Improvements in Patient-Reported Outcomes After 12 Months of Maintenance Therapy With Cabotegravir + Rilpivirine Long-Acting Compared With Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in the Phase 3b SOLAR Study.

SOLAR (NCT04542070; registered 2020-09-09) is a Phase 3b study that demonstrated the noninferior virological efficacy of switching to cabotegravir + rilpivirine long-acting (CAB + RPV LA) dosed every 2 months vs. continuing daily oral bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) over 12 months. Participants were randomised (2:1) to switch to CAB + RPV LA or to continue BIC/FTC/TAF. Patient-reported endpoints included treatment preference, treatment satisfaction (12-item HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version), acceptability of injections (Perception of Injection questionnaire [acceptability domain]) and three single-item questions exploring psychological challenges related to HIV treatment (fear of disclosure, adherence-related anxiety and reminder of HIV status). Of 670 participants, 447 participants switched to CAB + RPV LA and 223 continued BIC/FTC/TAF. Overall, 18% were female, median age was 37 years and 31% were non-White. At Month 12, CAB + RPV LA significantly improved treatment satisfaction vs. BIC/FTC/TAF (mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] change: + 3.36 [2.59, 4.13] vs. -1.59 [-2.71, -0.47]; p < 0.001). At Month 12, a higher proportion of CAB + RPV LA arm participants reported improvements across the psychological challenges related to HIV treatment questions compared with BIC/FTC/TAF participants. Participants indicating ≥ 1 psychological challenge at baseline experienced a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in treatment satisfaction after 12 months of CAB + RPV LA vs. continuing BIC/FTC/TAF (adjusted difference [95% CI]: 7.96 [5.65, 10.26]; p < 0.001). Most (90%, 382/425) questionnaire respondents preferred CAB + RPV LA vs. BIC/FTC/TAF (5%, 21/425). Switching to CAB + RPV LA was associated with significantly improved treatment satisfaction and relief from the fear of disclosure, anxiety surrounding adherence and reminder of HIV status.

RESUMEN: SOLAR (NCT04542070; registrado el 09-09-2020) es un estudio de fase IIIb que ha demostrado la eficacia virológica no inferior de cambiar a cabotegravir+rilpivirina de acción prolongada (CAB+RPV LA) administrado cada 2 meses frente a continuar con la administración oral diaria de bictegravir/emtricitabina/tenofovir alafenamida (BIC/FTC/TAF) durante 12 meses. Los participantes fueron asignados de forma aleatoria (2:1) al grupo de cambio a CAB+RPV LA o de continuación con BIC/FTC/TAF. Los parámetros declarados por los pacientes incluían la preferencia del tratamiento, la satisfacción del tratamiento (versión del estado del cuestionario de satisfacción del tratamiento de VIH de 12 preguntas), la aceptación de las inyecciones (cuestionario de percepción de las inyecciones [dominio de aceptación]) y tres preguntas individuales que analizaban los problemas psicológicos relacionados con el tratamiento del VIH (miedo a la revelación, ansiedad relacionada con el cumplimiento terapéutico y recordatorio del estado del VIH). De los 670 participantes, 447 participantes cambiaron a CAB+RPV LA y 223 continuaron con BIC/FTC/TAF. En general, el 18 % eran mujeres, el promedio de edad era de 37 años y el 31 % no eran blancos. En el mes 12, el tratamiento con CAB+RPV LA aumentó considerablemente la satisfacción del tratamiento frente al BIC/FTC/TAF (cambio [intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95 %] medio: +3.36 [2.59; 4.13] frente a ­1.59 [­2.71; ­0.47]; p<0.001). En el mes 12, una mayor proporción de participantes del grupo de CAB+RPV LA declararon mejoras en todos los problemas psicológicos relacionados con las preguntas sobre el tratamiento del VIH en comparación con los participantes del grupo de BIC/FTC/TAF. Los participantes que indicaron ≥ 1 problema psicológico en el inicio experimentaron una mejora importante estadísticamente y significativa clínicamente con respecto a la satisfacción del tratamiento al cabo de 12 meses del cambio a CAB+RPV LA frente a la continuación con BIC/FTC/TAF (diferencia ajustada [IC del 95 %]: 7.96 [5.65; 10.26]; p<0.001). La mayoría de encuestados (el 90 %, 382/425) preferían CAB+RPV LA frente a BIC/FTC/TAF (el 5 %, 21/425). El cambio a CAB+RPV LA se asoció a un aumento considerable de la satisfacción del tratamiento y al alivio del miedo a la revelación, la ansiedad en torno al cumplimiento terapéutico y el recordatorio del estado del VIH.

Population pharmacokinetics of cabotegravir following intramuscular thigh injections in adults with and without HIV.

Cabotegravir intramuscular gluteal injection is approved for HIV treatment (with rilpivirine) and prevention. Thigh muscle is a potential alternative injection site. We aim to characterize cabotegravir pharmacokinetics and its association with demographics following intramuscular thigh injection in comparison with gluteal injection using population pharmacokinetic (PPK) analysis. Fourteen HIV-negative participants received 600 mg single thigh injection in phase 1 study 208832 and 118 participants with HIV received thigh injections 400 mg monthly 4× or 600 mg once-every-2-months 2× after ≥3 years of gluteal injections in phase 3b study ATLAS-2M provided 1,249 cabotegravir concentrations from 366 thigh injections and 1,998 concentrations from 1,618 gluteal injections. The established gluteal PPK model was modified by adding thigh injection compartment and fit to pharmacokinetic data following both gluteal and thigh injections, enabling within-person comparison in ATLAS-2M. Gluteal parameters were fixed. Similar to the gluteal absorption rate constant (KAgluteal), the thigh absorption rate constant (KAthigh) was slower in females than males and in participants with higher BMI. KAthigh was strongly correlated with KAgluteal (correlation coefficient 0.766), best described by the additive linear relationship KAthigh = KAgluteal + 0.0002527 h-1. Terminal half-life of thigh injection was 26% (male) and 39% (female) shorter than gluteal injection. Relative bioavailability of thigh to gluteal was estimated to be 89.9%. The impact of covariates on cabotegravir exposure following thigh injections was ≤35%. In conclusion, cabotegravir absorption following thigh injection was correlated with, faster than, and 10% less bioavailable than gluteal injection, and correlated with sex and BMI. The cabotegravir thigh PPK model can inform dosing strategies and future study design.

Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics by Body Mass Index Category in Phase 3/3b Long-Acting Cabotegravir Plus Rilpivirine Trials.

BACKGROUND: Cabotegravir plus rilpivirine (CAB + RPV) is a guideline-recommended long-acting (LA) injectable regimen for the maintenance of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) virologic suppression. This post hoc analysis summarizes CAB + RPV LA results by baseline body mass index (BMI) category among phase 3/3b trial participants. METHODS: Data from CAB + RPV-naive participants receiving every 4 or 8 week dosing in FLAIR, ATLAS, and ATLAS-2M were pooled through week 48. Data beyond week 48 were summarized by study (FLAIR through week 96 and ATLAS-2M through week 152). HIV-1 RNA <50 and ≥50 copies/mL, confirmed virologic failure (CVF; 2 consecutive HIV-1 RNA ≥200 copies/mL), safety and tolerability, and plasma CAB and RPV trough concentrations were evaluated by baseline BMI (<30 kg/m2, lower; ≥30 kg/m2, higher). RESULTS: Among 1245 CAB + RPV LA participants, 213 (17%) had a baseline BMI ≥30 kg/m2. At week 48, 92% versus 93% of participants with lower versus higher BMI had HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL, respectively. Including data beyond week 48, 18 participants had CVF; those in the higher BMI group (n = 8) all had at least 1 other baseline factor associated with CVF (archived RPV resistance-associated mutations or HIV-1 subtype A6/A1). Safety and pharmacokinetic profiles were comparable between BMI categories. CONCLUSIONS: CAB + RPV LA was efficacious and well tolerated, regardless of baseline BMI category. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT02938520, NCT02951052, and NCT03299049.

Implementation of long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine: primary results from the perspective of staff study participants in the Cabotegravir And Rilpivirine Implementation Study in European Locations.

INTRODUCTION: Cabotegravir plus rilpivirine (CAB + RPV) is the first complete long-acting (LA) regimen recommended for maintaining HIV-1 virological suppression. Cabotegravir And Rilpivirine Implementation Study in European Locations (CARISEL) is an implementation-effectiveness study examining the implementation of CAB+RPV LA administered every 2 months (Q2M) in European HIV centres. We present staff study participant (SSP) perspectives on the administration of CAB+RPV LA over 12 months. METHODS: Eighteen clinics were randomized to one of two implementation support packages: standard arm (Arm-S) or enhanced arm (Arm-E). Arm-S included video injection training and provider/patient toolkits. Additionally, Arm-E included skilled wrap-around team meetings, face-to-face injection training and continuous quality improvement (CQI) calls. SSPs completed surveys on the acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of CAB+RPV LA as an intervention and its implementation into their clinics, as well as barriers and facilitators to implementation. All surveys were completed at Month (M)1 (baseline), M5 and M12; data collection was completed by February 2022. Qualitative data were obtained from semi-structured interviews at M1, M5 and M12. The primary objective was assessed via formal statistical comparisons between study arms of the Acceptability of Implementation Measure, Implementation Appropriateness Measure and Feasibility of Implementation Measure surveys (1-5 Likert scale ranging from 1 = "completely disagree" to 5 = "completely agree"). Equivalent measures anchored to CAB+RPV LA as a therapy were also assessed. RESULTS: Seventy SSPs completed surveys and interviews at M1, 68 at M5 and 62 at M12. Mean acceptability/appropriateness/feasibility scores were ≥3.8 (out of 5) at M12 for implementation- and intervention-based measures. An analysis of covariance showed no significant differences between study arms for these outcomes. Although barriers were noted, most SSPs were not overly concerned that these would impact implementation; concern about these anticipated barriers also decreased over time. At M12, 90.3% (n = 56/62) of SSPs held a positive opinion about CAB+RPV LA implementation. Qualitative interviews and CQI calls highlighted three top practices that supported implementation: implementation planning; education about CAB+RPV LA clinical efficacy; and education around administering injections and managing pain/discomfort after injections. CONCLUSIONS: CARISEL demonstrated that CAB+RPV LA dosed Q2M was successfully implemented across a range of European locations, with SSPs finding implementation highly acceptable, appropriate and feasible. GOV NUMBER: NCT04399551.

Safety and Effectiveness From the Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine Implementation Study in European Locations Study: Phase 3b Hybrid Type III Implementation Study Integrating Cabotegravir + Rilpivirine Long-Acting Into European Clinical Settings.

BACKGROUND: Cabotegravir + rilpivirine long-acting (CAB + RPV LA) dosed every 2 months (Q2M) is a complete regimen for the maintenance of HIV-1 virologic suppression. In this study, we report month 12 clinical outcomes in patient study participants (PSPs) in the CAB and RPV Implementation Study in European Locations (CARISEL) study. SETTING: CARISEL is a phase 3b implementation-effectiveness study. METHODS: CARISEL was designed as a 2-arm, unblinded study with centers randomized to either enhanced or standard implementation arms. For PSPs, this study is single arm, unblinded, and interventional; all PSPs switched from daily oral therapy to CAB + RPV LA dosed Q2M. The primary objective was to evaluate the perceived acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of CAB + RPV LA implementation for staff participants (presented separately). Clinical secondary endpoints assessed through month 12 included the proportion of PSPs with plasma HIV-1 RNA ≥50 and <50 copies/mL (Snapshot algorithm), incidence of confirmed virologic failure (CVF; 2 consecutive plasma HIV-1 RNA levels ≥200 copies/mL), adherence to injection visit windows, and safety and tolerability. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty PSPs were enrolled and treated; the mean age was 44 years (30% ≥50 years), 25% were women (sex at birth), and 22% were persons of color. At month 12, 87% (n = 373/430) of PSPs maintained HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL, with 0.7% (n = 3/430) having HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL. One PSP had CVF. The safety profile was consistent with previous findings. Overall, the results were similar between implementation arms. CONCLUSION: CAB + RPV LA Q2M was well tolerated and highly effective in maintaining virologic suppression with a low rate of virologic failure.

Cabotegravir + Rilpivirine Long-Acting: Overview of Injection Guidance, Injection Site Reactions, and Best Practices for Intramuscular Injection Administration.

Background: Cabotegravir (CAB) + rilpivirine (RPV) dosed monthly or every 2 months is a complete long-acting (LA) regimen for the maintenance of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 virologic suppression. Across the phase 3/3b trials, the most frequently reported adverse events were injection site reactions (ISRs). Methods: We present pooled ISR characteristics and outcomes for participants receiving CAB + RPV LA through week 96 of the FLAIR and ATLAS-2M studies, and survey results from healthcare providers (HCPs) giving injections (eg, injectors) in the ATLAS, FLAIR, and ATLAS-2M studies to determine optimal injection techniques. Surveys were anonymous, self-administered online questionnaires that queried provider demographics, injection experience, and techniques to minimize pre-/postinjection discomfort. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Overall, 8453 ISRs were reported by 801 participants receiving ≥1 injection of CAB LA/RPV LA. Most ISRs were mild to moderate in severity (grade 1-2, 99%), with a median duration of 3 days (interquartile range, 2-4 days), and rarely led to withdrawal (2%). Surveys were completed by 181 HCPs across 113 sites. Pushing the intramuscular injection at slow speed (66%), bringing the medication to room temperature (58%), and relaxing the gluteus muscle before injecting (53%) were ranked as effective preinjection/injection procedure practices for minimizing pain. Most injectors (60%) indicated that a prone position provided optimal patient comfort, and 41% had no preference on injection medication order. Conclusions: Taken together, the data demonstrate favorable tolerability with CAB + RPV LA injections over the long term and simple techniques routinely used by injectors to help optimize the administration of CAB + RPV LA injections.

Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of cabotegravir and rilpivirine long-acting intramuscular injections to the vastus lateralis (lateral thigh) muscles of healthy adult participants.

Cabotegravir + rilpivirine administered via intramuscular gluteal injections is the first complete long-acting (LA) regimen approved for maintaining HIV-1 virologic suppression. The vastus lateralis (lateral) thigh muscle could be a potential alternative site of administration in circumstances such as injection site fatigue, intolerability, or contraindication for gluteal administration. Cabotegravir and rilpivirine pharmacokinetics and participant tolerability were evaluated following single intramuscular injections to the lateral thigh. Healthy adult participants received 4 weeks of daily oral cabotegravir (30 mg) and rilpivirine (25 mg), followed by a 10- to 14-day washout and single 3 mL intramuscular injections of cabotegravir LA 600 mg and rilpivirine LA 900 mg to the lateral thigh. Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics were evaluated through 52 weeks post injection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using non-compartmental analysis. Fifteen participants (female at birth, n = 6) enrolled. Median age was 33 years. Median weight was 93.6 kg. Median body mass index was 31.4 kg/m2. One participant withdrew due to pregnancy after oral dosing before receiving an injection. Plasma concentrations at Weeks 4 and 8 were 15.4- and 5.3-fold above the protein-adjusted 90% inhibitory concentration for cabotegravir and 4.7- and 2.4-fold for rilpivirine, respectively. The most common injection site reactions were pain [28/28 (100%)], induration [15/28 (54%)], and swelling [12/28 (42%)]; 94% were Grade 1 or 2. Cabotegravir and rilpivirine plasma pharmacokinetic profiles observed in this study support further evaluation of thigh administration in target populations of people living with HIV-1. Tolerability of cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA intramuscular lateral thigh injections was similar to gluteal administration.

Asian participants' experience in phase 3/3b studies of long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine: Efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetic, and virological outcomes through week 96.

OBJECTIVES: Cabotegravir + rilpivirine (CAB + RPV) dosed monthly or every 2 months is the first complete long-acting (LA) regimen recommended by treatment guidelines for the maintenance of HIV-1 virological suppression. This post hoc analysis summarizes outcomes for Asian participants through week 96. METHODS: Data from Asian participants naive to CAB + RPV randomized to receive dosing every 4 weeks (Q4W) or every 8 weeks (Q8W) in the FLAIR (NCT02938520) and ATLAS-2M (NCT03299049) phase 3/3b studies were pooled. The proportion of participants with plasma HIV-1 RNA ≥50 and <50 copies/mL (per FDA Snapshot algorithm), incidence of confirmed virological failure (CVF; two consecutive HIV-1 RNA ≥200 copies/mL), pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability through week 96 were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 41 Asian participants received CAB + RPV (Q8W, n = 17; Q4W, n = 24). At week 96, 83% (n = 34/41) of participants maintained HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL, none had HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL, and 17% (n = 7/41) had no virological data. No Asian participant met the CVF criterion. Drug-related adverse events occurred in 44% (n = 18/41) of participants; none were Grade ≥3. All injection site reactions were Grade 1 or 2; median duration was 2 days and most resolved within 7 days (90%, n = 390/435). CAB and RPV trough concentrations remained well above their respective protein-adjusted 90% inhibitory concentrations (CAB, 0.166 µg/mL; RPV, 12 ng/mL) through week 96. CONCLUSIONS: CAB + RPV LA demonstrated high efficacy, with no participants having CVF, and an acceptable safety profile in Asian participants through week 96. These data support CAB + RPV LA as a complete regimen for the maintenance of HIV-1 virological suppression in Asian individuals.

Practical dosing guidance for the management of clinician-administered injections of long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine.

Cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) is the first complete long-acting (LA) injectable regimen recommended by treatment guidelines for the maintenance of HIV-1 virologic suppression in people with HIV-1 who are virologically suppressed on a stable antiretroviral regimen that is administered monthly (Q1M) or every 2 months (Q2M). As an alternative regimen to lifelong daily oral antiretroviral therapy, Q1M or Q2M dosing schedules are associated with increased patient satisfaction and treatment preference. In addition, it may address challenges associated with daily oral dosing, including fear of treatment disclosure or stigma, anxiety related to oral dosing adherence, and the daily reminder of HIV disease status. Cabotegravir + RPV LA is administered by clinical staff as two intramuscular injections dosed Q1M or Q2M. In this review, we share practical dosing guidance for CAB+RPV LA injectable therapy, including how to initiate therapy, schedule injection visits, manage dosing interruptions due to missed or delayed injection visits, manage errors in dosing, and transition to alternative antiretroviral therapy after discontinuation. Practical guidance on the clinical management of CAB+RPV LA dosing, including a detailed discussion using case-based scenarios that may be encountered in clinical practice, is provided. The clinician-administered CAB+RPV LA regimen has dosing management considerations that are flexible and considerate of the patient and has the potential to provide a highly desirable and efficacious alternative to daily oral antiretroviral therapy for many people with HIV-1.

Guidance for clinicians on the management of long-acting Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine Injectable Therapy for HIV-1 Cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) is the first long-acting (LA) injectable therapy for people with HIV-1 who previously achieved undetectable virus levels using other HIV-1 medications. People with HIV-1 receive CAB+RPV LA as two injections given by their clinician every 1 month or every 2 months, providing an alternative treatment option to lifelong daily oral medications. People with HIV-1 receiving CAB+RPV LA every 1 or 2 months have higher levels of treatment satisfaction and often prefer CAB+RPV LA compared with daily oral medications. Cabotegravir+RPV LA may also address challenges associated with daily oral medications, including fear of inadvertently sharing HIV status, anxiety related to taking daily medications, and having a daily reminder of HIV. In this review, we provide guidance for clinicians on how to administer CAB+RPV LA injectable therapy, including how to start patients on CAB+RPV LA injections, schedule injection visits, manage missed or delayed injection visits, manage dosing errors, and switch patients to a different treatment if CAB+RPV LA is discontinued. This review also includes a detailed discussion of potential scenarios related to the administration and scheduling of CAB+RPV LA injections that may occur in clinical practice. Overall, this review serves as a practical guide for managing CAB+RPV LA injectable therapy in clinical practice that will be useful for HIV clinicians.

Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of switching to long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine versus continuing fixed-dose bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide in virologically suppressed adults with HIV, 12-month results (SOLAR): a randomised, open-label, phase 3b, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Cabotegravir plus rilpivirine is the only approved complete long-acting regimen for the maintenance of HIV-1 virological suppression dosed every 2 months. The SOLAR study aimed to compare long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine every 2 months with continued once-daily bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide for the maintenance of HIV-1 virological suppression in adults living with HIV. METHODS: SOLAR is a randomised, open-label, multicentre, phase 3b, non-inferiority study. The study was done in 118 centres across 14 countries. Participants with HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL were randomly assigned (2:1), stratified by sex at birth and BMI, to either long-acting cabotegravir (600 mg) plus rilpivirine (900 mg) dosed intramuscularly every 2 months or to continue daily oral bictegravir (50 mg), emtricitabine (200 mg), and tenofovir alafenamide (25 mg). Participants randomly assigned to long-acting therapy had a choice to receive cabotegravir (30 mg) plus rilpivirine (25 mg) once daily as an optional oral lead-in for approximately 1 month. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of participants with virological non-response (HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies per mL; the US Food and Drug Administration snapshot algorithm, 4% non-inferiority margin; modified intention-to-treat exposed population) at month 11 (long-acting start with injections group) and month 12 (long-acting with oral lead-in group and bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide group). The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04542070, and is ongoing. FINDINGS: 837 participants were screened between Nov 9, 2020, and May 31, 2021, and 687 were randomly assigned to switch treatment or continue existing treatment. Of 670 participants (modified intention-to-treat exposed population), 447 (67%) switched to long-acting therapy (274 [61%] of 447 start with injections; 173 [39%] of 447 with oral lead-in) and 223 (33%) continued bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. Baseline characteristics were similar; median age was 37 years (range 18-74), 118 (18%) of 670 were female sex at birth, 207 (31%) of 670 were non-White, and median BMI was 25·9 kg/m2 (IQR 23·3-29·5). At month 11-12, long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine showed non-inferior efficacy versus bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies per mL, five [1%] of 447 vs one [<1%] of 223), with an adjusted treatment difference of 0·7 (95% CI -0·7 to 2·0). Excluding injection site reactions, adverse events and serious adverse events were similar between groups. No treatment-related deaths occurred. More long-acting group participants had adverse events leading to withdrawal (25 [6%] of 454 vs two [1%] of 227). Injection site reactions were reported by 316 (70%) of 454 long-acting participants; most (98%) were grade 1 or 2. INTERPRETATION: These data support the use of long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine dosed every 2 months as a complete antiretroviral regimen that has similar efficacy to a commonly used integrase strand transfer inhibitor-based first-line regimen, while addressing unmet psychosocial issues associated with daily oral treatment. FUNDING: ViiV Healthcare.

Expanded Multivariable Models to Assist Patient Selection for Long-Acting Cabotegravir + Rilpivirine Treatment: Clinical Utility of a Combination of Patient, Drug Concentration, and Viral Factors Associated With Virologic Failure.

BACKGROUND: Previously reported post hoc multivariable analyses exploring predictors of confirmed virologic failure (CVF) with cabotegravir + rilpivirine long-acting (CAB + RPV LA) were expanded to include data beyond week 48, additional covariates, and additional participants. METHODS: Pooled data from 1651 participants were used to explore dosing regimen (every 4 or every 8 weeks), demographic, viral, and pharmacokinetic covariates as potential predictors of CVF. Prior dosing regimen experience was accounted for using 2 populations. Two models were conducted in each population-baseline factor analyses exploring factors known at baseline and multivariable analyses exploring baseline factors plus postbaseline model-predicted CAB/RPV trough concentrations (4 and 44 weeks postinjection). Retained factors were evaluated to understand their contribution to CVF (alone or in combination). RESULTS: Overall, 1.4% (n = 23/1651) of participants had CVF through 152 weeks. The presence of RPV resistance-associated mutations, human immunodeficiency virus-1 subtype A6/A1, and body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 were associated with an increased risk of CVF (P < .05 adjusted incidence rate ratio), with participants with ≥2 of these baseline factors having a higher risk of CVF. Lower model-predicted CAB/RPV troughs were additional factors retained for multivariable analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of ≥2 baseline factors (RPV resistance-associated mutations, A6/A1 subtype, and/or body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) was associated with increased CVF risk, consistent with prior analyses. Inclusion of initial model-predicted CAB/RPV trough concentrations (≤first quartile) did not improve the prediction of CVF beyond the presence of a combination of ≥2 baseline factors, reinforcing the clinical utility of the baseline factors in the appropriate use of CAB + RPV LA.

Long-Acting Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine Dosed Every 2 Months in Adults With Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 Type 1 Infection: 152-Week Results From ATLAS-2M, a Randomized, Open-Label, Phase 3b, Noninferiority Study.

BACKGROUND: Cabotegravir (CAB) + rilpivirine (RPV) dosed intramuscularly monthly or every 2 months is a complete, long-acting (LA) regimen for the maintenance of HIV-1 virologic suppression. Here, we report the antiretroviral therapy as long acting suppression (ATLAS)-2M study week 152 results. METHODS: ATLAS-2M is a phase 3b, randomized, multicenter study assessing the efficacy and safety of CAB+RPV LA every 8 weeks (Q8W) versus every 4 weeks (Q4W). Virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) individuals were randomized to receive CAB+RPV LA Q8W or Q4W. Endpoints included the proportion of participants with plasma HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL and <50 copies/mL, incidence of confirmed virologic failure (CVF; 2 consecutive measurements ≥200 copies/mL), safety, and tolerability. RESULTS: A total of 1045 participants received CAB+RPV LA (Q8W, n = 522; Q4W, n = 523). CAB+RPV LA Q8W demonstrated noninferior efficacy versus Q4W dosing, with 2.7% (n = 14) and 1.0% (n = 5) of participants having HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL, respectively, with adjusted treatment difference being 1.7% (95% CI: 0.1-3.3%), meeting the 4% noninferiority threshold. At week 152, 87% of participants maintained HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL (Q8W, 87% [n = 456]; Q4W, 86% [n = 449]). Overall, 12 (2.3%) participants in the Q8W arm and 2 (0.4%) in the Q4W arm had CVF. Eight and 10 participants with CVF had treatment-emergent, resistance-associated mutations to RPV and integrase inhibitors, respectively. Safety profiles were comparable, with no new safety signals observed since week 48. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate virologic suppression durability with CAB+RPV LA Q8W or Q4W for ∼3 years and confirm long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CAB+RPV LA as a complete regimen to maintain HIV-1 virologic suppression.

Factors Associated with Health Care Providers' Preference for Forgoing an Oral Lead-In Phase When Initiating Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine in the SOLAR Clinical Trial.

Cabotegravir and rilpivirine long-acting (LA) antiretroviral therapy (ART) demonstrated similar safety and efficacy in maintaining viral suppression among participants switching from daily oral to LA ART in the Extension Phase of the FLAIR trial. The Phase IIIb SOLAR study comparing efficacy and safety of daily oral versus LA ART every 2 months allowed participants and health care providers (HCPs) to choose an oral lead-in (OLI) before LA initiation or proceed by immediately starting with injections (SWI). We conducted an online survey among SOLAR HCPs (n = 110) in 13 countries to assess reasons for choosing OLI versus SWI. Logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing this decision. Thirty-two percent of HCPs reported a future preference to use OLI, whereas 54% reported a future preference for SWI. HCPs had greater odds of reporting future intentions for SWI if they were from Continental Europe versus North America [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.83, p < 0.05], from sites with a greater number of participants who initiated LA ART without OLI (aOR: 1.56, p < 0.01), and those who reported comfort with the medication safety profile (aOR: 6.39, p < 0.01). HCPs who participated in LA ART trials before SOLAR had decreased odds of reporting a preference for SWI compared to those with no prior LA ART trial experience (aOR: 0.11; p < 0.01). Results indicated higher intentions to SWI over OLI among HCPs initiating participants on LA ART. A major factor associated with SWI was provider comfort with safety data, reinforcing the role of continued training regarding an SWI approach.

Pregnancy outcomes and pharmacokinetics in pregnant women living with HIV exposed to long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine in clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on pregnant women living with HIV exposed to cabotegravir + rilpivirine (CAB + RPV). Outcomes in pregnant participants exposed to CAB + RPV, and pharmacokinetic washout data in those exposed to CAB + RPV long-acting (LA) with live births, are presented. METHODS: Women exposed to one or more doses of CAB + RPV (oral/LA) from ViiV Healthcare-sponsored phase 2b/3/3b clinical trials and the compassionate use programme who became pregnant were included. Upon pregnancy in the trial programme, CAB + RPV was discontinued, an alternative antiretroviral regimen was initiated, and quarterly pharmacokinetic sampling for 52 weeks post-last injection was obtained. CAB + RPV continuation or alternative antiretroviral regimen initiation was decided by pregnant compassionate use programme participants and their treating physicians. RESULTS: As of 31 March 2021, 25 pregnancies following CAB + RPV exposure at conception were reported (five oral, 20 LA), including four who conceived during pharmacokinetic washout following treatment discontinuation. There were eight elective abortions, six miscarriages (five in first trimester), one ectopic pregnancy, and 10 live births (one oral, nine LA), including one infant born with congenital ptosis. Among participants exposed to CAB + RPV LA at conception with live births, plasma CAB and RPV washout concentrations during pregnancy were within the range of those observed in non-pregnant women. CONCLUSION: In this first analysis of pregnancy outcomes following CAB + RPV exposure at conception, 10 live births, including one with congenital anomaly, were reported. Plasma CAB and RPV washout concentrations during pregnancy were within the range of those in non-pregnant women. Pregnancy surveillance within ViiV Healthcare-sponsored clinical trials is ongoing, with dedicated pregnancy studies planned.

Compassionate use of long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine for people living with HIV-1 in need of parenteral antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Physicians could request compassionate use of oral and long-acting (LA) cabotegravir + rilpivirine for people living with HIV-1 under a single-patient request programme supported by ViiV Healthcare and Janssen. Outcomes are reported. METHODS: Eligibility criteria included need for parenteral therapy, no primary resistance mutations to cabotegravir or rilpivirine, and established retention in care. Demographic, efficacy, and safety data were obtained from standardized programme applications and quarterly clinical updates. Individuals received a loading dose of LA cabotegravir 600 mg + rilpivirine 900 mg, followed by LA maintenance doses of 400 mg/600 mg every 4 weeks; some received lead-in oral cabotegravir and rilpivirine. RESULTS: Through July 2020, 35 people living with HIV-1 had data available. The most frequent reason for compassionate use request was chronic non-adherence due to psychological conditions (n = 15). Of 35 people living with HIV-1, 28 had detectable viremia (median viral load 60 300 copies/mL) and seven were virologically suppressed at programme entry; 16/28 and 6/7 achieved or maintained virological suppression at data cutoff, respectively. Seven people living with HIV-1 discontinued for incomplete virological response, six with detectable viremia at initiation; six and four had new reverse transcriptase and integrase mutations at discontinuation, respectively. Six non-fatal serious adverse events were reported, two considered possibly treatment related. Four deaths were reported; none were treatment related. One individual reported two pregnancies and continued LA dosing. CONCLUSIONS: Most people living with HIV-1 had advanced disease and achieved (16/28) or maintained (6/7) virological suppression with LA therapy. Cabotegravir LA + rilpivirine LA as compassionate use provided a valuable treatment option for individuals with adherence issues with oral therapy and advanced disease.

Perspectives of healthcare providers on implementation of long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine in US healthcare settings from a Hybrid III Implementation-effectiveness study (CUSTOMIZE).

INTRODUCTION: CUSTOMIZE evaluated the implementation of long-acting (LA) cabotegravir + rilpivirine, a novel healthcare provider-administered injectable antiretroviral therapy regimen, in diverse US healthcare settings. Findings from staff-study participants (SSPs) through 12 months of implementation are reported. METHODS: CUSTOMIZE was a phase IIIb, 12-month, single-arm, hybrid III implementation-effectiveness study conducted from July 2019 to October 2020 at eight US clinics of five clinic types: private practice (n = 2), federally qualified health centre (n = 2), university (n = 2), AIDS Healthcare Foundation (n = 2) and health maintenance organization (n = 1). Eligible patient participants received monthly cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA injections after a 1-month oral lead-in. At baseline, month 4 and month 12, SSPs (n = 3 each per clinic), including physicians, nurses or injectors, and administrators, completed quantitative surveys and semi-structured interviews to assess implementation outcomes (acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of intervention measures), programme sustainability and SSP perceptions of, attitudes towards, and expectations for cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA. Month 12 data collection occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: In surveys, SSPs reported high mean total scores for acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA implementation at baseline (4.43, 4.52 and 4.38 of 5, respectively) and month 12 (4.45, 4.61 and 4.46 of 5, respectively), regardless of clinic type. At month 12, SSPs were positive about the implementation sustainability (mean Program Sustainability Assessment Tool score, 5.83 out of 7). At baseline, SSPs' top concern was patients' ability to maintain monthly appointments (81%); at month 12, 39% had this concern. The proportion of SSPs reporting patient injection pain or soreness as a barrier was consistent at month 12 versus baseline (48% vs. 46%). Most (78%) SSPs reported optimal implementation of cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA in their clinics was achieved in 1-3 months. In interviews, SSP-reported strategies for successful implementation included teamwork, using a web-based treatment planner and having a designated person to track appointment scheduling. In month 12 interviews, SSP-reported structural changes needed for implementation included changing clinic hours and purchasing refrigerators. CONCLUSIONS: In CUSTOMIZE, cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA was successfully implemented across a range of US healthcare settings. Barriers were mitigated with minor process adjustments.

Brief Report: Impact of COVID-19 on Cabotegravir Plus Rilpivirine Long-Acting Dosing Across 6 Ongoing Global Phase IIb and III Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Cabotegravir + rilpivirine long-acting (LA) is a novel antiretroviral therapy (ART) administered intramuscularly monthly or every 2 months by a health care provider. The COVID-19 pandemic presents a potential challenge to patients' ability to attend scheduled clinic visits for dosing administration. SETTING: This analysis evaluated implementation fidelity across 6 phase IIb/III/IIIb cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA clinical trials in 16 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: COVID-19-impacted visits were defined as modified dosing visits for which oral therapy was provided to participants unable to attend the clinic or injection visits that were rescheduled. Data from December 1, 2019, to March 1, 2021, were aggregated and analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Of 2127 participants in cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA trials, 1997 (94%) had LA dosing visits proceed as planned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of 130 (6%) participants with injection visits affected by COVID-19, most were from North America (57%) and Europe (26%). Most participants with COVID-19-impacted visits used oral therapy with cabotegravir + rilpivirine (75%) or alternative oral standard-of-care ART (21%) to maintain continuous ART. The most common reasons for missed visits were clinic closure/staffing constraints (48%) and COVID-19-related travel restrictions (23%). Most (98%) participants who used oral ART maintained virologic suppression; 2 participants had viral load between 50 and 100 copies/mL. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, most trial participants maintained their LA dosing schedules. Flexibility of the LA dosing regimen, with the ability to switch to oral therapy, facilitated continuous ART provision and implementation fidelity.

Perspectives of people living with HIV-1 on implementation of long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine in US healthcare settings: results from the CUSTOMIZE hybrid III implementation-effectiveness study.

INTRODUCTION: The CUSTOMIZE hybrid III implementation-effectiveness study evaluated implementation of once-monthly long-acting (LA) cabotegravir + rilpivirine in diverse US healthcare settings. Here, we report patient participant perspectives after 12 months in CUSTOMIZE. METHODS: CUSTOMIZE was a phase IIIb, 12-month study conducted from July 2019 to October 2020 at eight diverse US HIV clinics that enrolled virologically suppressed people living with HIV-1 (PLHIV) on a stable oral regimen to receive monthly cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA injections after a 1-month oral lead-in. Participants were administered quantitative surveys before injections at months 1 (baseline), 4 and 12. A randomly selected subset of participants was interviewed at baseline and month 12. Data collection at month 12 was completed by October 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). RESULTS: At baseline, 109 and 34 participants completed surveys and interviews, respectively; 87% were male; 35% were Black or African American. All participants who remained in the study at month 12 (n = 102) maintained HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml; two participants withdrew due to injection-related reasons. Mean total scores measuring acceptability and appropriateness of cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA were high at baseline (4.5-4.6 out of 5) and month 12 (4.7-4.9). At month 12, 74% of participants reported nothing interfered with receiving LA injections; injection pain or soreness was the most common concern (15%). Time spent in the clinic and coming to the clinic for monthly injections was very or extremely acceptable after 12 months for most participants (93% and 87%, respectively), with 64% reporting having spent ≤30 minutes in the clinic for injection visits. At month 12, 92% of participants preferred LA injections to daily oral tablets (3%); 97% plan to continue LA treatment going forward. In month 12 interviews, 24 (77%) of 31 participants reported the COVID-19 pandemic did not impact their ability to receive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Once-monthly cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA was highly acceptable among PLHIV who were virologically suppressed on a stable antiretroviral regimen and interested in trying LA therapy, with few participants reporting challenges receiving LA injections. Implementation data from CUSTOMIZE suggest that monthly LA injections provide a convenient and appealing treatment option for PLHIV.

Population pharmacokinetics of cabotegravir following administration of oral tablet and long-acting intramuscular injection in adult HIV-1-infected and uninfected subjects.

AIM: To characterize cabotegravir population pharmacokinetics using data from phase 1, 2 and 3 studies and evaluate the association of intrinsic and extrinsic factors with pharmacokinetic variability. METHODS: Analyses were implemented in NONMEM and R. Concentrations below the quantitation limit were modelled with likelihood-based approaches. Covariate relationships were evaluated using forward addition (P < .01) and backward elimination (P < .001) approaches. The impact of each covariate on trough and peak concentrations was evaluated through simulations. External validation was performed using prediction-corrected visual predictive checks. RESULTS: The model-building dataset included 23 926 plasma concentrations from 1647 adult HIV-1-infected (72%) and uninfected (28%) subjects in 16 studies at seven dose levels (oral 10-60 mg, long-acting [LA] intramuscular injection 200-800 mg). A two-compartment model with first-order oral and LA absorption and elimination adequately described the data. Clearances and volumes were scaled to body weight. Estimated relative bioavailability of oral to LA was 75.6%. Race and age were not significant covariates. LA absorption rate constant (KALA ) was 50.9% lower in females and 47.8% higher if the LA dose was given as two split injections. KALA decreased with increasing BMI and decreasing needle length. Clearance was 17.4% higher in current smokers. The impact of any covariate was ≤32% on trough and peak concentrations following LA administration. The final model adequately predicted 5097 plasma concentrations from 647 subjects who were not included in the model-building dataset. CONCLUSIONS: A cabotegravir population pharmacokinetic model was developed that can be used to inform dosing strategies and future study design. No dose adjustment based on subject covariates is recommended.

Impact of Integrase Sequences from HIV-1 Subtypes A6/A1 on the In Vitro Potency of Cabotegravir or Rilpivirine.

The FLAIR study demonstrated noninferiority of monthly long-acting cabotegravir + rilpivirine versus daily oral dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine for maintaining virologic suppression. Three participants who received long-acting therapy had confirmed virologic failure (CVF) at Week 48, and all had HIV-1 that was originally classified as subtype A1 and contained the baseline integrase polymorphism L74I; updated classification algorithms reclassified all 3 as HIV-1 subtype A6. Retrospectively, the impact of L74I on in vitro sensitivity and durability of response to cabotegravir in HIV-1 subtype B and A6 backgrounds was studied. Site-directed L74I and mutations observed in participants with CVF were generated in HIV-1 subtype B and a consensus integrase derived from 3 subtype A6 CVF baseline sequences. Rilpivirine susceptibility was assessed in HIV-1 subtype B and A1 containing reverse transcriptase mutations observed in participants with CVF. HIV-1 subtype B L74I and L74I/G140R mutants and HIV-1 subtype A6 I74L and I74/G140R mutants remained susceptible to cabotegravir; L74I/Q148R double mutants exhibited reduced susceptibility in HIV-1 subtypes B and A6 (half maximal effective capacity fold change, 4.4 and 4.1, respectively). Reduced rilpivirine susceptibility was observed across HIV-1 subtypes B and A1 with resistance-associated mutations K101E or E138K (half maximal effective capacity fold change, 2.21 to 3.09). In cabotegravir breakthrough experiments, time to breakthrough was similar between L74 and I74 viruses across HIV-1 subtypes B and A6; Q148R was selected at low cabotegravir concentrations. Therefore, the L74I integrase polymorphism did not differentially impact in vitro sensitivity to cabotegravir across HIV-1 subtype B and A6 integrase genes (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02938520).