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Zakumumpa H, Alinaitwe A, Kyomuhendo M, Nakazibwe B. Long-acting injectable antiretroviral treatment: experiences of people with HIV and their healthcare providers in Uganda. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:876. [PMID: 39198739 PMCID: PMC11360315 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09748-5] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Long-acting injectable antiretroviral treatment (LAI-ART) has emerged as a novel alternative to the burden of daily oral pills. The bi-monthly intramuscular injectable containing cabotegravir and rilpivirine holds the promise of improving adherence to ART. The perspectives of potential users of LAI-ART, the majority of whom reside in Eastern and Southern Africa, are still largely unexplored. We set out to understand the experiences of people with HIV (PWH) who received LAI-ART at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital in mid-Western Uganda for at least 12 months. METHODS This qualitative study, conducted between July and August 2023, was nested within a larger study. We conducted four focus groups with 32 (out of 69) PWH who received intramuscular injections of cabotegravir and rilpivirine. In-depth interviews were held with six health workers who delivered LAI-ART to PWH. Data were analyzed by thematic approach broadly modeled on the five domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). RESULTS There was high acceptability of LAI-ART (30 /32 or 94%) participants requested to remain on LAI-ART even after the end of the 12-month trial. Adherence to ART was reportedly improved when compared to daily oral treatment. Participants credited LAI-ART with; superior viral load suppression, redemption from the daily psychological reminder of living with HIV, enhanced privacy in HIV care and treatment, reduced HIV-related stigma associated with taking oral pills and that it absolved them from carrying bulky medication packages. Conversely, nine participants reported pain around the injection site and a transient fever soon after administering the injection as side effects of LAI-ART. Missed appointments for receiving the bi-monthly injection were common. Providers identified health system barriers to the prospective scale-up of LAI-ART which include the perceived high cost of LAI-ART, stringent cold chain requirements, physical space limitations, and workforce skills gaps in LAI-ART delivery as potential drawbacks. CONCLUSION Overall, PWH strongly preferred LAI-ART and expressed a comparatively higher satisfaction with this treatment alternative. Health system barriers to potential scale-up are essential to consider if a broader population of PWH will benefit from this novel HIV treatment option in Uganda and other resource-limited settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial Registry Number PACTR ID PACTR202104874490818 (registered on 16/04/2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Zakumumpa
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Adolf Alinaitwe
- Joint Clinical Research Centre, Fort Portal Regional Centre of Excellence, Fort Portal, Uganda
- ART Clinic, Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Fort Portal, Uganda
| | - Marjorie Kyomuhendo
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Brenda Nakazibwe
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Uganda Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
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van Welzen BJ, Van Lelyveld SFL, Ter Beest G, Gisolf JH, Geerlings SE, Prins JM, Van Twillert G, Van Nieuwkoop C, Van der Valk M, Burger D, Wensing AMJ. Virological Failure After Switch to Long-Acting Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine Injectable Therapy: An In-depth Analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 79:189-195. [PMID: 38207125 PMCID: PMC11259215 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-acting (LA) injectable therapy with cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) is currently used as maintenance treatment for human immunodeficiency virus type 1, and has a low risk for virological failure (VF). Although the risk is low, the circumstances and impact of VF in the real-world setting merit further evaluation. METHODS We performed an in-depth clinical, virological, and pharmacokinetic analysis on the reasons behind and the impact of VF during LA CAB/RPV therapy in 5 cases from the Netherlands. Genotypic resistance testing was performed after the occurrence of VF, and drug plasma (trough) concentrations were measured after VF was established and on any other samples to assess on-treatment drug levels. CAB and RPV drug levels that were below the first quartile of the population cutoff (≤Q1) were considered to be low. RESULTS Five cases who were eligible for LA CAB/RPV experienced VF despite a low predicted risk at baseline. Genotypic resistance testing revealed extensive selection of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-associated mutations in all cases, and integrase strand transfer inhibitor mutations in 4 cases. All cases displayed low drug levels of either CAB, RPV, or both during the treatment course, likely contributing to the occurrence of VF. In 3 cases, we were able to identify the potential mechanisms behind these low drug levels. CONCLUSIONS This is the first in-depth multiple case analysis of VF on LA CAB/RPV therapy in a real-world setting. Our observations stress the need to be aware for (evolving) risk factors and the yield of a comprehensive clinical, virological, and pharmacokinetic approach in case of failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berend J van Welzen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gerjanne Ter Beest
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Jet H Gisolf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne E Geerlings
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan M Prins
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gitte Van Twillert
- Department of Internal Medicine, Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - Cees Van Nieuwkoop
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Van der Valk
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting hiv Monitoring, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Burger
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie M J Wensing
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Ezintsha, Department of Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Agarwal H, Huffstetler HE, Lopez C, Go VF, Napravnik S, Farel CE, Rutstein SE. "I Feel Like I Don't Even Have HIV Anymore"-Facilitators, Barriers, and Experience regarding Use of Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy Among Persons with HIV in North Carolina. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2024; 38:324-329. [PMID: 38860413 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2024.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
As access to long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI ART) expands, understanding patient perceptions and experiences around LAI should inform equitable scale-up and effective implementation strategies. This study used qualitative research design relying on semi-structured interviews conducted among persons with HIV (PWH) who were either virally suppressed on oral treatment (n = 11) or had received at least one dose of injectables (n = 7). Approximately half of participants identified as male (10/18) and most identified as African American (17/18). Among participants on oral ART, many described the prospect of injectable treatment as likely convenient and discreet, relieving the stress of remembering to take daily pill. Nearly all had heard of LAI ART prior to the interview, often from television or internet commercials. Most were excited about less frequent dosing, though expressed concern about the logistics involved in coming to clinic every two months. Many expressed uncertainties regarding the relative effectiveness of LAI ART compared with oral therapy and were wary of potential pain related to injections. In contrast, all persons on LAI ART described injection-site soreness as manageable. In addition to acknowledging the convenience of every-two-month injections, some persons receiving LAI ART expressed relief by lifting the emotional stress of taking a daily-pill that reminded them of their HIV positive status. Emerging clinical trial data supports the individual and public health benefits of LAI ART, regardless of prior viral-suppression; our work adds to a growing body of literature demonstrating the potential psychological benefits associated with this novel treatment modality for PWH regardless of recent viral-suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Agarwal
- Department of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hanna E Huffstetler
- Department of Health Behaviour, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher Lopez
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vivian F Go
- Department of Health Behaviour, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sonia Napravnik
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Claire E Farel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah E Rutstein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Gupta N, Swindells S, Scarsi KK, Furl R, Thomas DL, Weld ED, Ofimboudem JD, Desalegn H, Hamid S, Rosas ADLT, Miranda AE, Owen A, Rannard S, Hiebert L, Sun K, Ward JW. Preferences and feasibility of long-acting technologies for treatment of hepatitis C virus in low- and middle-income countries: A survey of providers and policymakers. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:221-232. [PMID: 38545826 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Long-acting technologies (LATs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) are under development as a strategy to improve linkage to care, treatment adherence and outcomes. We conducted a survey of HCV treatment prescribers and HCV policymakers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) regarding acceptability and feasibility of HCV LATs. We included one-time intramuscular injection, subdermal implant and transdermal patch as potential LAT options. We surveyed participants regarding optimal health system and patient characteristics, concerns, potential barriers, overall feasibility and preferences for HCV LAT as compared to daily oral medication. Overall, 122 providers and 50 policymakers from 42 LMICs completed the survey. Among providers, 93% (113/122) expressed willingness to prescribe LAT and 72% (88/120) of providers preferred LAT if provided at comparable efficacy, safety and cost as current oral treatments. Of providers preferring HCV LAT to daily oral medication, 67% (59/88) preferred injection, 24% (21/88) preferred patch and 9% (8/88) preferred implant. Only 20% (24/122) would prescribe LAT if it were more costly than oral treatment. In regression analysis, no provider characteristics were associated with preference for LAT over oral treatment. Policymakers reported high likelihood that LAT would be included in treatment guidelines (42/50; 84%) and national drug formularies (39/50; 78%) if efficacy, safety and cost were similar to oral treatment. HCV LATs could advance progress to HCV elimination in LMICs by diversifying treatment options to improve treatment coverage and outcomes. Provider preferences from LMICs are a critical consideration in the development of HCV LATs to ensure its early and equitable availability in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Gupta
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Susan Swindells
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kimberly K Scarsi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Renae Furl
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - David L Thomas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ethel D Weld
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Hailemichael Desalegn
- Medical Department, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Saeed Hamid
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Angelica E Miranda
- Post-Graduation Program in Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Andrew Owen
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Centre of Excellence in Long acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Steve Rannard
- Department of Chemistry, Centre of Excellence in Long acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lindsey Hiebert
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Katherine Sun
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
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Kaggiah A, Maina CN, Kinuthia J, Barthold D, Hauber B, Tran J, Simoni JM, Graham SM. Key informant views on potential acceptability and feasibility of long-acting antiretroviral treatment for HIV in Kenya. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:415. [PMID: 38641565 PMCID: PMC11027348 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09309-w] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, 14% of diagnosed persons living with HIV (PLWH) in Kenya were not taking antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 19% of those on ART had unsuppressed viral loads. Long-acting antiretroviral therapy (LA-ART) may increase viral suppression by promoting ART uptake and adherence. We conducted key informant (KI) interviews with HIV experts in Kenya to identify product and delivery attributes related to the acceptability and feasibility of providing LA-ART to PLWH in Kenya. METHODS Interviews were conducted via Zoom on potential LA-ART options including intra-muscular (IM) injections, subcutaneous (SC) injections, implants, and LA oral pills. KI were asked to discuss the products they were most and least excited about, as well as barriers and facilitators to LA-ART roll-out. In addition, they were asked about potential delivery locations for LA-ART products such as homes, pharmacies, and clinics. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data were analyzed using a combination of inductive and deductive coding. RESULTS Twelve KI (5 women, 7 men) participated between December 2021 and February 2022. Overall, participants reported that LA-ART would be acceptable and preferable to PLWH because of fatigue with daily oral pills. They viewed IM injections and LA oral pills as the most exciting options to ease pill burden and improve adherence. KI felt that populations who could benefit most were adolescents in boarding schools and stigmatized populations such as sex workers. SC injections and implants were less favored, as they would require new training initiatives for patients or healthcare workers on administration. In addition, SC injections would require refrigeration and needle disposal after use. Some KI thought patients, especially men, might worry that IM injections and implants would impact fertility, given their role in family planning. Pharmacies were perceived by most KI as suboptimal delivery locations; however, given ongoing work in Kenya to include pharmacies in antiretroviral delivery, they recommended asking patients their views. CONCLUSION There is interest and support for LA-ART in Kenya, especially IM injections and LA oral pills. Identifying patient preferences for modes and delivery locations and addressing misconceptions about specific products as they become available will be important before wide-scale implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kaggiah
- Research and Programs Department, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Catherine N Maina
- Research and Programs Department, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Kinuthia
- Research and Programs Department, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Douglas Barthold
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brett Hauber
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Worldwide Medical and Safety, Pfizer, Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacinda Tran
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jane M Simoni
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Susan M Graham
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Mody A, Sohn AH, Iwuji C, Tan RKJ, Venter F, Geng EH. HIV epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and implementation strategies for public health. Lancet 2024; 403:471-492. [PMID: 38043552 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01381-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The global HIV response has made tremendous progress but is entering a new phase with additional challenges. Scientific innovations have led to multiple safe, effective, and durable options for treatment and prevention, and long-acting formulations for 2-monthly and 6-monthly dosing are becoming available with even longer dosing intervals possible on the horizon. The scientific agenda for HIV cure and remission strategies is moving forward but faces uncertain thresholds for success and acceptability. Nonetheless, innovations in prevention and treatment have often failed to reach large segments of the global population (eg, key and marginalised populations), and these major disparities in access and uptake at multiple levels have caused progress to fall short of their potential to affect public health. Moving forward, sharper epidemiologic tools based on longitudinal, person-centred data are needed to more accurately characterise remaining gaps and guide continued progress against the HIV epidemic. We should also increase prioritisation of strategies that address socio-behavioural challenges and can lead to effective and equitable implementation of existing interventions with high levels of quality that better match individual needs. We review HIV epidemiologic trends; advances in HIV prevention, treatment, and care delivery; and discuss emerging challenges for ending the HIV epidemic over the next decade that are relevant for general practitioners and others involved in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaloke Mody
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT Asia, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Collins Iwuji
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK; Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Rayner K J Tan
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Francois Venter
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Perazzolo S, Stephen ZR, Eguchi M, Xu X, Delle Fratte R, Collier AC, Melvin AJ, Ho RJY. A novel formulation enabled transformation of 3-HIV drugs tenofovir-lamivudine-dolutegravir from short-acting to long-acting all-in-one injectable. AIDS 2023; 37:2131-2136. [PMID: 37650755 PMCID: PMC10959254 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop an injectable dosage form of the daily oral HIV drugs, tenofovir (T), lamivudine (L), and dolutegravir (D), creating a single, complete, all-in-one TLD 3-drug-combination that demonstrates long-acting pharmacokinetics. DESIGN Using drug-combination-nanoparticle (DcNP) technology to stabilize multiple HIV drugs, the 3-HIV drugs TLD, with disparate physical-chemical properties, are stabilized and assembled with lipid-excipients to form TLD-in-DcNP . TLD-in-DcNP is verified to be stable and suitable for subcutaneous administration. To characterize the plasma time-courses and PBMC concentrations for all 3 drugs, single subcutaneous injections of TLD-in-DcNP were given to nonhuman primates (NHP, M. nemestrina ). RESULTS Following single-dose TLD-in-DcNP , all drugs exhibited long-acting profiles in NHP plasma with levels that persisted for 4 weeks above predicted viral-effective concentrations for TLD in combination. Times-to-peak were within 24 hr in all NHP for all drugs. Compared to a free-soluble TLD, TLD-in-DcNP provided exposure enhancement and extended duration 7.0-, 2.1-, and 20-fold as AUC boost and 10-, 8.3-, and 5.9-fold as half-life extension. Additionally, DcNP may provide more drug exposure in cells than plasma with PBMC-to-plasma drug ratios exceeding one, suggesting cell-targeted drug-combination delivery. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that TLD with disparate properties can be made stable by DcNP to enable TLD concentrations of 4 weeks in NHP. Study results highlighted the potential of TLD-in-DcNP as a convenient all-in-one, complete HIV long-acting product for clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rodney J Y Ho
- Department of Pharmaceutics
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Maruapula D, Moraka NO, Bareng OT, Mokgethi PT, Choga WT, Seatla KK, Kelentse N, Koofhethille CK, Zuze BJL, Gaolathe T, Pretorius-Holme M, Makhema J, Novitsky V, Shapiro R, Moyo S, Lockman S, Gaseitsiwe S. Archived rilpivirine-associated resistance mutations among ART-naive and virologically suppressed people living with HIV-1 subtype C in Botswana: implications for cabotegravir/rilpivirine use. J Antimicrob Chemother 2023; 78:2489-2495. [PMID: 37585352 PMCID: PMC10545497 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pre-existing rilpivirine resistance-associated mutations (RVP-RAMs) have been found to predict HIV-1 virological failure in those switching to long-acting injectable cabotegravir/rilpivirine. We here evaluated the prevalence of archived RPV-RAMs in a cohort of people living with HIV (PWH). METHODS We analysed near full-length HIV-1 pol sequences from proviral DNA for the presence of RPV-RAMs, which were defined according to the 2022 IAS-USA drug resistance mutation list and Stanford HIV drug resistance database. RESULTS RPV-RAMs were identified in 757/5805 sequences, giving a prevalence of 13.0% (95% CI 12%-13.9%). Amongst the ART-naive group, 137/1281 (10.7%, 95% CI 9.1%-12.5%) had at least one RPV-RAM. Of the 4524 PWH with viral suppression on ART (VL <400 copies/mL), 620 (13.7%, 95% CI 12.7%-14.7%) had at least one RPV-RAM. E138A was the most prevalent RPV-RAM in the ART-naive group (7.9%) and the ART-suppressed group (9.3%). The rest of the mutations observed (L100I, K101E, E138G, E138K, E138Q, Y181C, H221Y, M230L, A98G, V179D, G190A, G190E and M230I) were below a prevalence of 1%. CONCLUSIONS RPV-RAMs were present in 10.7% of ART-naive and 13.7% of ART-suppressed PWH in Botswana. The most common RPV-RAM in both groups was E138A. Since individuals with the E138A mutation may be more likely to fail cabotegravir/rilpivirine, monitoring RPV-RAMs will be crucial for effective cabotegravir/rilpivirine implementation in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natasha O Moraka
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontlametse T Bareng
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Patrick T Mokgethi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Wonderful T Choga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kaelo K Seatla
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Catherine K Koofhethille
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Molly Pretorius-Holme
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vlad Novitsky
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Goebel MC, Guajardo E, Giordano TP, Patel SM. The New Era of Long-Acting Antiretroviral Therapy: When and Why to Make the Switch. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2023; 20:271-285. [PMID: 37733184 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-023-00665-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite the availability of safe and effective oral combination antiretroviral therapy, barriers to maintaining viral suppression remain a challenge to ending the HIV epidemic. Long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy was developed as an alternative to daily oral therapy. This review summarizes the current literature on the efficacy of long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine for the treatment of HIV-1, reasons to switch to injectable therapy, and barriers to switching. RECENT FINDINGS Long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine is safe and effective in maintaining HIV-1 virologic suppression. Ideal candidates for switching to long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine are virologically suppressed on oral regimens with good adherence and no history of virologic failure or baseline resistance. Indications to switch to injectable therapy include patient preference, the potential for improved adherence, and avoidance of adverse effects. Implementation research is needed to assess and overcome system barriers. Long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine is a novel alternative to oral antiretrovirals, with the potential to improve adherence and quality of life in people with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie C Goebel
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Emmanuel Guajardo
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Thomas P Giordano
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shital M Patel
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Kennedy CE, Zhao T, Vo AV, Nakubulwa R, Nabakka P, Jackson J, Rosen JG, Chang LW, Reynolds SJ, Quinn TC, Nakigozi G, Kigozi G, Kagaayi J, Nalugoda F, Ddaaki WG, Grabowski MK, Nakyanjo N. High Acceptability and Perceived Feasibility of Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Treatment Among People Living with HIV Who Are Viremic and Health Workers in Uganda. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:316-322. [PMID: 37294280 PMCID: PMC10280193 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-acting injectable antiretroviral treatment (LAI ART), such as a bimonthly injection of cabotegravir/rilpivirine, is a promising HIV treatment option. LAI ART may particularly benefit people who are reluctant to initiate or are poorly adherent to daily oral pills and not virally suppressed. However, the acceptability and feasibility of LAI ART among individuals with viremia in Africa has not been well studied. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with 38 people living with HIV with viral load ≥1000 copies/mL and 15 medical and nursing staff, and 6 focus group discussions with peer health workers, to examine acceptability and feasibility of LAI ART in south-central Uganda. Transcripts were thematically analyzed through a team-based framework approach. Most people living with HIV reacted positively toward LAI ART and endorsed interest in taking it themselves. Most felt LAI ART would make adherence easier by reducing the challenge with remembering daily pills, particularly in the context of busy schedules, travel, alcohol use, and dietary requirements. Participants also appreciated the privacy of injections, reducing the likelihood of stigma or inadvertent HIV serostatus disclosure with pill possession. Concerns about LAI ART included side effects, perceived medication effectiveness, fear of injection, and medical mistrust and conspiracy beliefs. Health workers and participants with viremia also noted health system challenges, such as stockouts and monitoring treatment failure. However, they felt the health system could overcome these challenges. Implementation complexities must be addressed as LAI ART is introduced and expanded in Africa to best support viral suppression and address HIV care continuum gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tongying Zhao
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anh Van Vo
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Jade Jackson
- Department of Pathology and School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph G. Rosen
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Larry W. Chang
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven J. Reynolds
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas C. Quinn
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - M. Kate Grabowski
- Department of Pathology and School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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