Changes in weight and BMI with first-line doravirine-based therapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in weight and BMI in adults with HIV-1 at 1 and 2 years after starting an antiretroviral regimen that included doravirine, ritonavir-boosted darunavir, or efavirenz.

DESIGN

Post-hoc analysis of pooled data from three randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

We evaluated weight change from baseline, weight gain at least 10%, and increase in BMI after 48 and 96 weeks of treatment with doravirine, ritonavir-boosted darunavir, or efavirenz-based regimens. Risk factors for weight gain and metabolic outcomes associated with weight gain were also examined.

RESULTS

Mean (and median) weight changes were similar for doravirine [1.7 (1.0) kg] and ritonavir-boosted darunavir [1.4 (0.6) kg] and were lower for efavirenz [0.6 (0.0) kg] at week 48 but were similar across all treatment groups at week 96 [2.4 (1.5), 1.8 (0.7), and 1.6 (1.0) kg, respectively]. No significant differences between treatment groups were found in the proportion of participants with at least 10% weight gain or the proportion with BMI class increase at either time point. Low CD4 T-cell count and high HIV-1 RNA at baseline were associated with at least 10% weight gain and BMI class increase at both timepoints, but treatment group, age, sex, and race were not.

CONCLUSION

Weight gains over 96 weeks were low in all treatment groups and were similar to the average yearly change in adults without HIV-1. Significant weight gain and BMI class increase were similar across the treatment groups and were predicted by low baseline CD4 T-cell count and high baseline HIV-1 RNA.

LB-7. Weight Change in Suppressed People with HIV (PWH) Switched from Either Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) or Abacavir (ABC) to Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF)

Background

Weight gain in PWH occurred in both naïve and switch studies and is linked to use of integrase inhibitors (INSTIs) with varying associations with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). One hypothesis is that gain associated with TAF when switching from TDF is a result of cessation of TDF-induced weight suppression.

Methods

The study evaluated weight change in suppressed PWH on INSTI+NRTIs switched from ABC or TDF to TAF. Eligible pts had HIV, were ≥ 18 yrs at index (date of switch), treatment-experienced with known prior regimen, suppressed at index (-12 to +1 mo) and 1 yr, ≥ 6 mo pre-index history, with weight measures at index and 1 yr, no current or pre-index use of protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Univariate comparisons were performed using Χ2 for categorical and t-test for continuous variables; negative binomial model with log link function evaluated risk of gain ≥ 3% of body weight between groups accounting for age, gender, race, body mass index (BMI), CD4. Linear mixed effects model was used to estimate mean weight at index and 1 yr post switch.

Results

Of 970 pts, 828 (85%) switched from TDF to TAF and 142 (15%) from ABC to TAF. Groups were balanced by race, gender, index BMI [Table 1]. Figures 1a-b describe pre- and post-switch INSTI use. At 1 yr, mean unadjusted weight change was 1.4 kg in TDF and 0.2 in ABC group p=0.039. TDF to TAF had higher proportion of PWH with gain ≥ 3% vs ABC to TAF (40% vs 27% p=0.003); differences in gain ≥ 5% and ≥ 10% were not statistically significant (26% vs 22% p=0.323 and 10% vs 6% p=0.220). Pts who gained ≥ 3% were younger, with greater proportion of females, non-obese, with 1 prior regimen, and prior elvitegravir (EVG) use. In adjusted analysis TDF to TAF had higher risk of gain ≥ 3% vs ABC to TAF [Figure 2]. In sensitivity analysis accounting for EVG or dolutegravir (DTG) use, TDF to TAF also had higher risk of ≥ 3% gain vs ABC to TAF: adjusted risk ratio (aRR)= 1.38 [1.01–1.89] and aRR= 1.42 [1.02–1.97].

Table 1. Baseline (index) characteristics.

Conclusion

Switching from TDF to TAF in INSTI-based regimens had a greater risk of weight gain vs ABC to TAF. This difference persisted when accounting for impact of the INSTI agent in the current regimen. These data suggest that differences in weight gain between TAF and TDF are driven by removal of TDF-associated weight suppression.

Disclosures

Paul Sax, MD, Gilead (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)Janssen (Consultant)Merck (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)ViiV Healthcare (Consultant, Research Grant or Support) Keri N. Althoff, PhD, MPH, Gilead (Advisor or Review Panel member) Keri N. Althoff, PhD, MPH, All of Us Study (NIH) (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant; MedIQ (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant; TrioHealth (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Advisor or Review Panel member Todd T. Brown, MD, PhD, Gilead (Consultant)Merck (Consultant)Theratechnologies (Consultant)ViiV Healthcare (Consultant) Janna Radtchenko, MBA, Trio Health (Employee) Helena Diaz Cuervo, PhD, Gilead Sciences (Employee) Steven Santiago, MD, Gilead (Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker's Bureau)Janssen (Speaker's Bureau) Graeme Moyle, MD, Theratechnologies (Consultant) Karam Mounzer, MD, Epividian (Advisor or Review Panel member)Gilead (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support, Speaker's Bureau)Janssen (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support, Speaker's Bureau)Merck (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support, Speaker's Bureau)ViiV Healthcare (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support, Speaker's Bureau) Richard Elion, MD, Gilead (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support, Speaker's Bureau)Janssen (Speaker's Bureau)Proteus (Research Grant or Support)ViiV Healthcare (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support)

2553. Addressing Knowledge and Practice Gaps in HIV Management with Engaging Continuing Education

Background

Given the rapid evolution of HIV management guidelines and the emergence of new treatment paradigms, infectious disease specialists are challenged to stay current on the latest evidence-based care and how to tailor treatment to optimally meet an individual patient’s needs. To address identified knowledge and practice gaps regarding the care of patients with HIV, an engaging continuing education (CE) initiative was implemented, and the impact of the education on provider knowledge and practice was measured.

Methods

Vindico Medical Education partnered with Purdue University College of Pharmacy to deliver a highly engaging, 2.0-credit hour, CE initiative at ID week in October 2018. The symposium was comprised of multiple formats, including didactic presentations, case-based discussion, and the gamified segment, Wheel of HIV Knowledge. Coverage of the live program was posted to Healio.com, extending the reach of the education. Analysis of the impact of this education was achieved via pre- and post-test test assessment.

Results

357 healthcare providers participated in the live session, and 236 have accessed the web activity as of April 2019. The gamified and case-based segments of the live activity engaged on average 70% of learners and revealed insights into current practice patterns and persisting gaps in knowledge regarding the latest, evidence-based HIV care. Across the curriculum, there was a 46% relative increase in knowledge and competence. A total of 223 providers who see on average 15 patients per month with HIV completed the education, resulting in approximately 2,500 patients with HIV per month who are more likely to receive the latest evidence-based care. Moreover, 3 months following the education, 55% of providers reported implementing practice improvements, including applying the latest clinical guidelines and recommendations. Of those providers who implemented changes, 47% observed patient improvements such as improved adherence, satisfaction, and reduced viral loads.

Conclusion

In recent years of rapid advances for HIV management, providers are challenged to administer the latest evidence-based care. This study highlights the power of engaging CE to address persisting knowledge and practice gaps toward the delivery of enhanced care for patients with HIV.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

Brief Report: Short-Term Adherence Marker to PrEP Predicts Future Nonretention in a Large PrEP Demo Project: Implications for Point-of-Care Adherence Testing

BACKGROUND

Objective adherence metrics for tenofovir (TFV) disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (FTC)-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) were critical for interpretation of efficacy in PrEP clinical trials, and there is increasing interest in using drug levels to tailor interventions for reengagement and adherence. Point-of-care immunoassays for TFV, which examine short-term adherence, are in development. However, the ability of poor short-term and long-term adherence to predict future PrEP nonretention is unknown.

SETTING

Secondary data analysis of a large, prospective multi-site U.S. PrEP demonstration project.

METHODS

An adjusted Cox-proportional hazards model examined the relationship of dried blood spot (DBS) levels of FTC-triphosphate (FTC-TP) or TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP), measures of short-term and long-term PrEP adherence, respectively, with future study nonretention.

RESULTS

Overall, 294 individuals (median age 33 years) contributed drug levels within the U.S. PrEP demonstration project. By the end of study, 27% were lost to follow-up, 25% had at least one undetectable FTC-TP level indicating poor short-term adherence, and 29% had a drug level indicating suboptimal long-term adherence (TFV-DP <700 fmol/punch). The strongest factor associated with future study nonretention using a binary drug-level cut-off was an undetectable DBS FTC-TP level (adjusted hazard ratio 6.3; 95% confidence interval 3.8 to 10.2). The suboptimal long-term adherence based on low DBS TFV-DP levels was also associated with nonretention (adjusted hazard ratio 4.3; 95% confidence interval: 2.4 to 7.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Both short- and long-term metrics of PrEP adherence are strongly associated with future loss to follow-up in a U.S. demonstration project study. Short-term metrics of adherence, once available at the point-of-care, could be used to direct real-time tailored retention and adherence interventions.

1320. Continuing Education Improves HIV Screening and Use of PrEP in High-Risk Patients

Background

Since approval in 2012, the uptake of PrEP in high-risk patients remains low, especially among primary care providers (PCPs) who lack knowledge and confidence regarding its use. Continuing education (CE) has been extensively used to address such knowledge and practice gaps, yet little evidence exists supporting the impact of these initiatives on direct patient care and cost.

Methods

Vindico Medical Education partnered with Improve CME to assess the impact of seven CE programs targeted to PCPs from 2015 to 2017 regarding the use of PrEP in high-risk patients. An outcomes analysis model was used and designed to estimate (1) patients newly identified as HIV+ or HIV−, (2) patients newly on PrEP or HIV treatment, and (3) associated costs of care due to the CE.

Results

Prescribing providers (n = 4,550) who each see an average of 16.8 patients at high-risk for HIV infection per month, participated. Prior to learning only 44% of participants reported that they frequently offer HIV testing to high-risk patients; and only 13% frequently use PrEP clinical guidelines. Six-month post-education, however, 83% and 68% of providers reported using HIV testing and PrEP guidelines, respectively. We then used evidence-based parameters to project the number of high-risk patients who, based on our pool of patients directly impacted by the education, would be willing to accept an HIV test, those who would be HIV+ vs. HIV−, and those who would be willing to accept and adhere to either HIV treatment or PrEP. The model estimated that over the course of 1 year, 135,941 high-risk patients would be newly offered an HIV test. Of those accepting the test (n = 54,376), 163 would be newly identified as HIV+. Of the 54,213 newly identified as HIV−, at least 3,914 would be placed on PrEP. Using accepted values for direct cost of care, this translates to $1.26 million per year for patients newly treated for HIV and $92.4 million per year for those patients newly on PrEP.

Conclusion

Targeted CE to PCPs increased screening rates for HIV infection in high-risk patients, increased awareness and use of PrEP, and linked patients with appropriate care. These findings validate the need for ongoing CE programs to address persisting unmet needs and show that modeling can be used to estimate patient outcomes from CE programs.

Disclosures

R. Elion, gilead: Investigator, Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee, Research support and Speaker honorarium. ViiV: Consultant, Consulting fee.

550. Adherence and Persistency With Modern Single vs. Multi-Tablet Antiretroviral (ARV) Regimens in First Treatment of HIV in Clinical Practice

Background

Prior studies have reported improved adherence, persistency, virologic outcomes and lower risk of hospitalizations with single tablet (STR) vs. multi-tablet regimens (MTR) in HIV treatment. However, most studies were conducted using prescription and medical claims data limited to EFV-based therapies. In this study, we utilized EMR, prescription, and pharmacy dispensing data to assess STR and MTR adherence and persistency as observed in a network of clinical practices.

Methods

Data were collected for HIV-infected patients in care at six US-based HIV treatment centers. Patients eligible for the study initiated their first ARV between January 2015 and December 2016. First ARV regimen was assigned based on absence of prior ARV prescriptions and a 30-day pre-treatment period with no ARV dispensed or for rapid starts, a high baseline viral load (≥10,000 copies/mL). Adherence was assessed using proportion of days covered (PDC). Follow-up was ≥365 days with duration capped at 365 days for persistency comparisons.

Results

A total of 1,499 patients met the criteria for the study; 66% (982/1,499) received STR and 34% (517/1,499) MTR. Top STRs were EVG/c/TDF/FTC (265/982, 27%), EVG/c/TAF/FTC (250/982, 26%), and DTG/ABC/3TC (171/982, 17%). Top MTRs were DTG + TDF/FTC (69/517, 13%), DRV + RTV + TDF/FTC (60/517, 12%), and DRV/c + TDF/FTC (40/517, 8%). Average persistency for STRs was significantly longer at 252 days vs. 233 days for MTRs (P = 0.002). Average PDC adherence rates were significantly higher for STRs at 91% vs. 83% for MTRs (P < 0.001). Within the STR group, older age was significantly associated with greater adherence (average age: 45 in 80%+ adherent group vs. 42 in <80% adherent group, P = 0.012). In both the STR and MTR groups, the percentage of black patients was significantly higher in the non-adherent group (45% in STR, 42% in MTR) compared with the adherent group (24% in STR, 32% in MTR) (P < 0.001 in STR, P = 0.027 in MTR).

Conclusion

This study of adherence with STR vs. MTR HIV therapy is novel, as it uses more currently relevant HIV regimens and was conducted utilizing EMR, prescription, and dispensing data. The results of better adherence and persistency with STR ART underscore the ongoing importance of simpler treatment for HIV care.

Disclosures

A. Mills, ViiV: Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee and Research support. Gilead: Investigator, Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee, Research support and Speaker honorarium. Merck: Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee and Research support. J. Priest, ViiV Healthcare: Employee, Salary. A. Musallam, Trio Health: Employee, Salary. K. Althoff, Gilead: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee. J. Eron, ViiV Healthcare: Consultant and Investigator, Consulting fee and Research support. Gilead: Consultant and Investigator, Consulting fee and Research support. Janssen: Consultant and Investigator, Consulting fee and Research support. G. Huhn, Gilead: Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee and Grant recipient. ViiV Healthcare: Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee and Grant recipient. Janssen: Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee and Grant recipient. Theratechnologies: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee. Proteus: Grant Investigator, Grant recipient. D. Jayaweera, Gilead: Grant Investigator, Research grant. ViiV Healthcare: Grant Investigator, Research grant. Janssen: Grant Investigator, Research grant. K. Mounzer, Gilead: Grant Investigator, Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee, Research grant and Speaker honorarium. ViiV Healthcare: Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee and Research grant. Janssen: Grant Investigator, Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee, Research grant and Speaker honorarium. Merck: Grant Investigator, Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee, Research grant and Speaker honorarium. G. Moyle, Merck: Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee and Speaker honorarium. Gilead: Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee and Speaker honorarium. Janssen: Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee and Speaker honorarium. TheraTechnologies: Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee and Speaker honorarium. J. Mrus, ViiV Healthcare: Employee, Salary. M. Rampogal, Gilead: Consultant, Grant Investigator and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee, Research grant and Speaker honorarium. Janssen: Speaker’s Bureau, Speaker honorarium. Allergen: Speaker’s Bureau, Speaker honorarium. ViiV Healthcare: Consultant and Grant Investigator, Consulting fee and Grant recipient. Merck: Consultant, Consulting fee. S. Santiago, Gilead: Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee and Speaker honorarium. Janssen: Speaker’s Bureau, Speaker honorarium. P. Sax, Gilead: Consultant and Grant Investigator, Consulting fee, Grant recipient and Research grant. ViiV Healthcare: Consultant and Grant Investigator, Consulting fee, Grant recipient and Research grant. Merck: Consultant and Grant Investigator, Consulting fee, Grant recipient and Research grant. Janssen: Consultant, Consulting fee. BMS: Grant Investigator, Grant recipient and Research grant. G. Voskuhl, Gilead: Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee, Grant recipient and Research grant. ViiV Healthcare: Grant Investigator, Grant recipient and Research grant. Merck: Grant Investigator, Grant recipient and Research grant. Janssen: Grant Investigator, Grant recipient and Research grant. A. Oglesby, ViiV Healthcare: Employee and Shareholder, Salary. R. Elion, Gilead: Investigator, Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee, Research support and Speaker honorarium. ViiV: Consultant, Consulting fee. Trio Health: Consultant, Consulting fee.

Safety and tolerability of long-acting cabotegravir injections in HIV-uninfected men (ECLAIR): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2a trial

BACKGROUND

Cabotegravir (GSK1265744) is an HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor with potent antiviral activity and a long half-life when administered by injection that prevented simian-HIV infection upon repeat intrarectal challenge in male macaques. We aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of long-acting cabotegravir injections in healthy men not at high risk of HIV-1 infection.

METHODS

We did this multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2a trial at ten sites in the USA. Healthy men (aged 18-65 years) deemed not at high risk of acquiring HIV-1 at screening were randomly assigned (5:1), via computer-generated central randomisation schedules, to receive cabotegravir or placebo. Participants received oral cabotegravir 30 mg tablets or matching placebo once daily during a 4 week oral lead-in phase, followed by a 1 week washout period and, after safety assessment, three intramuscular injections of long-acting cabotegravir 800 mg or saline placebo at 12 week intervals. Study site staff and participants were masked to treatment assignment from enrolment through week 41 (time of the last injection). The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability from the first injection (week 5) to 12 weeks after the last injection. We did analysis in the safety population, defined as all individuals enrolled in the study who received at least one dose of the study drug. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02076178.

FINDINGS

Between March 27, 2014, and Feb 23, 2016, we randomly assigned 127 participants to receive cabotegravir (n=106) or placebo (n=21); 126 (99%) participants comprised the safety population. Most participants were men who have sex with men (MSM; n=106 [83%]) and white (n=71 [56%]). 87 (82%) participants in the cabotegravir group and 20 (95%) participants in the placebo group completed the injection phase. Adverse events (n=7 [7%]) and injection intolerability (n=4 [4%]) were the main reasons for withdrawal in the cabotegravir group. The frequency of grade 2 or higher adverse events was higher in participants in the long-acting cabotegravir group (n=75 [80%]) than in those in the placebo group (n=10 [48%]; p=0·0049), mostly due to injection-site pain (n=55 [59%]). No significant differences were noted in concomitant medications, laboratory abnormalities, electrocardiogram, and vital sign assessments. Geometric mean trough plasma concentrations were 0·302 μg/mL (95% CI 0·237-0·385), 0·331 μg/mL (0·253-0·435), and 0·387 μg/mL (0·296-0·505) for injections one, two, and three, respectively, indicating lower than predicted exposure. The geometric mean apparent terminal phase half-life estimated after the third injection was 40 days. Two (2%) MSM acquired HIV-1 infection, one in the placebo group during the injection phase and one in the cabotegravir group 24 weeks after the final injection when cabotegravir exposure was well below the protein-binding-adjusted 90% inhibitory concentration.

INTERPRETATION

Despite high incidence of transient, mild-to-moderate injection-site reactions, long-acting cabotegravir was well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile. Pharmacokinetic data suggest that 800 mg administered every 12 weeks is a suboptimal regimen; alternative dosing strategies are being investigated. Our findings support further investigation of long-acting injectable cabotegravir as an alternative to orally administered pre-exposure prophylaxis regimens.

FUNDING

ViiV Healthcare.

Financial Incentives for Linkage to Care and Viral Suppression Among HIV-Positive Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial (HPTN 065)

IMPORTANCE

Achieving linkage to care and viral suppression in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients improves their well-being and prevents new infections. Current gaps in the HIV care continuum substantially limit such benefits.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of financial incentives on linkage to care and viral suppression in HIV-positive patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A large community-based clinical trial that randomized 37 HIV test and 39 HIV care sites in the Bronx, New York, and Washington, DC, to financial incentives or standard of care.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants at financial incentive test sites who had positive test results for HIV received coupons redeemable for $125 cash-equivalent gift cards upon linkage to care. HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy at financial incentive care sites received $70 gift cards quarterly, if virally suppressed.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Linkage to care: proportion of HIV-positive persons at the test site who linked to care within 3 months, as indicated by CD4+ and/or viral load test results done at a care site. Viral suppression: proportion of established patients at HIV care sites with suppressed viral load (<400 copies/mL), assessed at each calendar quarter. Outcomes assessed through laboratory test results reported to the National HIV Surveillance System.

RESULTS

A total of 1061 coupons were dispensed for linkage to care at 18 financial incentive test sites and 39 359 gift cards were dispensed to 9641 HIV-positive patients eligible for gift cards at 17 financial incentive care sites. Financial incentives did not increase linkage to care (adjusted odds ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.73-1.67; P = .65). However, financial incentives significantly increased viral suppression. The overall proportion of patients with viral suppression was 3.8% higher (95% CI, 0.7%-6.8%; P = .01) at financial incentive sites compared with standard of care sites. Among patients not previously consistently virally suppressed, the proportion virally suppressed was 4.9% higher (95% CI, 1.4%-8.5%; P = .007) at financial incentive sites. In addition, continuity in care was 8.7% higher (95% CI, 4.2%-13.2%; P < .001) at financial incentive sites.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Financial incentives, as used in this study (HPTN 065), significantly increased viral suppression and regular clinic attendance among HIV-positive patients in care. No effect was noted on linkage to care. Financial incentives offer promise for improving adherence to treatment and viral suppression among HIV-positive patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01152918.

Disparities in achieving and sustaining viral suppression among a large cohort of HIV-infected persons in care - Washington, DC

One goal of the HIV care continuum is achieving viral suppression (VS), yet disparities in suppression exist among subpopulations of HIV-infected persons. We sought to identify disparities in both the ability to achieve and sustain VS among an urban cohort of HIV-infected persons in care. Data from HIV-infected persons enrolled at the 13 DC Cohort study clinical sites between January 2011 and June 2014 were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to identify factors associated with achieving VS (viral load < 200 copies/ml) at least once, and Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify factors associated with sustaining VS and time to virologic failure (VL ≥ 200 copies/ml after achievement of VS). Among the 4311 participants, 95.4% were either virally suppressed at study enrollment or able to achieve VS during the follow-up period. In multivariate analyses, achieving VS was significantly associated with age (aOR: 1.04; 95%CI: 1.03-1.06 per five-year increase) and having a higher CD4 (aOR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.04-1.06 per 100 cells/mm(3)). Patients infected through perinatal transmission were less likely to achieve VS compared to MSM patients (aOR: 0.63, 95% CI 0.51-0.79). Once achieved, most participants (74.4%) sustained VS during follow-up. Blacks and perinatally infected persons were less likely to have sustained VS in KM survival analysis (log rank chi-square p ≤ .001 for both) compared to other races and risk groups. Earlier time to failure was observed among females, Blacks, publically insured, perinatally infected, those with longer standing HIV infection, and those with diagnoses of mental health issues or depression. Among this HIV-infected cohort, most people achieved and maintained VS; however, disparities exist with regard to patient age, race, HIV transmission risk, and co-morbid conditions. Identifying populations with disparate outcomes allows for appropriate targeting of resources to improve outcomes along the care continuum.

The preexposure prophylaxis revolution: from clinical trials to routine practice: implementation view from the USA

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article describes the use of tenofovir/emtricitabine (Truvada) as prevention for exposure to HIV [preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP)] infection in the USA. The use of PrEP and the challenges of implementation are very instructive as other countries adopt this intervention and it becomes a fundamental part of worldwide efforts for HIV prevention and much can be learned from the first 3 years in the USA.

RECENT FINDINGS

Randomized trials and demonstration projects have shown the benefits of PrEP for men and women who are at risk for HIV. Numerous studies have showed that the level of prevention is excellent when the drug is taken at least four times weekly, once adequate levels are obtained. However, adherence remains a critical issue as well as tailoring delivery models for specific populations. Six recent studies are discussed, that support excellent efficacy and significantly support PrEP as a means of prevention. These projects have shown high acceptance of PrEP with excellent adherence by individuals demonstrated by those at risk remaining free of HIV over extended periods of time.

SUMMARY

The USA faces three significant challenges in scaling up PrEP. The first challenge in implementation in the USA is to get individuals to recognize the actual risks that their behaviors represent and to engage with providers to address these issues. The second challenge is getting a population of providers to recognize the exact same issues and offer PrEP in a compassionate, nonjudgmental fashion. The third challenge is identifying the set of providers and locations to scale-up the response in a timely, cost-effective fashion.

Preexposure Prophylaxis for HIV Infection Integrated With Municipal- and Community-Based Sexual Health Services

IMPORTANCE

Several randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Little is known about adherence to the regimen, sexual practices, and overall effectiveness when PrEP is implemented in clinics that treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and community-based clinics serving men who have sex with men (MSM).

OBJECTIVE

To assess PrEP adherence, sexual behaviors, and the incidence of STIs and HIV infection in a cohort of MSM and transgender women initiating PrEP in the United States.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Demonstration project conducted from October 1, 2012, through February 10, 2015 (last date of follow-up), among 557 MSM and transgender women in 2 STI clinics in San Francisco, California, and Miami, Florida, and a community health center in Washington, DC. Data were analyzed from December 18, 2014, through August 8, 2015.

INTERVENTIONS

A combination of daily, oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine was provided free of charge for 48 weeks. All participants received HIV testing, brief client-centered counseling, and clinical monitoring.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Concentrations of tenofovir diphosphate in dried blood spot samples, self-reported numbers of anal sex partners and episodes of condomless receptive anal sex, and incidence of STI and HIV acquisition.

RESULTS

Overall, 557 participants initiated PrEP, and 437 of these (78.5%) were retained through 48 weeks. Based on the findings from the 294 participants who underwent measurement of tenofovir diphosphate levels, 80.0% to 85.6% had protective levels (consistent with ≥4 doses/wk) at follow-up visits. African American participants (56.8% of visits; P = .003) and those from the Miami site (65.1% of visits; P < .001) were less likely to have protective levels, whereas those with stable housing (86.8%; P = .02) and those reporting at least 2 condomless anal sex partners in the past 3 months (88.6%; P = .01) were more likely to have protective levels. The mean number of anal sex partners declined during follow-up from 10.9 to 9.3, whereas the proportion engaging in condomless receptive anal sex remained stable at 65.5% to 65.6%. Overall STI incidence was high (90 per 100 person-years) but did not increase over time. Two individuals became HIV infected during follow-up (HIV incidence, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.05-1.54] infections per 100 person-years); both had tenofovir diphosphate levels consistent with fewer than 2 doses/wk at seroconversion.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The incidence of HIV acquisition was extremely low despite a high incidence of STIs in a large US PrEP demonstration project. Adherence was higher among those participants who reported more risk behaviors. Interventions that address racial and geographic disparities and housing instability may increase the impact of PrEP.

Sorting through the lost and found: are patient perceptions of engagement in care consistent with standard continuum of care measures?

BACKGROUND

Indicators for determining one's status on the HIV care continuum are often measured using clinical and surveillance data but do not typically assess patient perspectives. We assessed patient-reported care status along the care continuum and whether it differed from medical records and surveillance data.

METHODS

Between June 2013 and October 2014, a convenience sample of clinic-attending HIV-infected persons was surveyed regarding care-seeking behaviors and self-perceived status along the care continuum. Participant responses were matched to DC Department of Health surveillance data and clinic records. Participants' care patterns were classified using Health Resources Services Administration-defined care status: in care (IC), sporadic care (SC), or out of care (OOC). Semistructured qualitative interviews were analyzed using an open coding process to elucidate relevant themes regarding participants' perceptions of engagement in care.

RESULTS

Of 169 participants, most were male participants (64%) and black (72%), with a mean age of 50.7 years. Using self-reported visit patterns, 115 participants (68%) were consistent with being IC, 33 (20%) SC, and 21 (12%) OOC. Among OOC participants, 52% perceived themselves to be fully engaged in HIV care. In the previous year, among OOC participants, 71% reported having a non-HIV-related medical visit and 90% reported current antiretroviral use. Qualitatively, most SC and OOC persons did not see their HIV providers regularly because they felt healthy.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants' perceptions of HIV care engagement differed from actual care receipt as measured by surveillance and clinical records. Measures of care engagement may need to be reconsidered as persons not receiving regular HIV care maybe accessing other health care and HIV medications elsewhere.

High interest in preexposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men at risk for HIV infection: baseline data from the US PrEP demonstration project

BACKGROUND

Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the first biomedical intervention with proven efficacy to reduce HIV acquisition in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women. Little is known about levels of interest and characteristics of individuals who elect to take PrEP in real-world clinical settings.

METHODS

The US PrEP Demonstration Project is a prospective open-label cohort study assessing PrEP delivery in municipal sexually transmitted disease clinics in San Francisco and Miami and a community health center in Washington, DC. HIV-uninfected MSM and transgender women seeking sexual health services at participating clinics were assessed for eligibility and offered up to 48 weeks of emtricitabine/tenofovir for PrEP. Predictors of enrollment were assessed using a multivariable Poisson regression model, and characteristics of enrolled participants are described.

RESULTS

Of 1069 clients assessed for participation, 921 were potentially eligible and 557 (60.5%) enrolled. In multivariable analyses, participants from Miami (adjusted Relative Risk [aRR]: 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33 to 1.75) or DC (aRR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.2 to 1.47), those who were self-referred (aRR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.32 to 1.66), those with previous PrEP awareness (aRR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.33), and those reporting >1 episode of anal sex with an HIV-infected partner in the last 12 months (aRR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.33) were more likely to enroll. Almost all (98%) enrolled participants were MSM, and at baseline, 63.5% reported condomless receptive anal sex in the previous 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Interest in PrEP is high among a diverse population of MSM at risk for HIV infection when offered in sexually transmitted disease and community health clinics.

Ombitasvir, paritaprevir co-dosed with ritonavir, dasabuvir, and ribavirin for hepatitis C in patients co-infected with HIV-1: a randomized trial

IMPORTANCE

Patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at high risk for liver disease progression. However, interferon-based treatments for HCV infection have significant toxicities, limiting treatment uptake.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the all-oral 3 direct-acting antiviral (3D) regimen of ombitasvir, paritaprevir (co-dosed with ritonavir [paritaprevir/r]), dasabuvir, and ribavirin in HCV genotype 1-infected adults with HIV-1 co-infection, including patients with cirrhosis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

TURQUOISE-I is a randomized, open-label study. Part 1a of this pilot study was conducted at 17 sites in the United States and Puerto Rico between September 2013 and August 2014 and included 63 patients with HCV genotype 1 and HIV-1 co-infection who were HCV treatment-naive or had history of prior treatment failure with peginterferon plus ribavirin therapy. The study allowed enrollment of patients, including those with cirrhosis, with a CD4+ count of 200/mm3 or greater or CD4+ percentage of 14% or more and plasma HIV-1 RNA suppressed while taking a stable atazanavir- or raltegravir-inclusive antiretroviral regimen.

INTERVENTIONS

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/r, dasabuvir, and ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks of treatment as randomized.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary assessment was the proportion of patients with sustained virologic response (HCV RNA <25 IU/mL) at posttreatment week 12 (SVR12).

RESULTS

Among patients receiving 12 or 24 weeks of 3D and ribavirin, SVR12 was achieved by 29 of 31 (94%; 95% CI, 79%-98%) and 29 of 32 patients (91%; 95% CI, 76%-97%), respectively. Of the 5 patients who did not achieve SVR, 1 withdrew consent, 2 had confirmed virologic relapse or breakthrough, and 2 patients had clinical history and phylogenetic evidence consistent with HCV reinfection. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were fatigue (48%), insomnia (19%), nausea (18%), and headache (16%). Adverse events were generally mild, with none reported as serious or leading to discontinuation. No patient had a confirmed HIV-1 breakthrough of 200 copies/mL or greater during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this open-label, randomized uncontrolled study, treatment with the all-oral, interferon-free 3D-plus-ribavirin regimen resulted in high SVR rates among patients co-infected with HCV genotype 1 and HIV-1 whether treated for 12 or 24 weeks. Further phase 3 studies of this regimen are warranted in patients with co-infection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01939197.

Once-Daily Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine plus Tenofovir for the Treatment of HIV-1 Infection in Antiretroviral-NaïveSubjects: A 48-Week Pilot Study

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and efficacy of a 4-drug, 3-tablet, once-daily (qd) regimen consisting of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine (ABC/3TC/ZDV; 2 tablets) and tenofovir (TDF) in antiretroviral-naïve patients with plasma HIV-1 RNA 30,000 copies/mL at 48 weeks.

METHOD

All participants received ABC/3TC/ZDV (300/150/300 mg) and TDF (300 mg) qd in this pilot, open-label, multicenter study. Intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses were conducted to evaluate virologic and immunologic efficacy.

RESULTS

Of the 123 participants enrolled, 52 (42%) prematurely discontinued study for adverse events (14), were lost to follow-up (13), had virologic nonresponse (12), and withdrew for other reasons (13). At week 48, by ITT missing=failure analysis, 41% (51/123) and 51% (63/123) of participants had plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL and <400 copies/mL, respectively; by ITT-observed analysis, 75% (51/68) and 93% (63/68) had plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL and <400 copies/mL, respectively; 11% (14/123) met virologic nonresponse criteria. Median week 48 change in CD4+ cell count from baseline was +127 cells/mm3. Median week 48 changes from baseline for fasting lipids were as follows: cholesterol (-9 mg/dL), HDL (+1 mg/dL), LDL (-9 mg/dL), and triglycerides (-4 mg/dL).

CONCLUSION

A high rate of premature discontinuations contributed to the overall suboptimal virologic response to ABC/3TC/ZDV+TDF qd; however, the regimen was not associated with high rates of virologic failure previously observed with TDF+ABC/3TC.

Protease inhibitors and cardiac autonomic function in HIV-infected patients: a cross-sectional analysis from the Strategies for Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (SMART) Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare cardiac autonomic function as measured by heart rate variability for HIV-infected participants taking protease inhibitors (PIs) with those taking a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor without a PI (NNRTI-no PI) regimen.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis.

SETTING

Multicentre study.

PARTICIPANTS

2998 participants (average age 44 years, 28% females) enrolled in the Strategies for Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (SMART) trial.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Heart rate and two heart rate variability measures (the SD of all filtered RR intervals over the length of the recording (SDNN) and the root mean square of successive differences in normal RR intervals (rMSSD)).

RESULTS

At study entry, 869 participants were taking a boosted PI (PI/r), 579 a non-boosted PI and 1550 an NNRTI-no PI. Median values (IQR) of heart rate, SDNN and rMSSD were: 68 (60-75) beats/min (bpm), 21 (13-33) ms, 22 (13-35) ms in the PI/r group, 68 (60-75) bpm, 21 (13-33) ms and 21 (14-33) ms in the non-boosted PI group and 69 (62-77) bpm, 20 (13-31) ms and 21(13-33) ms in the NNRTI-no PI group. After adjustment for baseline factors, for those given PI/r and non-boosted PI, heart rate was 2.2 and 2.8 bpm, respectively, lower than the NNRTI-no PI group (p<0.001 for both). On the other hand, compared with the NNRTI-no PI group, log SDNN and log rMSSD were significantly greater for those in the non-boosted PI (p values for baseline adjusted differences in log-transformed SDNN and rMSSD were 0.004 and 0.001) but not for those in the PI/r group at the 0.01 α-level.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to an NNRTI-no PI regimen, heart rate was lower for those taking a PI/r or non-boosted PI and heart rate variability was greater, reflecting better cardiac autonomic function, for those taking a non-boosted PI regimen but not PI/r.

Low-abundance HIV species and their impact on mutational profiles in patients with virological failure on once-daily abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine and tenofovir

Background

HIV clonal genotypic analysis (CG) was used to investigate whether a more sensitive analysis method would detect additional low-abundance mutations compared with population genotyping (PG) in antiretroviral-naive patients who experienced virological failure (VF) during treatment with abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine and tenofovir.

Methods

HIV was analysed by PG and CG (771 baseline and 657 VF clones) from subjects with VF (confirmed HIV RNA ≥ 400 copies/mL at 24–48 weeks).

Results

Fourteen of 123 subjects (11%) met VF criteria; their median baseline HIV RNA was 5.4 log₁₀ copies/mL, and 4.0 log₁₀ copies/mL at VF. By baseline PG, 2/14 had HIV-1 with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) or non-NRTI mutations. By baseline CG, 9/14 had HIV-1 with NNRTI and/or NRTI mutations; 7/9 had study drug-associated mutations. By PG at VF, 10/14 had selected for resistance mutations [2, K65R; 1, M184V; and 7, thymidine analogue mutations (TAMs) ± M184V]. By CG at VF, for subjects with TAMs, T215F was more commonly detected (5/14 samples) than T215Y (2/14). For one subject who selected K65R at VF, both K65R-containing clones and TAM-containing clones (both T215A and T215F) were observed independently but not conjunctively in the same clone in a post-VF sample.

Conclusions

The majority of subjects with VF had major and minor mutations detected at VF; CG detected additional low-abundance variants at baseline and VF that could have influenced mutation selection pathways. Both PG and CG data suggest TAMs, not K65R selection, are the preferred resistance route, biased towards 215F selection. No HIV clone contained both K65R and T215F/Y mutations, suggesting in vivo antagonism between the two mutations. The once-daily zidovudine usage and high baseline viraemia may also have contributed to rapid selection of HIV with multiple mutations in VFs.

Modulation of K65R selection by zidovudine inclusion: analysis of HIV resistance selection in subjects with virologic failure receiving once-daily abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine and tenofovir DF (study COL40263)

COL40263 was a pilot 48-week, open-label, multicenter study evaluating the efficacy and safety of once-daily coformulated abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine plus tenofovir in ART-naive, HIV-infected subjects. We examined the patterns of resistance that were selected on-therapy through 48 weeks in subjects with virologic nonresponse (VF). A total of 123 antiretroviral-naive HIV-1-infected subjects with plasma HIV-1 RNA > or = 30,000copies/ml were enrolled. For subjects with confirmed VF (HIV-1 RNA > or = 400 copies/ml at week 24 or later), HIV population genotypic and phenotypic analysis was performed. Of the 123 enrolled subjects, 14 (11%) had confirmed plasma HIV-1 RNA > or = 400 copies/ml through week 48. Of these subjects, 3/14 had evidence of drug resistance at baseline: 2/14 had HIV with K103N, Y188F/H/L/Y, and/or T215A and 1/14 had reduced zidovudine susceptibility. At the last time point analyzed, 4/14 subjects had wild-type HIV, while 10/14 subjects had HIV with either thymidine analogue mutations (TAMS) alone (3/10), TAMS + M184V (4/10), M184V only (1/10), or K65R/K (2/10). Matched phenotype was obtained for 13/14 subjects and 8/13 (62%) subjects had reduced susceptibility to one or more study drugs: 2/13 tenofovir, 3/13 abacavir, 4/13 zidovudine, and 7/13 lamivudine. The resistance pattern in COL40263 subjects with VF differs significantly from that reported for tenofovir-containing triple-nucleoside regimens. TAMs were detected in the majority (7/10) of samples from subjects with VF who selected any resistance mutation. These data suggest that TAMs selection is a preferred resistance route of this combination, with zidovudine modulating the resistance pathway against selection for K65R.

Antiviral Activity, Pharmacokinetics, and Dose Response of the HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitor GS-9137 (JTK-303) in Treatment-Naive and Treatment-Experienced Patients

BACKGROUND

GS-9137 is a potent low-nanomolar strand transfer inhibitor of HIV-1 integrase.

METHODS

The antiviral activity, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of GS-9137 were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled monotherapy study in 40 HIV-1- infected patients not receiving antiretroviral therapy with an HIV-1 RNA between 10,000 and 300,000 copies/mL and a CD4 count of 200 cells/microL or greater. GS-9137 or matching placebo was administered with food for 10 days at 5 dosage regimens (200, 400, or 800 mg BID, 800 mg QD, or 50 mg+100 mg ritonavir QD; 6 active, 2 placebo per dose level). The primary end point was the maximum reduction from baseline in log10 HIV-1 RNA.

RESULTS

Forty patients were enrolled, with a mean baseline viral load of 4.75 log10 copies/mL and a CD4 count of 442 cells/microL. Each GS-9137 dosing regimen exhibited significant, exposure-dependent (mean reductions, -0.98 to -1.99 log10 copies/mL) antiviral activity compared with placebo (P<0.01). Twice-daily administrations of GS-9137 at doses of 400 or 800 mg or once-daily dosing of 50 mg with ritonavir demonstrated mean reductions from baseline in HIV-1 RNA of 1.91 log10 copies/mL or greater, with all patients exhibiting 1 log10 or greater and 50% having 2 log10 or greater reductions. No patient developed evidence of integrase resistance. GS-9137 showed an adverse event profile similar to placebo, and there were no study drug discontinuations.

CONCLUSIONS

GS-9137 demonstrated substantial short-term antiviral activity and was well tolerated as monotherapy, thus warranting further study.

The safety profile and antiviral activity of the combination of stavudine, didanosine, and nelfinavir in patients with HIV infection

We assessed the safety profile, tolerability, and antiviral effect of 12 weeks of triple combination therapy with stavudine (d4T), didanosine (ddI), and nelfinavir in patients who had not previously received therapy with d4T, ddI, or a protease inhibitor. We also assessed the effect of the buffered tablet formulation of ddI on the pharmacokinetics of nelfinavir. The study had a single-arm, open-label design and enrolled patients aged > or =18 years who had HIV infection and > or =10,000 plasma HIV RNA copies/mL. Patients received the full recommended doses of oral d4T, ddI, and nelfinavir. Efficacy was assessed in terms of change from baseline in plasma HIV RNA and CD4+ cell counts, as well as in terms of the proportion of patients achieving HIV RNA levels <400 copies/mL. The first 10 patients enrolled in the study were included in a substudy to determine the effects of the buffered tablet formulation of ddI on the pharmacokinetic profile of nelfinavir. A dose of ddI was given 1 hour before nelfinavir, after which the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax (Tmax), and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of nelfinavir were determined. A total of 22 patients entered the trial, of whom 1 (5%) had AIDS, 12 (55%) had symptomatic HIV infection, and 9 (41%) were asymptomatic. The median baseline CD4+ cell count was 315 cells/microL (range, 70-709 cells/microL), and the median plasma viral load was 4.8 log10 copies/mL (range, 4.0-5.6 log10 copies/mL). ddI had no clinically significant effects on the plasma pharmacokinetics of nelfinavir. At the end of 12 weeks of treatment, the mean (+/- SE) decrease in plasma viral load was 1.36+/-0.24 log10 copies/mL, and 8 of 16 patients (50%) achieved plasma HIV RNA levels <400 copies/mL; the mean (+/- SE) increase in CD4+ cell count was 111.4+/-31.7 cells/microL. Patients who were judged to be compliant with antiretroviral therapy (ie, who missed <7 days of all 3 study drugs during 12 weeks of treatment) experienced mean decreases in viral load exceeding 2.0 log10 copies/mL, and 6 of 7 patients achieved HIV RNA levels <400 copies/mL after 12 weeks of therapy. Although 95% of patients reported an adverse event of grade 1 or higher, only 1 patient experienced a grade 3 or 4 adverse event (maculopapular rash) related to nelfinavir. As reflected in the Cmax, Tmax, and AUC, administration of ddI 1 hour before nelfinavir did not influence the pharmacokinetic profile of the protease inhibitor. Triple drug therapy with d4T, ddI, and nelfinavir was well tolerated and associated with few clinically significant toxicities. This treatment resulted in substantial reductions in viral load and improvements in CD4+ cell count over 12 weeks.

An open-label trial of stavudine, lamivudine and efavirenz in the treatment of HIV-positive, treatment-naive patients, and implications for clinical practice

A phase II, open-label study of stavudine, lamivudine and efavirenz resulted in significant reductions in plasma HIV-1 RNA over a 24 week period in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. The trial currently has 68 patients, and this presentation covers data on the first 42 patients enrolled for 24 weeks. The mean plasma HIV-1 RNA on entry was 75858 HIV RNA copies/ml, and the mean CD4 count was 380 cells/mm3. After 24 weeks, the CD4 count increased by 169 cells/mm3 above baseline. plasma HIV-1 RNA was markedly reduced: at 24 weeks, more than 97% of patients had <50 HIV RNA copies/ml based on observed data, and 89% of patients had <50 copies/ml based on strict intent-to-treat analysis (non-completer=failure). The favourable interactions of these agents resulted in no discontinuations owing to adverse effects. This regimen provides an important first-line treatment for antiretroviral-naive patients.

The insomnia of 'sleeping in a strange place': effects of l-tryptophane

Forty-two normal human subjects were studied in the sleep laboratory for one night each. Fourteen were given placebo at bedtime, 14 took l-tryptophane 1 g, and 14 took l-tryptophane 3 g. Both tryptophane groups had significantly lower sleep latency than the placebo group. The usually discarded 'first laboratory night' produces a mild situational insomnia in normal persons and thus can be useful in certain sleep studies.