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Zissette S, Tolley EE, Martinez A, Hanif H, Gill K, Mugo N, Myers L, Casmir E, Duyver M, Ngure K, Doncel GF. Adaptation and validation of simple tools to screen and monitor for oral PrEP adherence. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251823. [PMID: 34043657 PMCID: PMC8158999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral, vaginal and other pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) products for HIV prevention are in various stages of development. Low adherence poses a serious challenge to successful evaluation in trials. In a previous study, we developed tools to screen for general adherence and specifically monitor intravaginal ring adherence within the context of HIV prevention clinical trials. This study aimed to further validate the screening tool and to adapt and provide initial psychometric validation for an oral pill monitoring tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS We administered a cross-sectional survey between June and October 2018 at a trial site located near Cape Town, South Africa, and another in Thika, Kenya, with 193 women who had experience using daily oral pills. We fit confirmatory factor analysis models on the screening tool items to assess our previously-hypothesized subscale structure. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis of oral PrEP monitoring items to determine the underlying subscale structure. We then assessed the construct validity of each tool by comparing subscales against each other within the current sample and against our original sample, from a study conducted in four sites in South Africa, including Cape Town. RESULTS The screening tool structure showed moderate evidence of construct validity. As a whole, the tool performed in a similar way to the original sample. The monitoring tool items, which were revised to assess perceptions about and experiences using daily oral PrEP, factored into five subscales that showed moderate to good reliability. Four of the five subscales had a similar structure overall to the vaginal ring monitoring tool from which they were adapted. CONCLUSIONS Accurate measurement of HIV-prevention product adherence is of critical importance to the assessment of product efficacy and safety in clinical trials, and the support of safe and effective product use in non-trial settings. In this study, we provide further validation for these measures, demonstrating the screening tool's utility in additional populations and adapting the monitoring tool's utility for different HIV-prevention products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Zissette
- FHI 360, Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- University of Notre Dame, Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth E. Tolley
- FHI 360, Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Andres Martinez
- FHI 360, Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Homaira Hanif
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Katherine Gill
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Center for Clinical Research (CCR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Laura Myers
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ednar Casmir
- Center for Clinical Research (CCR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Menna Duyver
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gustavo F. Doncel
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
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Carson L, Merkatz R, Martinelli E, Boyd P, Variano B, Sallent T, Malcolm RK. The Vaginal Microbiota, Bacterial Biofilms and Polymeric Drug-Releasing Vaginal Rings. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050751. [PMID: 34069590 PMCID: PMC8161251 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The diversity and dynamics of the microbial species populating the human vagina are increasingly understood to play a pivotal role in vaginal health. However, our knowledge about the potential interactions between the vaginal microbiota and vaginally administered drug delivery systems is still rather limited. Several drug-releasing vaginal ring products are currently marketed for hormonal contraception and estrogen replacement therapy, and many others are in preclinical and clinical development for these and other clinical indications. As with all implantable polymeric devices, drug-releasing vaginal rings are subject to surface bacterial adherence and biofilm formation, mostly associated with endogenous microorganisms present in the vagina. Despite more than 50 years since the vaginal ring concept was first described, there has been only limited study and reporting around bacterial adherence and biofilm formation on rings. With increasing interest in the vaginal microbiome and vaginal ring technology, this timely review article provides an overview of: (i) the vaginal microbiota, (ii) biofilm formation in the human vagina and its potential role in vaginal dysbiosis, (iii) mechanistic aspects of biofilm formation on polymeric surfaces, (iv) polymeric materials used in the manufacture of vaginal rings, (v) surface morphology characteristics of rings, (vi) biomass accumulation and biofilm formation on vaginal rings, and (vii) regulatory considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Carson
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Ruth Merkatz
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA; (R.M.); (E.M.); (B.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Elena Martinelli
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA; (R.M.); (E.M.); (B.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Peter Boyd
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Bruce Variano
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA; (R.M.); (E.M.); (B.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Teresa Sallent
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA; (R.M.); (E.M.); (B.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Robert Karl Malcolm
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.C.); (P.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Boyd P, Merkatz R, Variano B, Malcolm RK. The ins and outs of drug-releasing vaginal rings: a literature review of expulsions and removals. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:1519-1540. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1798927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Boyd
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Ruth Merkatz
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bruce Variano
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY, USA
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Saberi P. Research in the Time of Coronavirus: Continuing Ongoing Studies in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2232-2235. [PMID: 32303924 PMCID: PMC7165077 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02868-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Parya Saberi
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, UCSF, Box 0886, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Zhang Q, Li X, Qiao S, Shen Z, Zhou Y. Comparing self-reported medication adherence measures with hair antiretroviral concentration among people living with HIV in Guangxi, China. AIDS Res Ther 2020; 17:8. [PMID: 32122394 PMCID: PMC7053048 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-020-00265-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiretroviral adherence is essential to HIV treatment efficacy. Various self-reported measures are commonly used for assessing antiretroviral adherence. Limited data are available regarding the validity of those self-reported measures in comparison with long-term objective biomarkers of adherence measures such as hair measures. METHODS Self-reported adherence (frequency, percentage, and visual analog scale [VAS]) and hair tenofovir concentration were evaluated at a single time point from 268 people living with HIV in China. The responses to each of three self-reported measures were converted into percentage and then dichotomized as "optimal" (100%) vs. "suboptimal" (less than 100%) adherence. Two composite adherence scores (CAS) were created from the three self-reported measures: (1) an overall adherence was the average percentage of the three self-reported measures; (2) responses were termed optimal adherence if participants reporting optimal adherence in all three self-reported measures, while were termed suboptimal adherence. Hair tenofovir concentration was also dichotomized as "optimal" (above the limit of quantitation, 36 pg/mg) vs. "suboptimal" adherence (blow 36 pg/mg). Spearman correlation, kappa statistics, and logistic regression analysis were used to calculate the correlations, agreements, and predictions of self-reported measures with hair measure, respectively. RESULTS Overall adherence, but any of the three self-reported adherence, was correlated with hair tenofovir concentration (r = 0.13, p < 0.05). Self-reported optimal adherence in VAS and CAS measures were agreed with and predicted optimal adherence assessed by hair measure (Kappa = 0.107, adjusted OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.03-3.45; Kappa = 0.109, adjusted OR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.02-3.18; all p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION VAS may be a good individual self-reported measure for antiretroviral adherence, and CAS may be a good composite self-reported measure for antiretroviral adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhang
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USA.
- Institute of Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xiaoming Li
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USA
| | - Shan Qiao
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USA
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuejiao Zhou
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Zhang Q, Qiao S, Yang X, Li X. Antiretroviral Concentration in Hair as a Measure for Antiretroviral Medication Adherence: A Systematic Review of Global Literature. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:311-330. [PMID: 30877582 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02460-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to validate hair antiretroviral concentration (HAC) as a measure for antiretroviral medication adherence. This review included 31 studies that analyzed a total of 11 ARV drugs in four different drug classes. The associations between HAC and non-pharmacokinetic measures were generally lower than the association between HAC and other pharmacokinetic measures: the correlation coefficients (r) ranged from - 0.20 to 0.38 for self-report or pill counts and 0.20 to 0.85 for electronic drug monitoring; HAC and other pharmacokinetic measures were positively correlated with the correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.20 to 0.72, 0.34 to 0.86, 0.50 to 0.85 for antiretroviral concentration in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and dried blood spots, respectively. HAC was one of the strongest independent predictors of virologic responses. HAC of tenofovir was significantly associated with renal toxicity in large sample studies. This review suggests that HAC is a valid biomarker of antiretroviral medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhang
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USA.
- Institute of Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shan Qiao
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USA
| | - Xueying Yang
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USA
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Murphy DJ, McCoy CF, Plagianos M, RamaRao S, Merkatz R, Clark H, Boyd P, Variano B, Malcolm RK. Post-use ring weight and residual drug content as potential objective measures of user adherence to a contraceptive progesterone vaginal ring. Contraception 2019; 100:241-246. [DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Mensch BS, Richardson BA, Husnik M, Brown ER, Kiweewa FM, Mayo AJ, Baeten JM, Palanee-Phillips T, van der Straten A. Vaginal Ring Use in a Phase 3 Microbicide Trial: A Comparison of Objective Measures and Self-reports of Non-adherence in ASPIRE. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:504-512. [PMID: 30218318 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This analysis compares self-reports of product use with objective measures of non-adherence-quarterly plasma dapivirine levels and monthly residual dapivirine (DPV) levels in used rings-in MTN-020/ASPIRE, a phase 3 trial of a monthly DPV vaginal ring among women aged 18-45 years in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. For participants on active product (N = 1211) we assessed self-reported monthly non-adherence, as measured by (1) whether the ring was ever out, and out for ≥ 12 h in the previous month and, (2) by a self-rating scale assessing ability to keep the vaginal ring inserted, and compared the self-reports to two biomarkers of non-use separately and as a composite measure. For this analysis, a plasma DPV value ≤ 95 pg/ml and residual ring ≥ 23.5 mg were used to classify non-adherence (i.e. the ring never being in the vagina the previous month). Compared to self-reports, non-adherence was found to be substantially higher for the composite measure as well as its two components, an indication that ring removal was likely underreported in the trial. The discrepancy between the self-report measure of ring outage and the composite indicator was greater for those aged 18-21 than for those older, evidence that younger women are more likely to underreport non-adherence. Despite underreporting of non-adherence, self-reports of the ring never being out were significant in predicting the composite objective measure. Furthermore, the association between the self-rating scale and the objective measure was in the expected direction and significant, although 11% of those 18-21 and 7% of those 22+ who rated their ability to keep the ring inserted as good, very good or excellent in the 4 weeks prior to exit were considered non-adherent according to the objective measure. This analysis indicates that while self-reports are significantly associated with objective measures of adherence in the ASPIRE trial, they were inflated-more so by those younger-and therefore may have limited utility identifying those who have challenges using products as directed. ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01617096.
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Reasons for nonadherence to the dapivirine vaginal ring: narrative explanations of objective drug-level results. AIDS 2018; 32:1517-1525. [PMID: 29957723 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000001868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) MTN-020/ASPIRE trial and IPM-027/Ring Study recently proved the dapivirine vaginal ring was safe and effective with consistent use. To optimize the ring's impact, the barriers and facilitators to ring adherence must be understood and addressed. METHODS Former ASPIRE participants were stratified by age group (18-21; 22-45) and randomly selected at seven sites in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe, 12-17 months after trial exit. Using in-depth interviews or focus group discussions, ring use barriers were explored using structured guides and visual tools including individual-level depictions of dapivirine levels detected in plasma and returned rings. RESULTS A total of 187 were enrolled; 37% were 18-21 years when they began ASPIRE. Most (75%) had drug-level results, suggesting inconsistent ring use throughout ASPIRE. Participants viewed themselves as adherent, while simultaneously describing regular instances and reasons for ring removal (e.g. for sex or menses). Less adherent women reported fears that partners would oppose the ring or feel it during sex. High adherers expressed altruistic motivations for ring use. Women of all ages attributed young women's nonadherence to their tendency to be less 'serious' about the future, HIV prevention and the study; motivated predominantly by benefits; more fearful of fertility-related consequences; and to having less relationship control. CONCLUSION When presented with objective adherence data, participants provided reasons for intermittent ring use, while simultaneously portraying themselves as consistent ring users. Further research is needed to understand how women could use the ring in a way that fits into the context of their relationships and their lives while still conferring adequate HIV prophylaxis.
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Rapid measures of user's adherence to vaginal drug products using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and multivariate discriminant techniques. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197906. [PMID: 29799875 PMCID: PMC5969765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The topical HIV prevention (microbicides) field is in acute need of a method to rapidly and objectively measure adherence to product use in clinical trials. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy has been used in many pharmaceutical and forensic applications but has yet to be applied to adherence monitoring. In this study, we report on efforts to test the feasibility of using IR spectroscopy as a means to measure residual active or placebo vaginal product, semen exposure and vaginal insertion from a single swab. Methods A portable IR spectrometer equipped with diamond attenuated total reflectance (ATR) was used to capture spectra of unused vs. vaginally-used swabs, vaginal swabs containing semen, and vaginal swabs to which either tenofovir-containing or matching placebo products (vaginal gel or insert) were added. Spectral data obtained from swabs placed directly on the spectrometer were divided into calibration and testing sets for developing and validating discriminant models set up to provide yes/no predictions of: vaginal vs. non-vaginal use, presence vs. no presence of each test product, and presence vs. no presence of semen. Further validation of models was performed using vaginal swabs collected from a clinical study evaluating vaginally administered placebo insert formulations. Results For each discriminant model developed to predict vaginal vs. non-vaginal use, presence vs. no presence of each test product, and presence vs. no presence of semen, classified validation samples not included in the model development were correctly identified into their respective classes with minimal prediction error. Clinically obtained vaginal swabs collected 15–60 minutes after placebo insert use were also correctly identified, further validating the models. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the proof of concept that IR spectroscopy can be a method for rapid detection and characterization of microbicide products and biological fluids present in vaginal swabs. This novel method has potential to support real-time, on-site adherence monitoring in clinical or field settings.
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Tolley EE, Guthrie KM, Zissette S, Fava JL, Gill K, Louw CE, Kotze P, Reddy K, MacQueen K. Optimizing adherence in HIV prevention product trials: Development and psychometric evaluation of simple tools for screening and adherence counseling. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195499. [PMID: 29649249 PMCID: PMC5896947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low adherence in recent HIV prevention clinical trials highlights the need to better understand, measure, and support product use within clinical trials. Conventional self-reported adherence instruments within HIV prevention trials, often relying on single-item questions, have proven ineffective. While objective adherence measures are desirable, none currently exist that apply to both active and placebo arms. Scales are composed of multiple items in the form of questions or statements that, when combined, measure a more complex construct that may not be directly observable. When psychometrically validated, such measures may better assess the multiple factors contributing to adherence/non-adherence. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate tools to screen and monitor trial participants’ adherence to HIV prevention products within the context of clinical trial research. Methods and findings Based on an extensive literature review and conceptual framework, we identified and refined 86 items assessing potential predictors of adherence and 48 items assessing adherence experience. A structured survey, including adherence items and other variables, was administered to former ASPIRE and Ring Study participants and similar non-trial participants (n = 709). We conducted exploratory factor analyses (EFA) to identify a reduced set of constructs and items that could be used at screening to predict potential adherence, and at follow-up to monitor and intervene on adherence. We examined associations with other variables to assess content and construct validity. The EFA of screener items resulted in a 6-factor solution with acceptable to very good internal reliability (α: .62-.84). Similar to our conceptual framework, factors represent trial-related commitment (Distrust of Research and Commitment to Research); alignment with trial requirements (Visit Adherence and Trial Incompatibility); Belief in Trial Benefits and Partner Disclosure. The EFA on monitoring items resulted in 4 Product-specific factors that represent Vaginal Ring Doubts, Vaginal Ring Benefits, Ring Removal, and Side Effects with good to very good internal reliability (α = .71-.82). Evidence of content and construct validity was found; relationship to social desirability bias was examined. Conclusions These scales are easy and inexpensive to administer, available in several languages, and are applicable regardless of randomization. Once validated prospectively, they could (1) screen for propensity to adhere, (2) target adherence support/counselling, and (3) complement biomarker measures in determining true efficacy of the experimental product.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Morrow Guthrie
- Centers for Behavioral & Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Deptartment of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Seth Zissette
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Joseph L. Fava
- Centers for Behavioral & Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | | | - Cheryl E. Louw
- Madibeng Centre for Research, Brits, South Africa
- University of Pretoria, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Philip Kotze
- Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic, Ladysmith, South Africa
| | - Krishnaveni Reddy
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although approximately 90% of all HIV transmissions in humans occur through mucosal contact, the induction of mucosal anti-HIV immune responses has remained understudied. Here we summarize data demonstrating the powerful protection that is achievable at mucosal frontlines through virus-specific mucosal IgA alone or combined with IgG. RECENT FINDINGS Passive immunization with different monoclonal antibody subclasses but identical epitope specificity (the conserved V3-loop crown of HIV gp120) has revealed that the dimeric IgA1 (dIgA1) form with its open hinge can prevent simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) acquisition in rhesus macaques at a higher rate than dIgA2. Both dIgAs neutralized the challenge SHIV equally well. Protection was linked to better virion capture and inhibition of cell-free virus transcytosis by dIgA1. Synergistic interactions at the mucosal level between the IgG1 and dIgA2 versions of this monoclonal antibody yielded complete protection. Active vaccine strategies designed to induce mucosal IgA and systemic/mucosal IgG have given promising data. SUMMARY This review seeks to highlight the importance of mucosal IgAs in preventing virus acquisition. Passive immunization gave proof-of-concept for immune exclusion by mucosally administered monoclonal dIgAs. Unanswered questions remain regarding the interplay between mucosal IgA and other host immune defenses, including their induction with active immunization.
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Stalter RM, Tharaldson J, Owen DH, Okumu E, Moench T, Mack N, Tolley EE, MacQueen KM. Attitudes and perceptions towards novel objective measures of ARV-based vaginal ring use: Results from a global stakeholder survey. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180963. [PMID: 28708847 PMCID: PMC5510854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Results of recent microbicide and pre-exposure prophylaxis clinical trials have shown adherence to be a significant challenge with new HIV prevention technologies. As the vaginal ring containing dapivirine moves into two open label follow-on studies (HOPE/MTN-025 and DREAM) and other antiretroviral-based and multi-purpose prevention technology ring products advance through the development pipeline, there is a need for more accurate and reliable measures of adherence to microbicide ring products. We previously conducted a comprehensive landscape analysis to identify new technologies that could be applied to adherence measurement of vaginal rings containing antiretrovirals. To explore attitudes and perceptions towards the approaches that we identified, we conducted a survey of stakeholders with experience and expertise in microbicide and HIV prevention clinical trials. From May to July 2015 an electronic survey was distributed via email to 894 stakeholders; a total of 206 eligible individuals responded to at least one question and were included in the data analysis. Survey respondents were presented with various objective measures and asked about their perceived acceptability to trial participants, feasibility of implementation by study staff, usefulness for measuring adherence and ethical concerns. Methods that require no additional input from the participant and require no modifications to the existing ring product (i.e., measurement of residual drug or excipient, or a vaginal analyte that enters the ring) were viewed as being more acceptable to trial participants and more feasible to implement in the field. Respondents saw value in using objective measures to provide real-time feedback on adherence. However, approaches that involve unannounced home visits for sample collection or spot checks of ring use, which could provide significant value to adherence feedback efforts, were met with skepticism. Additional research on the acceptability of these methods to potential trial participants and trial staff is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy M. Stalter
- Contraceptive Technology Innovation Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jenae Tharaldson
- Global Health Research Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Derek H. Owen
- Contraceptive Technology Innovation Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Eunice Okumu
- Global Health Research Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Thomas Moench
- ReProtect, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Natasha Mack
- Global Health Research Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth E. Tolley
- Global Health Research Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. MacQueen
- Global Health Research Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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McCoy CF, Murphy DJ, Boyd P, Derrick T, Spence P, Devlin B, Malcolm RK. Packing Polymorphism of Dapivirine and Its Impact on the Performance of a Dapivirine-Releasing Silicone Elastomer Vaginal Ring. J Pharm Sci 2017; 106:2015-2025. [PMID: 28456732 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2017.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A silicone elastomer vaginal ring providing sustained release over 28 days of the anti-retroviral microbicide dapivirine has recently completed phase III clinical testing and showed moderate protection against HIV acquisition. In support of the product licensure program, we report the impact of dapivirine packing polymorphism on the thermal and solubility characteristics of dapivirine and on the in vitro performance of the 25 mg dapivirine ring product. This is the first time that polymorphism has been reported for a drug-releasing vaginal ring product. Thermal, particle size, powder X-ray diffraction, and thermodynamic solubility analyses of dapivirine polymorphic forms I and IV, both of which are persistent at room temperature and with form I being the thermodynamically stable form, were conducted for both micronized and non-micronized materials. No significant differences in solubility between DPV forms I and IV were observed in media commonly used for in vitro release testing. Matrix-type silicone elastomer vaginal rings were manufactured and the impact of dapivirine polymorphism on key in vitro parameters (compression and tensile behavior; content assay; in vitro release; residual content assay) was investigated. The data demonstrate that dapivirine packing polymorphism has no significant impact on in vitro performance of the 25 mg dapivirine vaginal ring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare F McCoy
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | | | - Peter Boyd
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Tiffany Derrick
- International Partnership for Microbicides, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
| | - Patrick Spence
- International Partnership for Microbicides, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
| | - Brid Devlin
- International Partnership for Microbicides, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
| | - R Karl Malcolm
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
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15
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Haaland RE, Holder A, Evans-Strickfaden T, Nyagol B, Makanga M, Oyaro B, Humwa F, Williams T, McLellan-Lemal E, Desai M, Huey MJ. Residual hormone levels in used contraceptive rings as a measurement of adherence to vaginal ring use. Contraception 2017; 95:602-604. [PMID: 28372978 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to measure residual contraceptive hormone levels in vaginal rings as an adherence marker for monitoring product use in clinical trials. STUDY DESIGN Residual etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol levels from used NuvaRings® of 26 self-reported adherent women enrolled in a clinical trial of vaginal ring acceptability were compared to those from 16 women who used NuvaRing® as their contraceptive choice. RESULTS Twenty-one (81%) clinical trial rings had contraceptive hormone levels within the range of those used as a contraceptive choice. Five returned rings had unused or discordant levels of residual contraceptive hormones. CONCLUSION Residual vaginal ring drug levels could help assess adherence in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Haaland
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA 30329.
| | - Angela Holder
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA 30329.
| | - Tammy Evans-Strickfaden
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA 30329.
| | - Beatrice Nyagol
- KEMRI/CDC Research Field Station, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, Kenya.
| | - Mumbi Makanga
- KEMRI/CDC Research Field Station, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, Kenya.
| | - Boaz Oyaro
- KEMRI/CDC Research Field Station, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, Kenya.
| | - Felix Humwa
- KEMRI/CDC Research Field Station, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, Kenya.
| | - Tiffany Williams
- ICF International, Assigned to Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA 30329.
| | - Eleanor McLellan-Lemal
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA 30329.
| | - Mitesh Desai
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA 30329.
| | - Michael J Huey
- Emory University Student Health Services, Emory University School of Medicine, 1525 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, USA 30322.
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