A strategic action framework for multipurpose prevention technologies combining contraceptive hormones and antiretroviral drugs to prevent pregnancy and HIV

'ARVs are a constant reminder of lost freedom, whereas for others, they are liberating': understanding the treatment narrative among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Malawi and Zimbabwe-a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the research was to understand what drives and motivates young women living with HIV in their treatment journeys, as well as their key influencers. The findings will assist in appreciating their obstacles to treatment and constructing the most effective ways to convey fresh messages to them. These insights will contribute to the messaging developed for a campaign across sub-Saharan Africa, primarily Malawi and Zimbabwe.

DESIGN

This was a qualitative study conducted in order to build an understanding of unknown parts of the HIV treatment journey through in-depth interviews. A hybrid approach was used to conduct thematic analysis.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Study participants were HIV-positive women, their influencers (eg, parents/partners/siblings/aunts and uncles/religious leaders, etc) and healthcare providers from a range of regions in Zimbabwe and Malawi.

RESULTS

A total of 26 young people living with HIV (PLHIV), 29 healthcare providers and 24 influencers such as maternal figures in the community were interviewed. Two main broad insights were drawn, that is, key needs and wider contextual factors. The key needs of young PLHIV to stay on treatment were empathy, support and emotional connection with antiretroviral therapy (ART), while the wider contextual factors impacting their treatment journeys were structural challenges and cultural reference points. Fear of shame and humiliation can also be significant barriers to disclosure and treatment. The fear predisposes the PLHIV to the need for empathy, support and connection with ART. Mental health and anxiety appear to be comorbid with HIV. Some PLHIV have a small and limited support network leading to very few people living openly with HIV. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach, and maximising campaign reach will likely need a multifaceted approach.

CONCLUSION

Currently, the relationship between nurses and PLHIV can appear to be transactional. Through learning about the community (including PLHIV), there are more chances of communicating in a way that resonates.

Turning the promise of multipurpose prevention technologies into a market reality: a commentary

The promise of multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) for the prevention of HIV and unintended pregnancy are on the horizon. While many are still in clinical development, others are closer to becoming a realistic, accessible option for users, like the dual prevention pill (DPP). Researchers, governments, donors, and implementers will have to collaboratively address systemic challenges to successfully introduce and scale-up MPTs. To ensure the rollout of MPTs is successful, the global community should address user and country-specific needs, coordinate with advocates and policymakers, and set a realistic plan for product introduction and scale-up that considers the needs of both family planning (FP) and HIV programs, while laying the groundwork for future new product introduction. To achieve these aims, global and regional stakeholder coordination should emphasize country-led, person-centered decision-making while addressing: (1) procurement and supply chain barriers; (2) the potential burden on health systems; and (3) the impact on current programs.

Biomedical, socio-behavioral, and implementation science gaps in multipurpose prevention technology research

There is strong global need for the development of Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs) that prevent HIV, pregnancy, and/or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, despite decades of research focused on the development of MPTs, numerous research gaps remain, contributing to reproductive health disparities. This commentary will highlight biomedical, socio-behavioral, and implementation science gaps in MPT research. Biomedical gaps and barriers include limited dosage forms, challenges around drug selection and stable coformulation of multiple drugs, and an unclear regulatory pathway. Behavioral, social, and structural gaps include lack of research around MPT preferences for some subgroups of potential end users, lack of knowledge around whether MPTs improve uptake, adherence, and persistence vs. separate products, and a need to further understand how social and cultural factors might impact MPT interest and use. Gaps in implementation science research will need to be addressed to better understand how to implement MPTs to maximize effectiveness and benefit. This commentary will also identify opportunities for integrating biomedical and behavioral science around MPTs.

Co-delivery of an HIV prophylactic and contraceptive using PGSU as a long-acting multipurpose prevention technology

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.

In vitro drug release, mechanical performance and stability testing of a custom silicone elastomer vaginal ring releasing dapivirine and levonorgestrel

We have previously reported a multipurpose silicone elastomer vaginal ring providing sustained release of dapivirine (an antiretroviral) and levonorgestrel (a progestin) for HIV prevention and hormonal contraception. During initial development, issues arose due to reaction between the ethynyl group in the levonorgestrel molecule and the hydride-functionalised polydimethylsiloxane components in the silicone elastomer formulation. This unwanted reaction occurred both during and to a lesser extent after ring manufacture, impacting the curing process, the mechanical properties of the ring, and the in vitro release of levonorgestrel. Recently, we reported custom silicone elastomer grades that minimise this reaction. In this follow-on study, we describe the manufacture, in vitro drug release, mechanical, and pharmaceutical stability testing of ring formulations prepared from a custom silicone elastomer and containing 200 mg dapivirine and 80, 160, 240 or 320 mg levonorgestrel. The rings showed mechanical properties similar to marketed ring products, sustained in vitro release of both drugs over 30 days in quantities deemed clinically relevant, offered acceptable assay values, and provided good product stability over 15 weeks at 40 °C and 75% relative humidity.

HIV prevention for the next decade: Appropriate, person-centred, prioritised, effective, combination prevention

UNAIDS and a broad range of partners have collaborated to establish a new set of HIV prevention targets to be achieved by 2025 as an intermediate step towards the sustainable development target for 2030.The number of new HIV infections in the world continues to decline, in part due to the extraordinary expansion of effective HIV treatment. However, the decline is geographically heterogeneous, with some regions reporting a rise in incidence. The incidence target that was agreed for 2020 has been missed.A range of exciting new HIV prevention technologies have become available or are in the pipeline but will only have an impact if they are accessible and affordable and delivered within systems that take full account of the social and political context in which most infections occur. Most new infections occur in populations that are marginalised or discriminated against due to structural, legal, and cultural barriers.The new targets imply a new approach to HIV prevention that emphasises appropriate, person-centred, prioritised, effective, combination HIV prevention within a framework that reduces existing barriers to services and acknowledges heterogeneity, autonomy, and choice.These targets have consequences for people working in HIV programmes both for delivery and for monitoring and evaluation, for health planners setting local and national priorities, and for funders both domestic and global. Most importantly, they have consequences for people who are at risk of HIV exposure and infection.Achieving these targets will have a huge impact on the future of the HIV epidemic and put us back on track towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Recent Advances and New Challenges in Cisgender Women's Gynecologic and Obstetric Health in the Context of HIV

Although rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have declined globally over the past 10 years, United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates 1.7 million new infections occurred in 2019, with cisgender women (cis women) and girls accounting for 48%. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related illnesses are the leading global cause of mortality in cis women aged 15 to 49, and in many sub-Saharan Africa countries, young women face substantially higher HIV risk than their male counterparts. Drivers of this increased risk include sexual and reproductive health characteristics unique to cis women. This review discusses the role of sexually transmitted infections, contraception and pregnancy in HIV risk, and biomedical HIV prevention technologies available and in development.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021

These guidelines for the treatment of persons who have or are at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were updated by CDC after consultation with professionals knowledgeable in the field of STIs who met in Atlanta, Georgia, June 11–14, 2019. The information in this report updates the 2015 guidelines. These guidelines discuss 1) updated recommendations for treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis; 2) addition of metronidazole to the recommended treatment regimen for pelvic inflammatory disease; 3) alternative treatment options for bacterial vaginosis; 4) management of Mycoplasma genitalium; 5) human papillomavirus vaccine recommendations and counseling messages; 6) expanded risk factors for syphilis testing among pregnant women; 7) one-time testing for hepatitis C infection; 8) evaluation of men who have sex with men after sexual assault; and 9) two-step testing for serologic diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus. Physicians and other health care providers can use these guidelines to assist in prevention and treatment of STIs.

Use of simulated vaginal and menstrual fluids to model in vivo discolouration of silicone elastomer vaginal rings

Vaginal rings releasing antiretrovirals – either alone or in combination with contraceptive progestins – are being developed for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission via vaginal sex. Following Phase I trials, significant discolouration was observed on the surface of investigational silicone elastomer antiretroviral-contraceptive matrix-type vaginal rings containing either 25 mg dapivirine or 200 mg dapivirine plus levonorgestrel. In this study, potential causes of the discolouration have been assessed in vitro using simulated vaginal and menstrual fluids (SVF and SMF, respectively) to model in vivo exposure. The fluid compositions also included hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hydrogen peroxide plus a copper intrauterine device (IUD), or synthetic dyes (representing personal care and household cleaning products). No discolouration was observed for rings exposed to SVF + hydrogen peroxide (with or without an IUD). However, the SVF + dye compositions showed significant ring discolouration, with staining patterns similar to those observed with rings that had been exposed to highly-coloured personal care and household cleaning products during clinical trial use. Exposure of rings to SMF compositions invariably caused yellow surface discolouration, dark spotting and markings, similar to the staining patterns observed following clinical use. The darker marks on the ring surface were identified as blood debris derived from the SMF. The study indicates that surface discolouration of rings in vivo can be attributed to exposure to menstrual fluid or highly coloured personal care or household cleaning products. Discolouration of the rings was not associated with any specific safety risks for the user, though severe discolouration could potentially impact acceptability and adherence.

Towards a roadmap to advance non-hormonal contraceptive multipurpose prevention technologies: strategic insights from key stakeholders†

The development of non-hormonal contraceptives is critical to increase options for women. In combination with prevention against sexually transmitted infections, they can become an important component of multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) which address multiple reproductive health needs with a single product. Resulting from multiple rounds of expert consultations, this framework aims to guide the development of non-hormonal contraceptive MPTs. Key informant interviews with experts in family planning and HIV and STI prevention and MPT product developers and funders from around the globe were conducted, reviewed, and coded. Identified key themes were discussed by experts at the November 2019 Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Contraceptive Development Meeting in Houston, Texas. Seven action strategies were identified to address key research gaps and priorities for advancing the field. They highlight the importance of identifying target populations, a systematic approach to collaborative research, and leveraging knowledge from other fields, including regulatory and patenting, manufacturing, and commercialization expertise. Employing expanded target product profiles and setting go/no-go decisions for non-hormonal MPTs will help to prioritize the most promising candidates in the drug development pipeline. Further, they call for optimizing investments and engagement of stakeholders from public and private sectors. These action strategies aim to facilitate collaboration and innovation amongst multidisciplinary MPT stakeholders. Paramount to success will be enhancing strategic alliances and reconciling the essential social–behavioral context and market forces that drive product use with the complexities of research and development, regulatory approval, and commercialization.

Topical Microbicides in HIV Prevention: State of the Promise

HIV topical microbicides are products with anti-HIV activity, generally incorporating a direct-acting antiretroviral agent, that when applied to the vagina or rectum have the potential to prevent the sexual acquisition of HIV in women and men. Topical microbicides may meet the prevention needs of individuals and groups for whom oral daily forms of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have not been acceptable. Microbicides can provide personal control over HIV prevention and offer the possibility of discreet use, qualities that may be particularly important for receptive partners in sexual relationships such as women and transgender women and men, who together account for the clear majority of new HIV infections worldwide. Although the promise of such a product emerged nearly three decades ago, proof of concept has been demonstrated only within the last decade. A robust pipeline of microbicidal gels, films, inserts, and rings has been evaluated in multiple studies among at-risk women and men, and refinement of products for ease of use, reversibility, and high safety is the priority for the field.

Surface roughness of different contraceptive vaginal rings: evaluation by scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the compositions of the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) membrane of two different contraceptive vaginal rings could influence the surface roughness, which is associated with the possible accumulation of vaginal biomass on the rings during use.Methods: We measured and compared the surface roughness of unused vaginal rings, NuvaRing and Ornibel, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dedicated software that can convert SEM images into 3D models. Average roughness (Ra), average quadratic roughness (Rq) and mean height of the irregularities at 10 points (Rz) were calculated.Results: Different thicknesses of the EVA membranes between the two rings were noted. No significant differences were found between the two rings in the three evaluated values of surface roughness (NuvaRing vs Ornibel, respectively: Ra, 1.53 ± 0.14 vs 1.61 ± 0.14 µm, p = 0.141; Rq, 2.03 ± 0.25 vs 2.07 ± 0.16 µm, p = 0.688; Rz, 11.4 ± 3.1 vs 11.4 ± 2.4 µm, p = 0.987).Conclusion: The different composition of the vaginal rings' EVA membrane is not associated with different surface roughness. Ornibel is equivalent to NuvaRing in terms of surface roughness, despite the different composition of the membrane polymers.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis 2.0: new drugs and technologies in the pipeline

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine was adopted by WHO as a strategy to reduce HIV incidence. Although shown to be highly effective in reducing HIV acquisition, the protective efficacy of oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine relies on optimal adherence, which poses a challenge for a key portion of the most at-risk populations (women, young individuals [15-24 years], racial and ethnic minority men who have sex with men, and transgender women). New PrEP agents in clinical development include novel oral agents (eg, tenofovir alafenamide and islatravir [also known as MK-8591]), long-acting injectables (eg, cabotegravir), vaginal rings, broadly neutralising monoclonal antibodies, topical products (including gels, films, and enemas), and multipurpose technologies. In addition, new drug delivery systems, such as implants and transdermal devices, are promising strategies that are being developed for HIV prevention. The ultimate goal of this new PrEP research agenda is to expand the available PrEP regimens and offer preventive technologies that will appeal to a wide variety of individuals with different needs over the course of their sexually active lifespan.

Towards a dapivirine and levonorgestrel multipurpose vaginal ring: Investigations into the reaction between levonorgestrel and addition-cure silicone elastomers

With a dapivirine-releasing vaginal ring having successfully completed late-stage clinical testing for HIV prevention and currently undergoing regulatory review, there is now growing interest in next-generation multipurpose prevention technologies that seek to combine antiretroviral and contraceptive drugs within a single product. Here, we focus on ongoing efforts to develop a silicone elastomer vaginal ring releasing both dapivirine and levonorgestrel. Specifically, we evaluate various strategies aimed at both better understanding and reducing the tendency of levonorgestrel to bind with the elastomer, including: (i) formulation and post-manufacturing strategies aimed at reducing the extent of levonorgestrel reaction with addition-cure silicone elastomers; (ii) evaluation of a simple silicone system to model the complex elastomer; (iii) use of model compounds representing the enone and ethinyl moieties of levonorgestrel to probe the mode of addition of levonorgestrel to addition-cure silicone elastomers; and (iv) solution and solid-state ¹³C NMR analysis to probe the structural features of the levonorgestrel-silicone system. The results demonstrate that both the enone and ethinyl groups within levonorgestrel undergo hydrosilylation reactions with the hydrosiloxane groups in the silicone elastomer leading to covalent binding. The results also highlight potential strategies for further optimising the dapivirine + levonorgestrel silicone vaginal ring formulation to ensure that the levonorgestrel is available for release.

Shifting the Paradigm in HIV Prevention and Treatment Service Delivery Toward Differentiated Care for Youth

Despite significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the United States, HIV prevention and treatment disparities among key populations remain a national public health concern. While new HIV diagnoses are increasing among people under age 30—in particular among racial, ethnic, and sexual minority adolescents and young adults (AYA)—dominant prevention and treatment paradigms too often inadequately consider the unique HIV service needs of AYA. To address this gap, we characterize persistent and largely overlooked AYA disparities across the HIV prevention and treatment continuum, identify AYA-specific limitations in extant resources for improving HIV service delivery in the United States, and propose a novel AYA-centered differentiated care framework adapted to the unique ecological and developmental factors shaping engagement, adherence, and retention in HIV services among AYA. Shifting the paradigm for AYA to differentiated HIV care is a promising approach that warrants implementation and evaluation as part of reinforced national efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the United States by 2030.