Severe lactic acidosis during tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and cobicistat combination for HIV patient

Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious side effect in individuals receiving nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. An underweight woman with HIV was admitted to our hospital because of nausea and diffuse myalgia. Her antiretroviral regimen had been changed to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine and darunavir/cobicistat 3 months prior, after which her renal function had gradually declined. After admission, she was diagnosed with lactic acidosis, and a liver biopsy suggested mitochondrial damage. Her plasma tenofovir levels were elevated at the onset of lactic acidosis. We hypothesise that the patient's low body weight, combined with the addition of cobicistat, induced renal dysfunction and led to elevated plasma tenofovir concentrations, resulting in mitochondrial damage and lactic acidosis. Careful monitoring of renal function and lactic acidosis is required during use of TDF-containing regimens for underweight HIV patients, particularly when combined with cobicistat.

Lipid profile changes associated with antiretroviral therapies in a real-world cohort

OBJECTIVE

To compare lipid profile changes and cardiovascular events among HIV naïve and experienced patients from a real-world cohort treated with elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate or dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine.

METHOD

A retrospective cohort study in HIV naïve and experienced people at a reference hospital in Spain was done. During the follow-up (March 2015-June 2019), patients were treated with elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate or dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine. Epidemiological, clinical and immunovirological variables were recorded. A statistical analysis of the lipid profile at baseline, 48 and 120 weeks after initiating the study therapy, cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, deep venous thrombosis, myocardiopathy, non-ST- segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) and cardiovascular risks factors was performed. Data were analysed in naïve and experienced patients from each of the study treatments. The data was obtained from the medical history. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS v.24 software.

RESULTS

A total of 266 and 191 patients receiving treatment with elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate and dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine were included in the study, respectively. After 120 weeks of treatment, a worsening of the lipid profile was found in the elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate group, both in naïve and experienced patients, whereas not so conspicuously observed in the dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine group. Statistically significant differences between both groups were found in experienced patients favoring dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine; in total cholesterol (204.1 ± 38.2 vs. 187.3 ± 29.4, p < 0.001) and LDL-C (126.1 ± 31.9 vs. 113.5 ± 28.5, p = 0.001) at week 48, and in total cholesterol (201.1 ± 33.4 vs. 188.7 ± 33.9, p = 0.013) and HDL-C (54.2 ± 15.6 vs. 48.3 ± 14.3, p = 0.01) at week 120. No significant differences in cardiovascular events were found, neither in naïve nor in experienced patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The lipid profile among elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate group worsened throughout the follow-up, both in naïve and experienced patients, not so remarkable in the dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine group. Both regimens were well tolerated, with similar rates of cardiovascular events.

Lipid profile changes associated with antiretroviral therapies in a real-world cohort

OBJECTIVE

To compare lipid profile changes and cardiovascular events among HIV naïve and experienced patients from a real-world cohort treated with elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate or dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine.

METHOD

A retrospective cohort study in HIV naïve and experienced people at a reference hospital in Spain was done. During the follow-up (March 2015-June 2019), patients were treated with elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate or dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine. Epidemiological, clinical, and immunovirological variables were recorded. A statistical analysis of the lipid profile at baseline, 48, and 120 weeks after initiating the study therapy, cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, deep venous thrombosis, myocardiopathy, non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction), and cardiovascular risks factors was performed. Data were analysed in naïve and experienced patients from each of the study treatments. The data were obtained from the medical history. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS v. 24 software.

RESULTS

A total of 266 and 191 patients receiving treatment with elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate and dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine were included in the study, respectively. After 120 weeks of treatment, a worsening of the lipid profile was found in the elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate group, both in naïve and experienced patients, whereas not so conspicuously observed in the dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine group. Statistically significant differences between both groups were found in experienced patients favouring dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine; in total cholesterol (204.1±38.2 vs. 187.3±29.4, P < .001) and LDL-C (126.1±31.9 vs. 113.5±28.5, P = .001) at week 48, and in total cholesterol (201.1±33.4 vs. 188.7±33.9, P = .013) and HDL-C (54.2±15.6 vs. 48.3±14.3, P = .01) at week 120. No significant differences in cardiovascular events were found, neither in naïve nor in experienced patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The lipid profile among elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate group worsened throughout the follow-up, both in naïve and experienced patients, not so remarkable in the dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine group. Both regimens were well tolerated, with similar rates of cardiovascular events.

A four-drug combination oral tablet of darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults

INTRODUCTION

Darunavir (DRV)/cobicistat (COBI)/emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is the only protease inhibitor-based single-tablet regimen (STR) approved for the treatment of HIV infection of adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 40 kg. DRV/COBI/FTC/TAF has demonstrated to be an effective regimen, to have a high genetic barrier to resistance, and to be well tolerated.

AREAS COVERED

The authors summarize the chemistry and pharmacology of DRV, COBI, FTC, and TAF and discuss trials conducted on antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve and -experienced people living with HIV designed to evaluate safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the STR. This work also reports studies comparing DRV/COBI/FTC/TAF with competitive agents in real-world settings.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite the availability of newer antiretroviral drugs and strategies in the management of HIV infection, including long-acting therapies, DRV/COBI/FTC/TAF is still considered an alternative regimen for the treatment of ART-naïve adults. DRV/COBI/FTC/TAF is an effective, well-tolerated, and safe antiretroviral regimen and represents a valid option for people who need to switch therapy due to tolerability issues, such as the onset of neuropsychiatric effects related to integrase strand transfer inhibitors, or virological failure.

Darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide in treatment-naïve (AMBER) and virologically suppressed (EMERALD) participants with neurological and/or psychiatric comorbidities: Week 96 subgroup analysis

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence of pre-existing neurological and/or psychiatric comorbidities (NPCs) and efficacy/safety outcomes for participants with versus without baseline NPCs in AMBER and EMERALD.

METHODS

AMBER (treatment-naïve population) and EMERALD (virologically suppressed population) were phase III randomized studies of darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) 800/150/200/10 mg. The primary objective of this post hoc analysis was to assess virological response (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) at week 48 by intent-to-treat US Food and Drug Administration snapshot analysis comparing participants with and without baseline NPCs.

RESULTS

Among participants in AMBER, 88/362 (24%) in the D/C/F/TAF arm and 99/363 (27%) in the control arm had baseline NPCs; in EMERALD, 294/763 (39%; D/C/F/TAF) and 166/378 (44%; control) participants had baseline NPCs. At baseline, psychiatric NPCs were more common than neurological NPCs in both studies; the most common of each type were depression and headache, respectively. High virological response rates were achieved with D/C/F/TAF across studies regardless of baseline NPCs at weeks 48 (range 86%-95%) and 96 (range 80%-91%). No participants in either study with a baseline NPC prematurely discontinued because of a study drug-related neurological or psychiatric adverse event.

CONCLUSION

D/C/F/TAF may be a suitable treatment option for individuals with HIV-1 and NPCs.

Observational study to evaluate discontinuation of monotherapy with cobicistat-boosted darunavir in patients with human immunodeficiency virus

To evaluate the reasons for changing to monotherapy with protease inhibitors, together with the proportion and reasons for the interruption to treatment, in patients who have been treated at some point with cobicistat-boosted darunavir (DRV/c). Outpatients in a tertiary hospital. Observational retrospective study to evaluate monotherapy with DRV/c (800 mg/150 mg) in adult patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, from December 2014 to July 2022. Demographic variables, viral load, cluster of differentiation 4 lymphocyte lymphocyte count, and antiretroviral therapy were assessed. 42 patients were included. 36% of the patients were undergoing monotherapy at the time of the analysis. The main reason for discontinuation was poor adherence. At time of analysis, 80% of the patients in monotherapy had an undetectable viral load. Antiretroviral therapy recommendations advise against exposing the patient to functional monotherapy with a single drug due to the high risk of virological failure and the onset of resistance to a single drug. Following the analysis of the results, DRV/c in monotherapy is not an effective strategy in the medium and long term due to factors such as lack of adherence or virological failure, although it can be maintained in specific circumstances. Therefore, patients undergoing monotherapy require close monitoring.

[Rhabdomyolysis due to drug-drug interaction of atorvastatin and cobicistat]

A 53-year-old man presented with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. The symptoms were presumably caused by a drug-drug interaction between an antiretroviral drug combination and atorvastatin. As a booster, cobicistat can also increase the toxicity of statins via inhibition of the enzyme cytochrome p450 3A4 (CYP3A4). After stopping atorvastatin and after intravenous fluid therapy, the symptoms regressed completely.

Dolutegravir in Pregnancy as Compared with Current HIV Regimens in the United States

BACKGROUND

Data on the effectiveness and safety of dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in pregnancy as compared with other ART regimens commonly used in the United States and Europe, particularly when initiated before conception, are limited.

METHODS

We conducted a study involving pregnancies in persons with HIV-1 infection in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study whose initial ART in pregnancy included dolutegravir, atazanavir-ritonavir, darunavir-ritonavir, oral rilpivirine, raltegravir, or elvitegravir-cobicistat. Viral suppression at delivery and the risks of infants being born preterm, having low birth weight, and being small for gestational age were compared between each non-dolutegravir-based ART regimen and dolutegravir-based ART. Supplementary analyses that included participants in the Swiss Mother and Child HIV Cohort Study were conducted to improve the precision of our results.

RESULTS

Of the pregnancies in the study, 120 were in participants who received dolutegravir, 464 in those who received atazanavir-ritonavir, 185 in those who received darunavir-ritonavir, 243 in those who received rilpivirine, 86 in those who received raltegravir, and 159 in those who received elvitegravir-cobicistat. The median age at conception was 29 years; 51% of the pregnancies were in participants who started ART before conception. Viral suppression was present at delivery in 96.7% of the pregnancies in participants who received dolutegravir; corresponding percentages were 84.0% for atazanavir-ritonavir, 89.2% for raltegravir, and 89.8% for elvitegravir-cobicistat (adjusted risk differences vs. dolutegravir, -13.0 percentage points [95% confidence interval {CI}, -17.0 to -6.1], -17.0 percentage points [95% CI, -27.0 to -2.4], and -7.0 percentage points [95% CI, -13.3 to -0.0], respectively). The observed risks of preterm birth were 13.6 to 17.6%. Adjusted risks of infants being born preterm, having low birth weight, or being small for gestational age did not differ substantially between non-dolutegravir-based ART and dolutegravir. Results of supplementary analyses were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Atazanavir-ritonavir and raltegravir were associated with less frequent viral suppression at delivery than dolutegravir. No clear differences in adverse birth outcomes were observed with dolutegravir-based ART as compared with non-dolutegravir-based ART, although samples were small. (Funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and others.).

Effectiveness and safety of elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate single-tablet combination among HIV-infected patients in Turkey: results from a real world setting

Background

Efficacy of elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil (E/C/F/TDF) in treatment-naïve and experienced patients with HIV infection was demonstrated in phase 3 trials. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate effectiveness and safety of E/C/F/TDF in real world settings.

Methods

Retrospective, observational data collected by the Turkish ACTHIV-IST study group between May 2015 and December 2016 were analysed.

Results

A total of 387 patients were prescribed E/C/F/TDF; 210 patients with available data at 6th month were eligible; 91.5% were male, and mean age was 35.2 (SD: 10.8) years; 54.0% of males identified themselves as MSM. Sixty-three percent (133) of the study population were treatment-naïve patients, and 37% (77) were treatment experienced. HIV RNA level was below 100 copies/mL in 78.9% of treatment-naïve patients and 89.9% of treatment experienced patients at month 6. Median increase in CD4 T lymphocyte count was 218 copies/mL in treatment-naïve patients and remained stable or increased in treatment experienced patients. Adverse events were observed in 15% of the patients, and the regimen was discontinued in only six patients.

Conclusion

Real world data on the effectiveness and safety of E/C/F/TDF is comparable with the phase 3 trial results Adverse events are uncommon and manageable.

Use of Darunavir-Cobicistat as a Treatment Option for Critically Ill Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

We retrospectively reviewed patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections who were admitted to an intensive care unit in Daegu, South Korea. The outcomes of patients who did (cases) or did not (controls) receive darunavir-cobicistat (800-150 mg) therapy were compared. Fourteen patients received darunavir-cobicistat treatment, and 96 received other antiviral therapy (controls). Overall, the darunavir-cobicistat group comprised patients with milder illness, and the crude mortality rate of all patients in the darunavir-cobicistat group was lower than that in the controls [odds ratio (OR) 0.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04-0.89, p=0.035]. After 1:2 propensity-score matching, there were 14 patients in the darunavir-cobicistat group, and 28 patients in the controls. In propensity score-matched analysis, the darunavir-cobicistat group had lower mortality than the controls (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.52, p=0.009). In conclusion, darunavir-cobicistat therapy was found to be associated with a significant survival benefit in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Iatrogenic Cushing syndrome due to drug interaction between inhaled fluticasone and cobicistat

In this paper we report a case of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome due to a pharmacological interaction between fluticasone and cobicistat. Inhaled corticosteroids were previously thought to be safe, but increasing numbers of cases of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome are being reported, especially in patients taking cytochrome P450 inhibitors, including cobicistat. Although the drug interaction between cobicistat and fluticasone has been described elsewhere, to our knowledge we present one of the first descriptions of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome due to this pharmacological interaction.

Tolerability of Current Antiretroviral Single-Tablet Regimens

The advent of protease inhibitors (PI) in the mid-nineties and its use as part of triple combinations revolutionized the management of HIV infection. Since then, progression to AIDS and AIDS-related deaths can be prevented. However, antiretroviral therapy based on PI has been discouraged for a while given its lower tolerability compared to alternative options; and only recent improvements in pharmacotherapy have renewed the interest for the newest agents within this class. First, the tolerability of the latest PI darunavir (DRV) and atazanavir is much better than for older PI, such as indinavir or lopinavir. Second, metabolic abnormalities and/or drug interactions associated to ritonavir boosting have been ameliorated using cobicistat. Third, adding safer accompanying nucleos(t)ides, such as tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), have minimized further toxicity concerns of PI. Finally, the unique barrier to resistance and new single-tablet regimen (STR) presentation makes DRV, especially attractive for long-term therapy. The recent coformulation of DRV, cobicistat, TAF, and emtricitabine (DRV/c/TAF/FTC) within a single pill to be given once daily (Symtuza^®) has positioned PI again at the frontline of HIV therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the results of studies that have assessed the efficacy and safety of the newest STR. In view of the current data, it seems worthy expanding the consideration of Symtuza® for a wider range of clinical scenarios, beyond the treatment of antiretroviral failures including first-line therapy and switching of otherwise virologically suppressed patients. The good tolerability and robust resistance profile should reward Symtuza^® and position it among the preferred contemporary STRs.

Effect of monotherapy with darunavir/cobicistat on viral load and semen quality of HIV-1 patients

Many patients previously using darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) (800/100mg) have switched to darunavir/cobicistat (DRV/C) (800/150 mg) either as part of triple therapy (ART) or as monotherapy with DRV (mDRV). The latter approach continues to be used in some countries for patients receiving long-term treatment. However, to date, the behaviour of DRV/C in the seminal compartment has not been analysed. This study explores how the combination behaves in monotherapy, with respect to the control of viral load and seminal quality. To this end, we studied 20 patients who were treated with mDRV/C after previous treatment with mDRV/r for at least 24 weeks. A viral load control in seminal plasma similar to that published in the literature was observed after 24 weeks of treatment with mDRV/C (viral load positivity in 20% of patients). Similarly, semen quality was confirmed (70% normozoospermic) in patients treated with this formulation, as has previously been reported for ART and mDRV/r. The DRV levels measured in seminal plasma were above EC50, regardless of whether the seminal viral load was positive or negative. We conclude that this mDRV/C co-formulation behaves like mDRV/r in seminal plasma in terms of viral load control and semen quality.

Efficacy and safety of switching from boosted protease inhibitors plus emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate regimens to single-tablet darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide at 48 weeks in adults with virologically suppressed HIV-1 (EMERALD): a phase 3, randomised, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Simplified regimens with reduced pill burden and fewer side-effects are desirable for people living with HIV. We investigated the efficacy and safety of switching to a single-tablet regimen of darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide versus continuing a regimen of boosted protease inhibitor, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

METHODS

EMERALD was a phase-3, randomised, active-controlled, open-label, international, multicentre trial, done at 106 sites across nine countries in North America and Europe. HIV-1-infected adults were eligible to participate if they were treatment-experienced and virologically suppressed (viral load <50 copies per mL for ≥2 months; one viral load of 50-200 copies per mL was allowed within 12 months before screening), and patients with a history of virological failure on non-darunavir regimens were allowed. Randomisation was by computer-generated interactive web-response system and stratified by boosted protease inhibitor use at baseline. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to switch to the open-label study regimen or continue the control regimen. The study regimen consisted of a fixed-dose tablet containing darunavir 800 mg, cobicistat 150 mg, emtricitabine 200 mg, and tenofovir alafenamide 10 mg, which was taken once per day for 48 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with virological rebound (confirmed viral load ≥50 copies per mL or premature discontinuations, with last viral load ≥50 copies per mL) cumulative through week 48; we tested non-inferiority (4% margin) of the study regimen versus the control regimen in the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02269917.

FINDINGS

The study began on April 1, 2015, and the cutoff date for the week 48 primary analysis was Feb 24, 2017. Of 1141 patients (763 in the study group and 378 in the control group), 664 (58%) had previously received five or more antiretrovirals, including screening antiretrovirals, and 169 (15%) had previous virological failure on a non-darunavir regimen. The study regimen was non-inferior to the control for virological rebound cumulative through week 48 (19 [2·5%] of 763 patients in the study group vs eight (2·1%) of 378 patients in the control group; difference 0·4%, 95% CI -1·5 to 2·2; p<0·0001). No resistance to any study drug was observed. Numbers of discontinuations related to adverse events (11 [1%] of 763 patients in the study group vs four [1%] of 378 patients in the control group) and grade 3-4 adverse events (52 [7%] patients vs 31 [8%] patients) were similar between the two groups. There was a small non-clinically relevant but statistically significant (0·2 [SD 1·1] vs 0·1 [1·1], p=0.010) difference between the two groups in change from baseline in total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio. Only one serious adverse event (pancreatitis in the study group) was deemed as possibly related to the study regimen.

INTERPRETATION

Our findings show the safety and efficacy of single-tablet darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide as a potential switch option for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults with viral suppression.

FUNDING

Janssen.

[Darunavir/cobicistat monotherapy. Experience in a tertiary hospital]

OBJECTIVE

Ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (IP/r) monotherapy: darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) or lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) monotherapy is only provided in the major treatment guidelines in pretreated patients to prevent toxicity associated with nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), reduce costs and simplify antiretroviral treatment. To start IP/r monotherapy, according to GESIDA guidelines 2016, patients need to meet the following criteria: absence of chronic hepatitis B, plasma viral load <50 copies/ mL for at least 6 months and absence of protease inhibitors mutations or previous virologic failures to IP/r. Currently, there are no studies that evaluate the efficacy and safety of darunavir/cobicistat (DRV/COBI) monotherapy.

METHODS

This prospective study analyzed pretreated HIV patients with DRV/r monotherapy that were switched to DRV/COBI monotherapy. The aim of the study is to describe the effectiveness and safety of the DRV/COBI monotherapy.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients were evaluated. Patients had a median of 31.29 months of DRV/r monotherapy before DRV/COBI monotherapy. Nine of the 78 patients developed "blips" (plasma viral load: 50-200 copies/ml) and four patients had plasma viral load ≥200 copies/mL. An 83.3% (65/78) of the patients remained with undetectable plasma viral load. As for safety, there were no significant differences in lipid profile, liver function (transaminases) and renal function between DRV/r and DRV/COBI monotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

DRV/COBI monotherapy seems to be effective and safe (lipid profile, liver and kidney function). However, it will be necessary to design specific studies comparing DRV/r vs DRV/COBI monotherapy to confirm these results.

Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome due to drug interaction between glucocorticoids and the ritonavir or cobicistat containing HIV therapies

Ritonavir and cobicistat, used as pharmacokinetic enhancers in combination with some antiretrovirals (ARVs) for the treatment of HIV, are potent inhibitors of the CYP3A4 isoenzyme. Most glucocorticoids are metabolised via the CYP3A4 pathway and iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (ICS), with possible secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI), is a recognised complication following co-administration with ritonavir or cobicistat. A structured approach for identifying and managing potentially affected individuals has not been established.We systematically identified patients with ICS/SAI and found substantial heterogeneity in clinical practice across three large London HIV centres. While this significant drug interaction and its complications are now well-recognised, it is apparent that there is no standardised approach to management or guidance for the general physician. Here we describe the management of ICS/SAI in our current practice, review the available evidence and suggest practice recommendations.

Integrase inhibitor versus protease inhibitor based regimen for HIV-1 infected women (WAVES): a randomised, controlled, double-blind, phase 3 study

BACKGROUND

Women are under-represented in HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) studies. Guidelines for selection of ART as initial therapy in patients with HIV-1 infection do not contain sex-specific treatment. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the single tablet integrase inhibitor regimen containing elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate compared with a boosted protease inhibitor regimen of ritonavir-boosted atazanavir with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

METHODS

In this international, randomised, controlled, double-blind, phase 3 study (Women AntiretroViral Efficacy and Safety study [WAVES]), we recruited treatment-naive HIV-infected women with an estimated creatinine clearance of 70 mL/min or higher from 80 centres in 11 countries. Women were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (integrase inhibitor regimen) or ritonavir-boosted atazanavir with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (protease inhibitor based regimen); regimens were masked with matching placebos. Randomisation was done by a computer-generated allocation sequence (block size four) and was stratified by HIV-1 RNA viral load and race. Investigators, patients, study staff, and those assessing outcomes were masked to treatment group. All participants who received one dose of study drug were included in the primary efficacy and safety analyses. The main outcome was the proportion of patients with plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL at week 48 as defined by US Food and Drug Administration snapshot algorithm (prespecified non-inferiority margin of 12%). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01705574.

FINDINGS

Between Nov 28, 2012, and March 12, 2014, 575 women were enrolled. 289 were randomly assigned to receive the integrase inhibitor regimen and 286 to receive the protease inhibitor based regimen. 252 (87%) women in the integrase inhibitor group had plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL at week 48 compared with 231 (81%) women in the protease inhibitor group (adjusted difference 6·5%; 95% CI 0·4-12·6). No participant had virological failure with resistance in the integrase inhibitor group compared with three participants ([1%]; all Met184Val/Ile) in the protease inhibitor group. 19 women in the protease inhibitor group discontinued because of adverse events compared with five in the integrase inhibitor group.

INTERPRETATION

WAVES shows that clinical trials of ART regimens in global and diverse populations of treatment-naive women are possible. The findings support guidelines recommending integrase inhibitor based regimens in first-line antiretroviral therapy.

FUNDING

Gilead Sciences.

Rezolsta® (Darunavir/Cobicistat): First Boosted Protease Inhibitor Co-formulated with Cobicistat

Rezolsta® (darunavir/cobicistat) is the first boosted protease inhibitor in a fixed-dose combination to be approved for the treatment of HIV infection. It contains darunavir, a protease inhibitor with a well-known safety and efficacy profile, and the new pharmacokinetic enhancer cobicistat. The convenience of this combination makes boosted darunavir easier to take, thus improving adherence. Exposure to darunavir is equivalent when it is administered with cobicistat or with ritonavir. Darunavir/cobicistat-based antiretroviral therapy has shown considerable efficacy and good tolerability in several clinical trials. Data from the single-arm, open-label, phase III GS-US-216-130 trial showed virological efficacy rates comparable to those from ARTEMIS and ODIN. Darunavir/cobicistat was well tolerated; most adverse events were mild and consisted of gastrointestinal disturbances. Cobicistat inhibits transporters of creatinine in kidney tubules, thus causing a minimal and reversible reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate. Like ritonavir, cobicistat is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and, as such, shares most of its drug interactions. However, inhibition by cobicistat seems to be more specific than with ritonavir, and cobicistat has no inducer effect; therefore, differences in its drug interaction profile may be observed.