BID with 400 mg of ritonavir two times a day (BID) for 48 weeks. Full pharmacokinetic evaluations were obtained for 12 subjects before the switch and 3 weeks after the switch. Combination therapy increased the indinavir predose concentrations in plasma by 6.47-fold, increased the minimum concentration in serum by 3.41-fold, and reduced the maximum concentration in serum by 57% without significantly changing the area under the plasma concentration-time curve at 24 h. At week 3, 58% (21 of 36) of the subjects for whom postbaseline measurements were available achieved a viral load in plasma of <50 copies/ml or a reduction from the baseline load of > or =0.5 log(10) copies/ml. Of these subjects, 82% (14 of 17) whose viruses had three or fewer protease inhibitor mutations and 88% (14 of 16) whose viruses had an indinavir virtual phenotypic susceptibility test of more than sixfold less than that for the baseline isolate were considered virologic responders. The indinavir virtual inhibitory quotient, which is a function of baseline indinavir phenotypic resistance (estimated by virtual phenotype) and the indinavir predose concentration in plasma achieved with indinavir-ritonavir combination therapy, was the best predictor of a viral load reduction. Sixteen subjects discontinued the study by week 48 due to adverse events, predominantly related to hyperlipidemia. Pharmacokinetic intensification of indinavir-based therapy with ritonavir reduced the viral loads in subjects but added toxicity. The virtual inhibitory quotient, which incorporates both baseline viral resistance and the level of drug exposure in plasma, was superior to either baseline resistance or drug exposure alone in predicting the virologic response.

Characterization of the HIV-1 specific humoral immune response during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)

Plasma samples from 19 patients were analyzed for HIV-1 directed humoral immune responses prior to and 1 year after initiation of HAART. Eight of the subjects were classified as virologic successes, defined by a >100-fold decrease in viral load (VL) over the 1-year study period and a final VL <500 copies/ml. The eleven HAART failures were defined as subjects with <10-fold decrease in VL. At study entry (before HAART), VL and CD4 counts were similar between the two groups. Humoral immune responses before therapy and after 1 year of therapy were measured by V3 peptide antibody binding titers and neutralization of HIV-1 MN and four subtype B clinical isolates. Before HAART, neutralizing antibody titers to the clinical isolates and HIV(MN), as well as HIV V3 envelope binding titers to several V3 peptides, were significantly higher among treatment successes compared with treatment failures. After 1 year on HAART, neutralization declined in titer and narrowed in specificity among the HAART successes. In contrast, a significant increase in both neutralizing titer and breadth was seen among HAART failures.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy results in HIV type 1 suppression in lymph nodes, increased pools of naive T cells, decreased pools of activated T cells, and diminished frequencies of peripheral activated HIV type 1-specific CD8+ T cells

This study examines sequential lymph nodes from 13 drug-naive patients before and after 24 weeks of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). A multipronged approach was used to study changes in HIV-1 RNA in each paired lymph node in relation to tissue architecture and frequency of naive T cells. After 24 weeks, all patients showed significant suppression of plasma viral load and 12 of 13 showed concordant viral suppression in the lymph node (p = 0.001). Using in situ hybridization and quantitative image analysis, we showed that HIV-1 RNA was reduced to below detectable levels (two copies per cell) in follicular dendritic cell (FDC) and mononuclear cell pools. Independent immunohistochemical analysis of lymph node sections revealed that 5 of 13 patients displayed increased FDC networks and 6 of 13 showed no change and all patients showed increases in tissue-resident CD4+ cells. All lymph node biopsies at 24 weeks showed increased proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ cells coexpressing the naive markers CD45RA and CD62L when compared with baseline values. Significant correlations existed between viral load suppression and loss of activated CD8+ T cells after 24 weeks in both lymph node and blood, which was mirrored by significantly lowered frequencies of activated peripheral Gag peptide/MHC tetramer+ CD8+ cells. Overall, these data show that a potent and successful treatment strategy that significantly suppresses and removes FDC-resident HIV-1 results in improvements in lymphoid architecture and by so doing provides the structures available for increased numbers of naive cells to interact with cognate antigen. In addition, our article shows that suppression of HIV-1 replication results in diminished frequencies of peripherally activated antigen-specific CD8+ cells.

The relation between baseline HIV drug resistance and response to antiretroviral therapy: re-analysis of retrospective and prospective studies using a standardized data analysis plan

To assess the relation between resistance to antiretroviral drugs for treatment of HIV-1 infection and virological response to therapy, results from 12 different studies were re-analysed according to a standard data analysis plan. These studies included nine clinical trials and three observational cohorts. The primary end-point in our analyses was virological failure by week 24. Baseline factors that were investigated as predictors of virological failure were plasma HIV-1 RNA, the number and type of new antiretroviral drugs in the regimen, and viral susceptibility to the drugs in the regimen, determined by genotyping or phenotyping methods. These analyses confirmed the importance of both genotypic and phenotypic drug resistance as predictors of virological failure, whether these factors were analysed separately or adjusted for other baseline confounding factors. In most of the re-analysed studies, the odds of virological failure were reduced by about twofold for each additional drug in the regimen to which the patient's virus was sensitive by genotyping methods, and by about two- to threefold for each additional drug that was sensitive by phenotyping.

Clinical resistance patterns and responses to two sequential protease inhibitor regimens in saquinavir and reverse transcriptase inhibitor-experienced persons

The efficacy of sequential protease inhibitor therapy was studied in 16 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 1-infected persons in whom saquinavir with multiple nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors (NRTI) had failed. Nelfinavir plus two NRTIs (new or continued) resulted in minimal (0.59 log RNA copies/mL) and transient (8 weeks) suppression of plasma HIV RNA levels. Rapid failure was surprisingly associated with baseline presence of protease gene mutation L90M (P=.04) in the absence of D30N and with RT mutations D67N (P<.01), K70R/S (P=.02), and K219Q/W/R/E (P<.01). Ten patients were subsequently switched to indinavir plus nevirapine and 2 NRTIs, resulting in a median 1.62 log reduction in plasma HIV RNA, with 3 patients maintaining 400 copies/mL for 24 weeks. These results suggest that nelfinavir may have limited utility after saquinavir failure, particularly without potent concomitant therapy. Combining an NRTI with a new protease inhibitor for rescue may improve response.