Comparative efficacy and safety and dolutegravir and lamivudine in treatment naive HIV patients

D3/Penta 21 clinical trial design: A randomised non-inferiority trial with nested drug licensing substudy to assess dolutegravir and lamivudine fixed dose formulations for the maintenance of virological suppression in children with HIV-1 infection, aged 2 to 15 years

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in utilising two-drug regimens for HIV treatment with the goal of reducing toxicity and improve acceptability. The D3 trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of DTG/3TC in children and adolescents and includes a nested pharmacokinetics(PK) substudy for paediatric drug licensing.

METHODS

D3 is an ongoing open-label, phase III, 96-week non-inferiority randomised controlled trial(RCT) conducted in South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Uganda and the United Kingdom. D3 has enrolled 386 children aged 2- < 15 years, virologically suppressed for ≥6 months, with no prior treatment failure. Participants were randomised 1:1 to receive DTG/3TC or DTG plus two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors(NRTIs), stratified by region, age (2- < 6, 6- < 12, 12- < 15 years) and DTG use at enrolment (participants permitted to start DTG at enrolment). The primary outcome is confirmed HIV-1 RNA viral rebound ≥50 copies/mL by 96-weeks. The trial employs the Smooth Away From Expected(SAFE) non-inferiority frontier, which specifies the non-inferiority margin and significance level based on the observed event risk in the control arm. The nested PK substudy evaluates WHO weight-band-aligned dosing in the DTG/3TC arm.

DISCUSSION

D3 is the first comparative trial evaluating DTG/3TC in children and adolescents. Implications of integrating a PK substudy and supplying data for prompt regulatory submission, were carefully considered to ensure the integrity of the ongoing trial. The trial uses an innovative non-inferiority frontier for the primary analysis to allow for a lower-than-expected confirmed viral rebound risk in the control arm, while ensuring interpretability of results and maintaining the planned sample size in an already funded trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

International Standard Randomised Clinical Trial Number Register: ISRCTN17157458. European Clinical Trials Database: 2020-001426-57.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov: NCT04337450.

Dolutegravir induces FOLR1 expression during brain organoid development

During the first month of pregnancy, the brain and spinal cord are formed through a process called neurulation. However, this process can be altered by low serum levels of folic acid, environmental factors, or genetic predispositions. In 2018, a surveillance study in Botswana, a country with a high incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and lacking mandatory food folate fortification programs, found that newborns whose mothers were taking dolutegravir (DTG) during the first trimester of pregnancy had an increased risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). As a result, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have issued guidelines emphasizing the potential risks associated with the use of DTG-based antiretroviral therapies during pregnancy. To elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the DTG-induced NTDs, we sought to assess the potential neurotoxicity of DTG in stem cell-derived brain organoids. The gene expression of brain organoids developed in the presence of DTG was analyzed by RNA sequencing, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Optical Coherence Elastography (OCE), and Brillouin microscopy. The sequencing data shows that DTG induces the expression of the folate receptor (FOLR1) and modifies the expression of genes required for neurogenesis. The Brillouin frequency shift observed at the surface of DTG-exposed brain organoids indicates an increase in superficial tissue stiffness. In contrast, reverberant OCE measurements indicate decreased organoid volumes and internal stiffness.

Treatment Outcomes of Dolutegravir- Versus Efavirenz-Based Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Regimens Among Treatment-Naive People Living With HIV

BACKGROUND

In India, following the implementation of the dolutegravir (DTG) based regimen, only a few studies compared the outcomes of DTG and efavirenz (EFV) based regimens. Therefore, this study aimed to assess virological suppression and gain in CD4+ counts of DTG and EFV-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens.

METHODS

 A retrospective study was conducted and the entire sample (n=140) was divided into two major classes as DTG group (n=70) and EFV group (n=70) further classified as tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (TLD) and tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz (TLE) regimen. Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, laboratory measures, and clinical and drug-related variables. For quantitative and qualitative data analysis, respectively, the T-tests and Chi-square tests were applied.

RESULTS

 The mean CD4+ gain was comparable in both regimens after six months of ART but significant after 12 months of ART in the TLD group. Viral load suppression was achieved in 55.71% of clients in the TLE group after six months of ART while in the TLD group, 88.57% of clients achieved virologic suppression which was highly significant. Clients who remained on the DTG-based regimen gained significantly more weight at 12 months (mean +6.15 kg) as compared to the EFV-based regimen (mean +1.85 kg). After 12 months of ART, the majority of laboratory variables were unaffected by either regimen with the exception of serum creatinine and random blood sugar (RBS) in the TLD group.

CONCLUSIONS

 Our study provides real-life evidence of better outcomes of therapy with DTG over EFV in terms of viral load suppression but immunologic recovery is equivalent in EFV-based regimens after six months of treatment. We recommend the use of DTG only in clients with a high baseline viral load as it costs approximately twice as much as EFV when cost-effectiveness is taken into account.

An indirect comparison of 144-week efficacy, safety, and tolerability of dolutegravir plus lamivudine and second-generation integrase inhibitor-based, 3-drug, single-tablet regimens in therapy-naive people with HIV-1

BACKGROUND

The long-term efficacy and safety of the 2-drug regimen dolutegravir (DTG) + lamivudine (3TC) and 3-drug single-tablet regimens recommended for antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive people with HIV-1 (PWH) have yet to be compared directly in clinical trials. This indirect treatment comparison (ITC) was conducted to compare the durability of efficacy and long-term safety of DTG + 3TC vs second-generation, integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based, 3-drug, single-tablet regimens bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) and DTG/abacavir/3TC (DTG/ABC/3TC) at Week 144 after treatment initiation.

METHODS

A systematic literature review identified 4 trials evaluating the treatment regimens of interest in ART-naive PWH (GEMINI-1, GEMINI-2, GS-US-380-1489, and GS-US-380-1490). Safety, efficacy, and tolerability results were compared using fixed-effects Bucher ITC methodology to calculate relative outcomes.

RESULTS

Rates of virologic suppression (HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL, US Food and Drug Administration Snapshot analysis) and virologic failure (HIV-1 RNA ≥ 50 copies/mL) as well as mean change in CD4 + cell count were similar with DTG + 3TC, BIC/FTC/TAF, and DTG/ABC/3TC at Week 144. Serious adverse events occurred less frequently with DTG + 3TC compared with both BIC/FTC/TAF (odds ratio [OR], 0.51; 95% CI 0.29-0.87; P = 0.014) and DTG/ABC/3TC (OR, 0.38; 95% CI 0.19-0.75; P = 0.006). Discontinuations and overall adverse events were similar across all 3 regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the 2-drug regimen DTG + 3TC offers comparable and durable efficacy with fewer serious adverse events vs BIC/FTC/TAF and DTG/ABC/3TC through 144 weeks of treatment in ART-naive PWH. These long-term comparative data support the therapeutic value of DTG + 3TC for PWH.

Comparison of the design and methodology of Phase 3 clinical trials of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) and dolutegravir-based dual therapy (DTG) in HIV: a systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Current recommended antiretroviral regimens include a combination of two (dual; DT) or three (triple; TT) antiretroviral drugs. This study aims to determine whether the quality of evidence from clinical trials of dolutegravir (dolutegravir/lamivudine [DTG/3TC] or dolutegravir/rilpivirine [DTG/RPV]) is methodologically comparable to that of clinical trials conducted with bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF).

AREAS COVERED

A systematic review of the medical literature was carried out in PubMed without date or language restrictions, following the PRISMA guidelines. All aspects of the methodological design of phase 3 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of DT and TT, evaluated by the European Medicines Agency (registration trials), were reviewed. The quality of clinical trials was assessed using the Jadad scale.

EXPERT OPINION

The search identified 5, 3 and 2 phase 3 RCTs with BIC/FTC/TAF, DTG/3TC and DTG/RPV, respectively, that met the inclusion criteria. The designs would not be comparable due to differences in pre-randomization losses, blinding, patient recruitment, as well as differences in methodological quality, with the average score of the RCTs conducted with BIC/FTC/TAF, DTG/3TC and DTG/RPV being 4.2 (high quality), 3.0 (medium quality) and 3.0 (medium quality), respectively. Due to methodological differences between the BIC/FTC/TAF, DTG/3TC and DTG/RPV RCTs, the results of these are not comparable.

Change in metabolic parameters after switching from triple regimens with tenofovir alafenamide to dolutegravir‐based dual therapy. Bi‐lipid study

INTRODUCTION

The use of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has been associated with increased cholesterol and body weight. Real-life data on the metabolic effects of switching from a TAF-based triple regimen to a dolutegravir (DTG)-based two-drug regimen (2-DR) are scarce.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of patients who have switched from a triple TAF-based regimen to a 2-DR [DTG-lamivudine (DTG-3TC) or DTG- rilpivirine (DTG-RPV]) with at least 6 months of follow-up. The primary endpoint was the absolute change in lipid fractions at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were percentage changes in lipid fraction, effectiveness and safety at 6 and 12 months [intention to treat (ITT), missing = failures].

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients (87 on DTG-3TC, 31 on DTG-RPV) were included. Median age was 51 years (interquartile range: 43-59), 86% were male, CD4 T-cell count was 692 cells/μL, and 98% viral load (VL) < 50 copies/mL. At 6 months there was a decrease in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of 10.7 mg/dL [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.2-19.1; p ≤ 0.001] and 8.3 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.74-15.9; p = 0.026), respectively. There was a reduction in cardiovascular risk from 4.5% at baseline to 4% at 12 months (p = 0.040). Virological effectiveness as determined by ITT analysis was 85.6% at 6 months and 66.1% at 12 months. Seven patients (5.9%) withdrew from the 2-DR and there was no virological failure.

CONCLUSIONS

In real life, switching from a triple regimen with TAF to DTG-3TC or DTG-RPV dual therapy improves the lipid profile and is an effective and well-tolerated strategy.

An Overview of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Antiretroviral Drugs: General Principles and Current Status

Treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can prolong a patient's life-span by disrupting pivotal steps in the replication cycle of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). However, drug resistance is emerging as a major problem worldwide due to the prolonged period of treatment undergone by HIV-1 patients. Since the approval of zidovudine in 1987, over thirty antiretroviral drugs have been categorized into the following six distinct classes based on their biological function and resistance profiles: (1) nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitors; (2) non–nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; (3) integrase strand transferase inhibitors; (4) protease inhibitors; (5) fusion inhibitors; and (6) co-receptor antagonists. Additionally, several antiretroviral drugs have been developed recently, such as a long active drug, humanized antibody and pro-drug metabolized into an active form in the patient's body. Although plenty of antiretroviral drugs are beneficially used to treat patients with HIV-1, the ongoing efforts to develop antiretroviral drugs have overcome the drug resistances, adverse effects, and limited adherence of drugs observed in previous drugs to some extent. Furthermore, studies focused on agents targeting latent HIV-1 reservoirs should be strengthened, as that may lead to eradication of HIV-1.

Three-Drug Regimens Containing Integrase Inhibitor Show Good Efficacy and Safety in Treatment-Naive Patients With HIV-1: A Bayesian Analysis

Introduction: The extensive utilisation of antiretroviral therapy has greatly improved the survival rates of those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The objective of this study was to compare 3-drug regimens containing non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with 3-drug regimens containing integrase inhibitor (INI) regarding efficacy and safety in treatment-naive HIV-1-infected adults at 48 and 96 weeks, respectively.

Methods: This study was a network meta-analysis using a Bayesian methodology. On January 8, 2020, we searched databases and other sources for randomized controlled trials conducted in treatment-naive HIV-1 adults and compared multiple 3-drug antiretroviral regimens containing INI, efavirenz (EFV), or rilpivirine (RPV). We extracted data on the following outcomes: virologic suppression, CD4⁺ cell recovery, discontinuations, deaths, adverse events, serious adverse events, deaths related to study drugs, and drug-related adverse events. We conducted calculations within a Bayesian framework using R software.

Results: The network contained 15 randomized controlled trials including 9,745 patients. For efficacy outcomes, regimens containing INI, especially dolutegravir (DTG), were generally superior to other regimens. For virologic suppression at 48 weeks, odds ratios (95% credible intervals) were 0.6 (0.43, 0.82) for EFV+ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)+emtricitabine (FTC) versus DTG+ abacavir+ lamivudine (3TC) and 0.52 (0.36, 0.75) for EFV+TDF+FTC vs. DTG+TDF+FTC/3TC. For safety outcomes, regimens containing INI tended to be safer relative to regimens without INI. Outcomes associated with death were unsuitable for network meta-analysis due to low event rates.

Conclusion: 3-drug regimens containing INI demonstrate better efficacy and safety than those containing RPV or EFV.

Cost-effectiveness and budget impact of dolutegravir/lamivudine for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection in the United States

BACKGROUND: Dolutegravir(DTG)/lamivudine(3TC) is the first 2-drug regimen recommended as an initial treatment for people living with HIV (PLHIV). OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness and potential budget impact of DTG/3TC in the US healthcare setting. METHODS: A previously published hybrid decision-tree and Markov cohort state transition model was adapted to estimate the incremental costs and health outcome benefits over a patients' lifetime. DTG/3TC was compared with current standard of care in treatment naive and treatment experienced virologically suppressed PLHIV. Health states included in the model were based upon virologic response and CD4 cell count, with death as an absorbing state. Clinical data was informed by the Phase III GEMINI 1 and 2 clinical trials, a published network meta-analysis (NMA) in treatment-naive patients and the Phase III TANGO clinical trial in treatment experienced patients. Costs and utilities were informed by published data and discounted annually at a rate of 3%. A separate 5-year budget impact analysis was conducted assuming 5%-15% uptake in eligible treatment naive and 10%-30% uptake in eligible treatment experienced patients. RESULTS: In the treatment naive analyses based on GEMINI 1 and 2, DTG/3TC dominated, i.e., was less costly and more effective, than all comparators. DTG/3TC resulted in 0.083 incremental quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) at a cost saving of $199,166 compared with the DTG + tenofovir disoproxil(TDF)/emtricitabine(FTC) comparator arm. The incremental QALY and cost savings for DTG/3TC compared with DTG/abacavir(ABC)/3TC, cobicistat-boosted darunavir(DRV/c)/tenofovir alafenamide(TAF)/FTC, and bictegravir (BIC)/TAF/FTC, based on NMA results were 0.465, 0.142, and 0.698, and $42,948, $122,846, and $44,962, respectively. In the analyses of treatment-experienced virologically suppressed patients based on TANGO, DTG/3TC offered slightly lower QALYs (-0.037) with an estimated savings of $78,730 when compared with continuation of TAF-based regimen (TBR). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that these conclusions were relatively insensitive to alternative parameter estimates. The budget impact analysis estimated that by 5th year a total of 70,240 treatment naive patients and 1,340,480 treatment experienced patients could be eligible to be prescribed DTG/3TC. The estimated budget savings over 5 years ranged from $1.12b to $3.35b (corresponding to 27,512 to 82,536 on DTG/3TC by year 5) in the lowest and highest uptake scenarios, respectively. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, DTG/3TC with its comparable efficacy and lower drug acquisition costs, has the potential to offer significant cost savings to US healthcare payers for the initial treatment of treatment naive patients and as a treatment switching option for virologically suppressed patients. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded in full by ViiV healthcare, Brentford, UK. Medical writing to support this study was also funded in full by ViiV Healthcare, Brentford, UK. Butler, Hayward, and Jacob are employees of HEOR Ltd, the company performing this study funded by ViiV Healthcare. Anderson is an employee of GlaxoSmithKline and owns shares in the company. Punekar, Evitt, and Oglesby are employees of ViiV Healthcare and own stocks in GlaxoSmithKline.

Comparative safety review of recommended, first-line single-tablet regimens in patients with HIV

Introduction Different single-tablet regimens (STRs), containing one or two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus an anchor drug, are available for the use in naïve, HIV-infected patients. Despite some restrictions in the use of particular regimens in certain situations (e.g., HBV coinfection), International guidelines do not provide indications to prefer any regimen over others concerning the tolerability profile. We aimed to assess advantages and disadvantages of the most prescribed STRs.Areas covered An extensive review of articles published in English language was conducted on PubMed, looking for evidence about STRs in naïve, HIV-infected population. Safety outcomes of registrational trials were assessed, giving priority to studies directly comparing STRs included in our research (abacavir/lamivudine/dolutegravir, tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/bictegravir, lamivudine/dolutegravir, tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/darunavir/cobicistat, tenovofir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine/doravirine). Data from cohort studies and meta-analyses were also assessed, extrapolating the main evidence about the combinations of interest.Expert opinion Integrase inhibitors (InsTIs)-based regimens have few interruptions for adverse events and few drug-related adverse events, with tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/dolutegravir and lamivudine/dolutegravir being the most tolerable ones. However, neuropsychiatric adverse events and metabolic issues could prompt the alternative use of darunavir or doravirine-based combinations, even if a superior safety profile of these combinations over InSTIs has yet to be demonstrated.

Nucleoside Reverse-Transcriptase Inhibitor Resistance Mutations Predict Virological Failure in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Patients During Lamivudine Plus Dolutegravir Maintenance Therapy in Clinical Practice

The TANGO trial demonstrated the efficacy of lamivudine plus dolutegravir in virologically suppressed patients without previous virological failures (VFs). In this dataset from clinical practice investigating the impact of past nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor resistance on this strategy, the combination of M184V/I plus at least 1 thymidine analog-associated mutation significantly increased the risk of VF.

Comparative efficacy, safety and durability of dolutegravir relative to common core agents in treatment-naïve patients infected with HIV-1: an update on a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

The objective of this study was to assess the durability of response of dolutegravir (DTG) as an antiretroviral core agent by comparing its efficacy and safety with other recommended or commonly used core agents up to 96-weeks (W96).

Methods

A previously published systematic review was updated to identify phase 3/4 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of core agents in treatment-naïve HIV-1 patients. Efficacy [virologic suppression (VS), CD4⁺ cell change from baseline] and safety [adverse events [AEs], discontinuations, drug-related AEs [DRAEs]] were analysed at W96 using Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) adjusting for nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors' (NRTIs') backbone. Subgroups of patients with VL > 100,000 copies/mL or CD4⁺ ≤ 200 cells/μL at baseline were analysed separately.

Results

The NMA included 20 studies reporting data at W96. A higher proportion of patients receiving DTG achieved VS compared to those on protease inhibitors [PI:Range:8.7%(CrI:3.1,16.0)-19.9%(10.8,30.5)], efavirenz [EFV:6.9%(1.3,10.8)] and cobicistat-boosted elvitegravir [EVG/c:8.2%(0.2,17.4)], and similar but numerically higher compared to rilpivirine [RPV:5.0%(− 2.8,12.5)], raltegravir [RAL:2.9%(− 1.6,7.7)] and bictegravir [BIC:2.7%(− 2.7,10.6)]. The probability that more patients on DTG would achieve VS at W96 compared to any other core agent was greater than 80%. A higher proportion of patients on DTG achieved VS compared to PI/rs [Range:33.1%(13.6,50.4)-45.3%(24.1,61.6)] and RAL [16.7%(3.3,31.2)] in patients with VL > 100,000 copies/mL at baseline, and similar VS was achieved in patients with CD4⁺ ≤ 200 cells/μL at baseline. DTG also achieved greater increase in CD4⁺ cells from baseline compared to EFV [32.6(10.7,54.7)], ritonavir-boosted darunavir [DRV/r:25.7(3.6,48.1)] and BIC [24.7(1.5,47.7)]. Patients receiving DTG had lower odds of discontinuing therapy by W96 compared to PI/rs, EFV, RAL and EVG/c. Patients on DTG had lower odds of experiencing an adverse event (AE) compared to patients on EFV [odds ratio:0.6(0.3,0.9)], ATV/r [0.4(0.3,0.6)] and LPV/r [0.3(0.2,0.5)]. For patients on DTG, the odds of experiencing a drug-related AE were lower than the odds for patients on EFV [0.3(0.2,0.4)], comparable to patients on RAL [1.1(0.8,1.4)] and higher than those on BIC [1.5(1.1,2.0)].

Conclusion

Un-boosted integrase inhibitors had better efficacy and similar safety compared to PI/rs at W96 in treatment-naïve patients with HIV-1, with DTG being among the most efficacious core agent, particularly in patients with baseline VL > 100,000 copies/mL or ≤ 200 CD4⁺ cells/μL, who can be difficult to treat.

Risks and benefits of reducing the number of drugs to treat HIV-1 infection

Introduction: Despite the efficacy and safety of antiretroviral therapy, new treatment options are needed to address the concerns of patients and physicians regarding long-term toxicities, costs, and convenience of lifelong antiretroviral therapy. To achieve this goal, one strategy is to reduce the number of drugs in the antiretroviral regimen.Areas covered: We review the recent evidence on the efficacy and safety of reduced drug regimens and their potential risks and benefits. There is currently strong evidence showing that some two-drug regimens have a comparable efficacy and short-term safety compared to standard three-drug regimens. The fixed-dose combination of dolutegravir/lamivudine is already an alternative for many treatment-naïve and virologically suppressed HIV-1 infected adults supported by large randomized clinical trials. The co-formulation dolutegravir plus rilpivirine is also a switch strategy for maintenance therapy. Long-acting injectable cabotegravir plus rilpivirine has already regulatory approval, and islatravir plus doravirine is an expected option in the near future. Some two-drug regimens have not been as successful.Expert opinion: Long-term safety issues of these two-drug regimens remain to be determined, but with the overwhelming evidence available in virological control and short-term safety, the potential benefits of some of these two-drug regimens appear to outweigh the risks.

New Insights on Long-Term Hepatitis B Virus Responses in HIV-Hepatitis B virus Co-infected Patients: Implications for Antiretroviral Management in Hepatitis B virus-Endemic Settings

BACKGROUND

WHO treatment guidelines recommend tenofovir plus lamivudine or emtricitabine as the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor backbone in first-line regimens for HIV-infected adults. Lamivudine alone is not recommended, because of the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) resistance. We studied HBV responses in a large cohort of co-infected patients in a resource-limited setting.

SETTING

Clinical centers in Uganda and Zimbabwe.

METHODS

DART was a randomized trial of monitoring practices in HIV-infected adults starting antiretroviral therapy. Baseline samples were tested retrospectively for HBV serological markers and HBV DNA. Longitudinal HBV DNA testing at 48 weeks and the last available sample before HBV-relevant modification of antiretroviral therapy was performed on patients with detectable HBV DNA at baseline.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-four hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients were followed for up to 4.8 years. Of the drugs with anti-HBV activity, 166 were prescribed lamivudine-tenofovir and 58 lamivudine alone. Ninety-eight percent (96/98) patients with baseline HBV DNA <6 log10 IU/mL achieved viral suppression at 48 weeks (HBV DNA <48 IU/mL), regardless of regimen, compared with 50%(26/52) for HBV DNA >6 log10 IU/mL. Of the 83 patients suppressed at 48 weeks and with follow-up data, only 7(8%) experienced viral rebound (range 200-3460 IU/mL). Of the 20 patients not suppressed at 48 weeks and with follow-up data, HBV DNA levels generally declined with lamivudine-tenofovir, but increased with lamivudine alone. Alanine transaminase flares were not observed in any patient who experienced viral rebound.

CONCLUSIONS

The suppressive effect of lamivudine alone was highly durable (up to 5 years) in HIV-HBV co-infected patients with baseline HBV DNA <6 log10 IU/mL. It may be feasible to develop stratified approaches using lamivudine as the only drug with anti-HBV activity.

Dolutegravir/Lamivudine Single-Tablet Regimen: A Review in HIV-1 Infection

The oral once-daily, fixed-dose single-tablet regimen (STR) of dolutegravir/lamivudine (Dovato^®), combining a second generation integrase single-strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) and a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), is indicated as a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents (> 12 years of age weighing at least 40 kg) with no known or suspected resistance to the INSTI class or lamivudine. In GEMINI trials in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve HIV-1-infected adults, treatment with dolutegravir plus lamivudine provided rapid and sustained virological suppression and was noninferior to dolutegravir plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine at 48 weeks, irrespective of baseline patient or disease characteristics. Virological suppression was sustained at 96 weeks in these ongoing trials. In patients with HIV-1 with sustained virological suppression on their current tenofovir alafenamide (AF)-based ART regimen (≥ 3 drugs), switching to treatment with dolutegravir/lamivudine was noninferior to continuing on a tenofovir AF-based regimen at 48 weeks in the ongoing TANGO trial. No resistance mutations to dolutegravir or lamivudine were detected in patients who met criteria for confirmed virological withdrawal in GEMINI and TANGO trials. Hence, the dolutegravir/lamivudine STR is an effective, generally well tolerated and convenient initial and subsequent ART option for adolescents and adults with HIV-1 infection with no known or suspected resistance to the INSTI class or lamivudine.

Two-drug regimens with dolutegravir plus rilpivirine or lamivudine in HIV-1 treatment-naïve, virologically-suppressed patients: Latest evidence from the literature on their efficacy and safety

OBJECTIVES

In the HIV-1-positive population, a paradigm shift from three-drug regimens (3DRs) to dolutegravir-based two-drug regimens (2DRs) both as initial and switch treatment is beginning to take place, supported virologically by the availability of new potent drugs with high genetic barrier to overcome, at least in certain conditions, the dogma of 3DRs in effective HIV-1 therapy. This manuscript reviews the increasing evidence on their excellent and sustained long-term effectiveness and safety.

METHODS

This review includes the most recent results on dolutegravir plus rilpivirine or lamivudine 2DRs from randomised clinical trials, meta-analyses and real-life studies, including relevant data presented at international conferences up to August 2019.

RESULTS

As an initial treatment strategy, dolutegravir plus lamivudine showed high efficacy and safety over 96 weeks in 1441 patients from the GEMINI-1&2 phase III non-inferiority trials. In the SWORD 1&2 trials in virologically-suppressed patients, switching to once-daily dolutegravir plus rilpivirine maintained efficacy over 148 weeks. Similarly, in the TANGO trial, no confirmed virological withdrawals were observed with dolutegravir/lamivudine through Week 48. Consistent results were observed in real-life cohorts. No emergent dolutegravir-resistant virus has ever been reported in a patient in whom dolutegravir was prescribed in the context of such 2DRs. Switching to once-daily dolutegravir plus rilpivirine or lamivudine was generally well tolerated and was associated with favourable renal and bone safety.

CONCLUSION

The results available so far support dolutegravir-based 2DRs as excellent treatment options for adults with HIV-1 infection, either naïve or already virologically suppressed on their current antiretroviral regimen.