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Martin CE, Kutywayo A, Mataboge P, Chidumwa G, Mthimkhulu N, Bothma R, Mullick S. Prevention method preferences and factors influencing hypothetical choice among women in South Africa: a survey exploring opportunities for a multipurpose prevention technology implant. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1368889. [PMID: 38983594 PMCID: PMC11231390 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1368889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction South African women bear an intersecting burden of HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) are a class of products that address multiple needs and have the potential to improve uptake and use of prevention products. Methods Analysing survey data from 703 HIV-negative women 18-40 years in three provinces in South Africa, collected between July and November 2022, this study explores their preferences for prevention methods and factors influencing choice of hypothetical prevention methods, including MPTs. Descriptive statistics and multinomial regression analyses were conducted to determine prevention method preferences and factors associated with choosing a pill, injectable or MPT-implant type prevention method. Results Most women wanted to prevent HIV, STIs and pregnancy. The most important factors when choosing a prevention product were whether it provided dual and long-term protection and if side effects were manageable. If choosing only one method, half of women would choose any MPT-implant and a quarter each would choose a pill or an injectable method, with method choices differing by population group. Discussion Prevention method choices were influenced by sexual-behavioural factors and current and prior contraceptive method use. Providing a choice of prevention methods and a population specific approach to new method development and introduction with access to accurate information could enhance their ability to fill a gap in prevention needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alison Kutywayo
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Paballo Mataboge
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Glory Chidumwa
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nqaba Mthimkhulu
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rutendo Bothma
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Mayanja Y, Kayesu I, Kamacooko O, Lunkuse JF, Muturi-Kioi V, Price M, Kosidou K, Ekström AM. Preference for novel biomedical HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis methods among adolescent girls and young women in Kampala, Uganda: a mixed methods study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1369256. [PMID: 38846614 PMCID: PMC11153736 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1369256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Novel HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) methods including a potential future HIV vaccine, will increase prevention options for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) at high risk of HIV infection in Eastern and Southern Africa, yet data on AGYW's preferences for various PrEP methods is limited. We investigated preferences for five biomedical PrEP methods (oral, injectable, vaginal ring, implant, HIV vaccine) among 14-24-years-old AGYW in Kampala, Uganda. Methods From January to December 2019, we conducted a mixed methods study including 265 high-risk AGYW. After receiving two education sessions on the five PrEP methods, participants were asked about their "most preferred PrEP method." Multinomial logistic regression (oral PrEP as reference category) was used to determine participant characteristics associated with method preference. Results are presented as adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 selected participants to examine reasons influencing PrEP preferences and suggestions for method improvements. Transcripts were analyzed thematically. Results Participants preferred methods were: HIV vaccine (34.7%), oral PrEP (25.7%), injectable PrEP (24.9%), PrEP implant (13.6%), and vaginal ring (1.1%). Preference for injectable PrEP increased with every year of age (aRRR 1.22; 95% CI 1.04-1.44) and among participants with chlamydia or gonorrhoea (aRRR 2.53; 95% CI 1.08-5.90), while it was lower among participants having sexual partner(s) living with HIV or of unknown HIV status (aRRR 0.30; 95% CI 0.10-0.91). Preference for PrEP implants also increased with age (aRRR 1.42; 95% CI 1.14-1.77) and was strong among participants having ≥10 sexual partners in the past 3 months (aRRR 3.14; 95% CI 1.16-8.55), while it was lower among those with sexual partner(s) living with HIV or of unknown HIV status (aRRR 0.25; 95% CI 0.07-0.92). PrEP method preference was influenced by product attributes and prior experiences with similar product forms commonly used in health care. Conclusion AGYW have varied preferences for biomedical PrEP method and those with higher sexual behavioral risk prefer long-acting methods. As we anticipate more available PrEP options, oral PrEP use should be supported among AGYW, especially for those with sexual partners living with HIV or of unknown HIV status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunia Mayanja
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivy Kayesu
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Onesmus Kamacooko
- Child Health and Development Centre, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jane Frances Lunkuse
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Matt Price
- 4IAVI, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kyriaki Kosidou
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Mia Ekström
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Venhälsan, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
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Psaros C, Goodman GR, Lee JS, Rice W, Kelley CF, Oyedele T, Coelho LE, Phanuphak N, Singh Y, Middelkoop K, Griffith S, McCauley M, Rooney J, Rinehart AR, Clark J, Go V, Sugarman J, Fields SD, Adeyeye A, Grinsztejn B, Landovitz RJ, Safren SA. HPTN 083-02: factors influencing adherence to injectable PrEP and retention in an injectable PrEP study. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26252. [PMID: 38783534 PMCID: PMC11116478 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HPTN 083 demonstrated the superiority of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) versus daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF/FTC) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men (MSM/TGW). HPTN 083 provided the first opportunity to understand experiences with injectable PrEP in a clinical trial. METHODS Participants from two US sites (Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA) and one international site (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were purposively sampled for individual qualitative interviews (N = 40), between November 2019 and March 2020, to explore trial experiences, barriers to adherence and other factors that may have impacted study implementation or outcomes. The blinded phase ended early due to efficacy; this analysis includes interviews conducted prior to unblinding with three groups defined by adherence (i.e. injection visit attendance): adherent (n = 27), non-adherent (n = 12) and early discontinuers (n = 1). Data were organized using NVivo software and analysed using content analysis. RESULTS Participants (mean age: 27) were primarily cisgender MSM (90%) and Black/African American (60%). Reasons for trial enrolment and PrEP use included a preference for using HIV prevention medication versus treatment in the event of HIV acquisition; the ability to enhance health via study-related education and services; access to a novel, convenient HIV prevention product at no cost; and contributing to MSM/TGW communities through research. Participants contrasted positive experiences with study staff with their routine clinical care, and emphasized increased scheduling flexibility, thorough communication, non-judgemental counselling and open, affirming environments (e.g. compassion, less stigma) as adherence facilitators. Injection experiences were positive overall; some described early injection-related anxiety, which abated with time and when given some measure of control (e.g. pre-injection countdown), and minimal injection site discomfort. Some concerns and misperceptions about injectable PrEP were reported. Barriers to adherence, across all adherence categories, included structural factors (e.g. financial constraints, travel) and competing demands (e.g. work schedules). CONCLUSIONS Respondents viewed injectable PrEP trial participation as a positive experience and a means of enhancing wellbeing. Study site flexibility and affirming clinic environments, inclusive of non-judgemental counselling, were key facilitators of adherence. To support injection persistence, interventions that address structural barriers and promote flexible means of injection delivery may be most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Psaros
- Department of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Georgia R. Goodman
- Department of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jasper S. Lee
- Department of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Whitney Rice
- Department of BehavioralSocial and Health Education SciencesEmory University Rollins School of Public HealthAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Colleen F. Kelley
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | | | - Lara E. Coelho
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas‐FiocruzRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Nittaya Phanuphak
- Institute of HIV Research and InnovationBangkokThailand
- Center of Excellence in Transgender HealthChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Yashna Singh
- Desmond Tutu HIV CentreUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Keren Middelkoop
- Desmond Tutu HIV CentreUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | | | | | | | - Jesse Clark
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of MedicineDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Vivian Go
- Department of Health BehaviorUniversity of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public HealthChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jeremy Sugarman
- Berman Institute of Bioethics and School of MedicineJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Sheldon D. Fields
- Ross and Carol Nese College of NursingThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Adeola Adeyeye
- Nigeria Country OfficeUS Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAbujaNigeria
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas‐FiocruzRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Raphael J. Landovitz
- Center for Clinical AIDS Research and EducationDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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Little KM, Hanif H, Anderson SM, Clark MR, Gustafson K, Doncel GF. Preferences for Long-Acting PrEP Products Among Women and Girls: A Quantitative Survey and Discrete Choice Experiment in Eswatini, Kenya, and South Africa. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:936-950. [PMID: 37971614 PMCID: PMC10896879 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04202-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
While oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can substantially reduce HIV risk, there are important barriers to uptake and adherence. We explored preferences for long-acting injectable and implantable PrEP among women and girls in Eswatini, Kenya, and South Africa. We conducted an online quantitative survey and discrete choice experiment (DCE) among adolescent girls (15-17), young women (18-29), and adult women (30-49). Participants completed a survey about their demographics and behavior and a DCE with 5 attributes (format, insertion location, number of insertions, dual-protection, and palpability). We recruited 1236 respondents (Eswatini = 420; Kenya = 350; South Africa = 493) in May 2022. Most participants were sexually active (72%), nearly 29% of whom reported recently engaging in transactional sex. 46% had heard of oral PrEP, but of those, only 16% reported having ever used it. Product format and dual-protection were significant predictors of product choice. Relative to a 2-month injection, participants had 1.76 times the odds (95% CI 1.08-2.04) of choosing a 6-month injectable, and 1.70 the odds (95% CI 1.06-1.92) of choosing a 12-month removable implant. Compared to a single-indication product, respondents had 2.46 times the odds (95% CI 1.04-2.68) of preferring a product also protecting against pregnancy, and 2.81 the odds (95% CI 1.04-3.05) of choosing a product that also protected against STIs. Adolescent girls and women in these countries showed strong preferences for longer-acting PrEP product formats, as well as those offering dual-protection. Introduction of long-acting options could improve PrEP uptake and reduce HIV burdens in east and southern African settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Little
- Population Services International, 1120 19th Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC, 20036, USA.
| | - Homaira Hanif
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, Norfolk, VA, USA
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Young Holt B, van der Straten A, Barker T, Chirenje ZM, Cameron AI, Scott C, Casas CP, Romano J. Strategic actions to advance multipurpose prevention technologies in low- and middle-income countries. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1150857. [PMID: 37465533 PMCID: PMC10351869 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1150857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies are critical and interlinked health risks for millions of women of reproductive age worldwide. Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) offer an innovative approach for expanding combined pregnancy and/or disease prevention. So far, MPT development efforts have focused mostly on HIV prevention, but about half of product candidates comprise compounds active against non-HIV STIs as well. This review aims to provide a framework that promotes the efficient advancement of the most promising preclinical products through the development pathway and into the hands of end-users, with a focus on women in low- and middle-income countries (L/MICs). Methods This mini review provides a summary of the current landscape of the MPT field. It comprises a landscape assessment of MPTs in development, complemented by a series of 28 in-depth, semi-structured key informant interviews (KIIs) with experts representing different L/MIC perspectives. Main results We identified six primary action strategies to advance MPTs for L/MICs, including identification of key research gaps and priorities. For each action strategy, progress to date and key recommendations are included. Conclusions To realize the life-saving potential of MPTs and maximize the momentum made to date, a strategic, collaborative and well-funded response to the gaps and next steps outlined in this paper is critical. A coordinated response can add rigor and efficiency to the development process, to successfully advance the most promising MPT products to the hands of end-users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Young Holt
- CAMI Health, Initiative for MPTs, Public Health Institute, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Ariane van der Straten
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, United States and ASTRA Consulting, Kensington, CA, United States
| | - Taryn Barker
- Children's Investment Fund Foundation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Z Mike Chirenje
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Pons-Faudoa FP, Di Trani N, Capuani S, Campa-Carranza JN, Nehete B, Sharma S, Shelton KA, Bushman LR, Abdelmawla F, Williams M, Roon L, Nerguizian D, Chua CYX, Ittmann MM, Nichols JE, Kimata JT, Anderson PL, Nehete PN, Arduino RC, Grattoni A. Long-acting refillable nanofluidic implant confers protection against SHIV infection in nonhuman primates. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadg2887. [PMID: 37379369 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg2887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The impact of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on slowing the global HIV epidemic hinges on effective drugs and delivery platforms. Oral drug regimens are the pillar of HIV PrEP, but variable adherence has spurred development of long-acting delivery systems with the aim of increasing PrEP access, uptake, and persistence. We have developed a long-acting subcutaneous nanofluidic implant that can be refilled transcutaneously for sustained release of the HIV drug islatravir, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor that is used for HIV PrEP. In rhesus macaques, the islatravir-eluting implants achieved constant concentrations of islatravir in plasma (median 3.14 nM) and islatravir triphosphate in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (median 0.16 picomole per 106 cells) for more than 20 months. These drug concentrations were above the established PrEP protection threshold. In two unblinded, placebo-controlled studies, islatravir-eluting implants conferred 100% protection against infection with SHIVSF162P3 after repeated low-dose rectal or vaginal challenge in male or female rhesus macaques, respectively, compared to placebo control groups. The islatravir-eluting implants were well tolerated with mild local tissue inflammation and no signs of systemic toxicity over the 20-month study period. This refillable islatravir-eluting implant has potential as a long-acting drug delivery system for HIV PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda P Pons-Faudoa
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicola Di Trani
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Simone Capuani
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- University of Chinese Academy of Science (UCAS), 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jocelyn Nikita Campa-Carranza
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Bharti Nehete
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Michael E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
| | - Suman Sharma
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kathryn A Shelton
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Michael E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
| | - Lane R Bushman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Farah Abdelmawla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Martin Williams
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Laura Roon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - David Nerguizian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Corrine Ying Xuan Chua
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael M Ittmann
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joan E Nichols
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jason T Kimata
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peter L Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Pramod N Nehete
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Michael E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
- University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Roberto C Arduino
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alessandro Grattoni
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Cohen J, Shull D, Reed S. Co-delivery of an HIV prophylactic and contraceptive using PGSU as a long-acting multipurpose prevention technology. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:285-299. [PMID: 36654482 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2168642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Poly(glycerol sebacate) urethane (PGSU) elastomers formulated with 4'-ethynyl-2-fluoro-2'-deoxyadenosine (EFdA), levonorgestrel (LNG), or a combination thereof can function as multipurpose prevention technology implants for prophylaxis against HIV and unintended pregnancies. For these public health challenges, long-acting drug delivery technologies may improve patient experience and adherence. Traditional polymers encounter challenges delivering multiple drugs with dissimilar physiochemical properties. PGSU offers an alternative option that successfully delivers hydrophilic EFdA alongside hydrophobic LNG. METHODS This article presents the formulation, design, and characterization of PGSU implants, highlighting the impact of API loading, dimensions, and individual- versus combination-loading on release rates. RESULTS Co-delivery of hydrophilic EFdA alongside hydrophobic LNG acted as a porogen to accelerate LNG release. Increasing the surface area of LNG-only implants increased LNG release. All EFdA-LNG, EFdA-only, and LNG-only formulated implants demonstrated low burst release and linear release kinetics over 245 or 122 days studied to date. CONCLUSION PGSU co-delivers two APIs for HIV prevention and contraception at therapeutically relevant concentrations in vitro from a single bioresorbable, elastomeric implant. A new long-acting polymer technology, PGSU demonstrates linear-release kinetics, dual delivery of APIs with disparate physiochemical properties, and biocompatibility through long-term subcutaneous implantation. PGSU can potentially meet the demands of complex MPT or fixed-dose combination products, where better solutions can serve and empower patients.
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Agrahari V, Anderson SM, Peet MM, Wong AP, Singh ON, Doncel GF, Clark MR. Long-acting HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) approaches: Recent advances, emerging technologies and development challenges. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:1365-1380. [PMID: 36252277 PMCID: PMC9639748 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2135699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Poor or inconsistent adherence to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as a key barrier to effective HIV prevention. The advent of potent long-acting (LA) antiretrovirals (ARVs) in conjunction with advances in controlled release technologies has enabled LA ARV drug delivery systems (DDS) capable of providing extended dosing intervals and overcome the challenge of suboptimal drug adherence with daily oral dosing. Areas covered: This review discusses the current state of the LA PrEP field, recent advances, and emerging technologies, including ARV prodrug modifications and new DDS. Technological challenges, knowledge gaps, preclinical testing considerations, and future directions important in the context of clinical translation and implementation of LA HIV PrEP are discussed. Expert opinion: The HIV prevention field is evolving faster than ever and the bar for developing next-generation LA HIV prevention options continues to rise. The requirements for viable LA PrEP products to be implemented in resource-limited settings are challenging, necessitating proactive consideration and product modifications during the design and testing of promising new candidates. If successfully translated, next-generation LA PrEP that are safe, affordable, highly effective, and accepted by both end-users and key stakeholders will offer significant potential to curb the HIV pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Agrahari
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew P. Wong
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Onkar N. Singh
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
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