Preliminary study of two antiviral agents for hepatitis C genotype 1.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who have not had a response to therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin may benefit from the addition of multiple direct-acting antiviral agents to their treatment regimen. METHODS: This open-label, phase 2a study included an exploratory cohort of 21 patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection who had not had a response to previous therapy (i.e., had not had ≥2 log(10) decline in HCV RNA after ≥12 weeks of treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin). We randomly assigned patients to receive the NS5A replication complex inhibitor daclatasvir (60 mg once daily) and the NS3 protease inhibitor asunaprevir (600 mg twice daily) alone (group A, 11 patients) or in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin (group B, 10 patients) for 24 weeks. The primary end point was the percentage of patients with a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of the treatment period. RESULTS: A total of 4 patients in group A (36%; 2 of 9 with HCV genotype 1a and 2 of 2 with genotype 1b) had a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after treatment and also at 24 weeks after treatment.. Six patients (all with HCV genotype 1a) had viral breakthrough while receiving therapy, and resistance mutations to both antiviral agents were found in all cases; 1 patient had a viral response at the end of treatment but had a relapse after the treatment period. All 10 patients in group B had a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after treatment, and 9 had a sustained virologic response at 24 weeks after treatment. Diarrhea was the most common adverse event in both groups. Six patients had transient elevations of alanine aminotransferase levels to more than 3 times the upper limit of the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study involving patients with HCV genotype 1 infection who had not had a response to prior therapy showed that a sustained virologic response can be achieved with two direct-acting antiviral agents only. In addition, a high rate of sustained virologic response was achieved when the two direct-acting antiviral agents were combined with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin. (Funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01012895.).

Randomized trial of asunaprevir plus peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for previously untreated genotype 1 or 4 chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Asunaprevir is a selective HCV NS3 protease inhibitor, active against genotypes 1, 4, 5, and 6 in vitro. We evaluated asunaprevir plus peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin (PegIFNα/RBV) for genotype 1 and 4 chronic HCV. METHODS: In this phase 2b, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, treatment-naive adults with genotype 1 (n=213) or 4 (n=25) were randomly assigned (3:1) to asunaprevir 200mg or placebo twice daily plus PegIFNα/RBV. Asunaprevir recipients, achieving protocol-defined response (HCV-RNA below quantification limit at week 4 and undetectable at week 10), were rerandomized at week 12 to continue asunaprevir-based triple therapy or receive placebo plus PegIFNα/RBV for weeks 13-24. Patients without protocol-defined response (PDR) and placebo recipients continued PegIFNα/RBV through week 48. Co-primary end points were undetectable HCV-RNA at week 4 and 12 (eRVR) and 24 weeks posttreatment (SVR24). RESULTS: Most patients were male (64.3%), white (83.6%), and had non-CC IL28B genotypes (71.3%). Among genotype 1 patients, eRVR rates (asunaprevir vs. placebo) were 67% (80% CI 62, 72) vs. 6% (80% CI 2, 10); corresponding SVR24 rates were 64% (80% CI 59, 68) vs. 44% (80% CI 36, 53). SVR24 among genotype 4 patients was 89% (asunaprevir) vs. 43% (placebo). Rates of rash and haematologic adverse events were similar between treatment groups. Five asunaprevir-treated patients had grade 4 alanine aminotransferase elevations that resolved following discontinuation (n=4) or with continued dosing (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of asunaprevir to PegIFNα/RBV in treatment-naive genotype 1- or 4-infected patients improves response rates and is well tolerated, with aminotransferase elevations that were manageable with appropriate monitoring. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01030432.

Cobicistat-boosted protease inhibitors in HIV-infected patients with mild to moderate renal impairment.

BACKGROUND: Cobicistat (COBI) is a pharmacoenhancer that optimizes systemic exposures of protease inhibitors (PIs) such as atazanavir (ATV) and darunavir (DRV). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of switching ritonavir (RTV) to COBI in patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) 50 to 89 mL/min who are virologically suppressed on a stable regimen containing ritonavir (RTV)-boosted ATV or DRV. Other components of the regimen remained unchanged. METHODS: A phase 3, non-comparative, open-label clinical trial. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were enrolled. At week 48, 82% maintained virologic suppression. No emergent resistance developed. Serious adverse events (AEs) occurred in 7%, and study drug discontinuation due to AEs occurred in 10% (7 patients). There were 2 renal discontinuations and no cases of proximal renal tubulopathy. Small reductions in CrCl (median [IQR]) were observed as early as week 2, after which they were nonprogressive through week 48 (-3.8 [-9 to 0.8]). Changes in CrCl by baseline CrCl (< 70 vs ≥ 70) were -1.1 [-6.5 to 6.3] versus -6.6 [-12.4 to -0.7], respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In HIV-1-infected patients with CrCl 50 to 89 mL/min switching from RTV to COBI, COBI-boosted PIs in combination with 2 nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors were well-tolerated and effective in maintaining virologic suppression. The renal safety profile of COBI in this study was consistent with the long-term data in patients without renal impairment from the phase 3 studies of COBI-containing regimens.

Switch to bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide from dolutegravir-based therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 96 weeks of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) treatment in participants switching from dolutegravir (DTG)-based therapy. DESIGN: Studies 1489 (NCT02607930) and 1490 (NCT02607956) were phase 3 randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, first-line therapy trials in people with HIV-1. After 144 weeks of DTG-based or B/F/TAF treatment, participants could enter a 96-week open-label extension (OLE) of B/F/TAF. METHODS: A pooled analysis evaluated viral suppression (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml) and changes in CD4 + cell count at OLE Weeks 48 and 96, treatment-emergent resistance, safety, and tolerability after switch from a DTG-based regimen to B/F/TAF. Outcomes by prior treatment were summarized using descriptive statistics and compared by two-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: At OLE Week 96, participants who switched to B/F/TAF ( N  = 519) maintained high levels of virologic suppression (99.5 and 99.1% in those switching from DTG/abacavir/lamivudine and DTG+F/TAF, respectively) and CD4 + cell count, with no treatment-emergent resistance to B/F/TAF. Twenty-one participants experienced drug-related adverse events after switching, with diarrhea, weight gain, and headache occurring most commonly. There were no cases of proximal renal tubulopathy, drug-related Grade 4 adverse events, or serious adverse events. Two participants discontinued B/F/TAF due to treatment-related adverse events. Participants who switched from DTG/abacavir/lamivudine experienced statistically significant greater weight gain than those who switched from DTG+F/TAF; however, median weight change from the blinded phase baseline to OLE Week 96 was numerically similar across treatment groups. CONCLUSION: This medium-term analysis demonstrates the safety and efficacy of switching to B/F/TAF from a DTG-containing regimen in people with HIV-1.

Laboratory Evidence of 2-Isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine as a Male-Released Aggregative Cue in Labidostomis lusitanica (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

In spite of its incidence on pistachio trees, the chemical ecology of Labidostomis lusitanica (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) has been neglected so far. In this work, we provide the first evidence of a biologically active male-specific compound that may be promoting field aggregation. Headspace collections through solid-phase microextraction from feral males and females reported the presence of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine exclusively in males. Electroantennographic recordings revealed that males and females responded in a dose-dependent manner to increasing stimuli of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine, with females overall displaying a higher response than males. In dual-choice tests, both males and females showed a significant preference for the compound in comparison to a pure air stimulus. In light of these results, the possible role of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine as an aggregation cue in L. lusitanica is discussed.

Low prevalence of primary HIV resistance in western Massachusetts.

Most studies of primary antiretroviral (ARV) resistance have been conducted in large metropolitan areas with reported rates of 8% to 25%. We collected data on 99 HIV-1-infected antiretroviral-naive patients from several sites in Springfield, MA, who underwent genotypic resistance assay between 2004 and 2008. Only major resistance mutations per International AIDS Society-USA (IAS-USA) drug resistance mutations list were considered. The prevalence of resistance was 5% (5 of 99). Three patients had one nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) mutation: 103N, 103N, and 190A, 1 patient had a protease inhibitor (PI) mutation: 90M; and 1 patient had 3-class resistance with NNRTI: 181C, 190A, PI: 90M, and nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI): 41L, 210W. Mean time from HIV diagnosis to resistance testing was shorter in patients with resistance versus those without: 9 (range 0.3-42 months) versus 27 (range 0.1-418 months), P = .11. There was a trend to lower mean CD4 count in those with resistance, 170 versus 318 cells/mm(3), P = .06. No differences were noted in gender, age, HIV risk category, or HIV RNA level. The low prevalence of primary resistance may be explained by differences in demographic and risk factors or may reflect the time from infection to resistance testing. Our findings emphasize the importance of continued resistance surveillance.

Impact of a digital medicine programme on hepatitis C treatment adherence and efficacy in adults at high risk for non-adherence.

BACKGROUND: Direct-acting anti-virals (DAA) are highly effective for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, but perceived risks of medication non-adherence may restrict access to care. Digital medicine programme (DMP) has improved adherence and outcomes for some conditions. AIMS: To conduct a prospective, single-arm, open-label study across the United States to assess the impact of DMP on adherence and efficacy in adults with chronic HCV infection at high risk for non-adherence. METHODS: Eligible participants were placed on the DMP to evaluate real-time adherence; primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR) at ≥10 weeks post-treatment. RESULTS: Between August 2017 and April 2019, 288 participants (Medicaid, 64.9%; psychiatric disorders, 61.1%; homeless, 9.4%) received DAAs for 8-12 weeks (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir or ledipasvir, 45%; glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, 55%). SVR was achieved in 99.1% of 218 participants who had HCV RNA assessed at ≥10 weeks post-treatment; of the 70 participants who did not have SVR assessed, 17 had SVR4 with HCV RNA assessed at a median (IQR; interquartile range) 5.6 weeks (4.1, 7.9) post-treatment; one completed treatment but did not have HCV RNA assessed, and 52 discontinued treatment early without assessment. Overall, the primary analysed participants (n = 218) actively used the DMP for median (range) 92.9% (12.5%, 100%) of their prescribed treatment time, and overall pill-taking adherence was 95.0% (57.1%, 100%). Participants reported the programme was useful and easy to use through satisfaction surveys. CONCLUSIONS: HCV treatment with DMP was accepted by patients and clinicians and may support HCV treatment outcomes among patients at high risk for treatment non-adherence (Clinical trials.gov NCT03164902).

Fixed-dose combination bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide versus dolutegravir-containing regimens for initial treatment of HIV-1 infection: week 144 results from two randomised, double-blind, multicentre, phase 3, non-inferiority trials.

BACKGROUND: In the primary week-48 analyses of two phase 3 studies, coformulated bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide was non-inferior to a dolutegravir-containing regimen in treatment-naive people with HIV. We report week-144 efficacy and safety results from these studies. METHODS: We did two double-blind, active-controlled studies (now in open-label extension phase). Study 1 randomly assigned (1:1) HLA-B*5701-negative adults without hepatitis B virus co-infection to receive coformulated bictegravir 50 mg, emtricitabine 200 mg, and tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg, or coformulated dolutegravir 50 mg, abacavir 600 mg, and lamivudine 300 mg once daily. Study 2 randomly assigned (1:1) adults to bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide, or dolutegravir 50 mg given with coformulated emtricitabine 200 mg and tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg. We previously reported non-inferiority at the primary endpoint. Here, we report the week-144 secondary outcome of proportion of participants with plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL at week 144, by US Food and Drug Administration Snapshot algorithm, analysed in the same manner. These studies were registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02607930 and NCT02607956. FINDINGS: 629 participants were randomly assigned and treated in study 1 (314 to bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide, and 315 to dolutegravir, abacavir, and lamivudine) and 645 in study 2 (327 to bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide, 325 to dolutegravir, emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide). At week 144, bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide was non-inferior to both dolutegravir-containing regimens for efficacy. In study 1, 256 (82%) of 314 participants had plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL in the bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide group and 265 (84%) of 315 in the dolutegravir, abacavir, and lamivudine group (difference -2·6%, 95% CI -8·5 to 3·4). In study 2, 262 (82%) of 320 participants had plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL in the bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide group and 273 (84%) of 325 in the dolutegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide group (difference -1·9%, -7·8 to 3·9). In both studies, no participant had treatment-emergent resistance to study drugs up to week 144. All treatment regimens were well tolerated with additional exposure. Adverse events that led to study drug discontinuation were reported for no participants in the bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide group versus five (2%) of 315 in the dolutegravir, abacavir, and lamivudine group (study 1), and six (2%) of 320 in the bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide versus six (2%) of 325 in the dolutegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide group (study 2). In study 1, statistically significant differences were observed in median changes from baseline in fasting total cholesterol (14 mg/dL vs 10 mg/dL; p=0·034), direct LDL (21 mg/dL vs 14 mg/dL; p=0·004), and total cholesterol to HDL ratio (-0·1 vs -0·3; p=0·007) at week 144; no differences were observed between groups in study 2. Weight gain was seen across all treatment groups in both studies, with no differences in median changes from baseline in weight at week 144 for either study. INTERPRETATION: These long-term data support the use of bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide as a safe, well tolerated, and durable treatment for people with HIV, with no emergent resistance. FUNDING: Gilead Sciences.

Co-formulated bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide versus dolutegravir with emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide for initial treatment of HIV-1 infection: week 96 results from a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, phase 3, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: The single-tablet regimen consisting of bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide is recommended for treatment of HIV-1 infection on the basis of data from 48 weeks of treatment. Here, we examine the longer-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide compared with dolutegravir plus co-formulated emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide at week 96. METHODS: This ongoing, randomised, double-blind, multicentre, active-controlled, phase 3, non-inferiority trial was done at 126 outpatient centres in ten countries. We enrolled treatment-naive adults (aged ≥18 years) with HIV-1 infection who had an estimated glomerular filtration rate of at least 30 mL/min and sensitivity to emtricitabine and tenofovir. People with chronic hepatitis B or C infection, or both, and those who had used antivirals previously for prophylaxis were allowed. We randomly assigned participants (1:1) to receive treatment with either co-formulated bictegravir 50 mg, emtricitabine 200 mg, and tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg (the bictegravir group) or dolutegravir 50 mg with co-formulated emtricitabine 200 mg and tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg (the dolutegravir group), each with matching placebo, once daily for 144 weeks. Treatment allocation was masked to all participants and investigators. All participants who received at least one dose of study drug were included in primary efficacy and safety analyses. We previously reported the primary endpoint. Here, we report the week 96 secondary outcome of proportion of participants with plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL at week 96 by US Food and Drug Administration snapshot algorithm, with a prespecified non-inferiority margin of -12%. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02607956. FINDINGS: Between Nov 13, 2015, and July 14, 2016, we screened 742 individuals, of whom 657 were enrolled. 327 participants were assigned to the bictegravir group and 330 to the dolutegravir group. Of these, 320 in the bictegravir group and 325 in the dolutegravir group received at least one dose of study drug. At week 96, HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL was achieved by 269 (84%) of 320 participants in the bictegravir group and 281 (86%) of 325 in the dolutegravir group (difference -2·3%, 95% CI -7·9 to 3·2), demonstrating non-inferiority of the bictegravir regimen compared with the dolutegravir regimen. Both treatments continued to be well tolerated through 96 weeks; 283 (88%) of 320 participants in the bictegravir group and 288 (89%) of 325 in the dolutegravir group had any adverse event and 55 (17%), and 33 (10%) had any serious adverse event. The most common adverse events were diarrhoea (57 [18%] of 320 in the bictegravir group vs 51 [16%] of 325 in the dolutegravir group) and headache (51 [16%] of 320 vs 48 [15%] of 325). Deaths were reported for three (1%) individuals in each group (one cardiac arrest, one gastric adenocarcinoma, and one hypertensive heart disease and congestive cardiac failure in the bictegravir group and one unknown causes, one pulmonary embolism, and one lymphoma in the dolutegravir group); none were considered to be treatment related. Adverse events led to discontinuation in six (2%) participants in the bictegravir group and five (2%) in the dolutegravir group; one of these events in the bictegravir group versus four in the dolutegravir group occurred between weeks 48 and 96. Study drug-related adverse events were reported for 64 (20%) participants in the bictegravir group and 92 (28%) in the dolutegravir group. INTERPRETATION: These week 96 data support bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide as a safe, well tolerated, and durable treatment for people living with chronic HIV. FUNDING: Gilead Sciences, Inc.

High sensitivity of human leukocyte antigen-b*5701 as a marker for immunologically confirmed abacavir hypersensitivity in white and black patients.

BACKGROUND: Although the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B*5701 is highly associated with a hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) to abacavir (ABC), variable sensitivities have been reported when clinical data alone have been used to define an ABC HSR. This study evaluated the sensitivity of detection of the HLA-B*5701 allele as a marker of ABC HSRs in both white and black patients, using skin patch testing to supplement clinical diagnosis. METHODS: White and black patients, identified through chart review, were classified as having received a diagnosis of an ABC HSR based on clinical findings only (a clinically suspected ABC HSR) or based on clinical findings and a positive skin patch test result (an immunologically confirmed [IC] ABC HSR). Control subjects were racially matched subjects who tolerated ABC for >/=12 weeks without experiencing an ABC HSR. Patients and control subjects were tested for the presence of HLA-B*5701. Sensitivity, specificity, and odds ratios for the detection of HLA-B*5701 as a marker for an ABC HSR were calculated for white and black participants. RESULTS: Forty-two (32.3%) of 130 white patients and 5 (7.2%) of 69 black patients who met the criteria for clinically suspected HSRs had IC HSRs. All 42 white patients with IC HSRs were HLA-B*5701 positive (sensitivity, 100%; odds ratio, 1945; 95% confidence interval, 110-34,352). Among all white patients with clinically suspected HSRs, sensitivity was 44% (57 of 130 patients tested positive for HLA-B*5701); specificity among white control subjects was 96%. Five of 5 black patients with IC HSRs were HLA-B*5701 positive (sensitivity, 100%; odds ratio, 900; 95% confidence interval, 38-21,045). Among black patients with clinically suspected HSRs, the sensitivity was 14% (10 of 69 tested positive for HLA-B*5701); specificity among black control subjects was 99%. CONCLUSIONS: Although IC ABC HSRs are uncommon in black persons, the 100% sensitivity of HLA-B*5701 as a marker for IC ABC HSRs in both US white and black patients suggests similar implications of the association between HLA-B*5701 positivity and risk of ABC HSRs in both races.

Switching from efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide coformulated with rilpivirine and emtricitabine in virally suppressed adults with HIV-1 infection: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, phase 3b, non-inferiority study.

BACKGROUND: Tenofovir alafenamide is a prodrug that reduces tenofovir plasma concentrations by 90% compared with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, thereby decreasing bone and renal risks. The coformulation of rilpivirine, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide has recently been approved, and we aimed to investigate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of switching to this regimen compared with remaining on coformulated efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. METHODS: In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial, HIV-1-infected adults were enrolled at 120 hospitals and outpatient clinics in eight countries in North America and Europe. Participants were virally suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per mL) on efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for at least 6 months before enrolment and had creatinine clearance of at least 50 mL/min. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a single-tablet regimen of rilpivirine (25 mg), emtricitabine (200 mg), and tenofovir alafenamide (25 mg) or to continue a single-tablet regimen of efavirenz (600 mg), emtricitabine (200 mg), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (300 mg), with matching placebo. Investigators, participants, study staff, and those assessing outcomes were masked to treatment group. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants with plasma HIV-1 RNA of less than 50 copies per mL at week 48 (assessed by the US Food and Drug Administration snapshot algorithm), with a prespecified non-inferiority margin of 8%. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02345226. FINDINGS: Between Jan 26, 2015, and Aug 27, 2015, 875 participants were randomly assigned and treated (438 with rilpivirine, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide and 437 with efavirenz, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). Viral suppression at week 48 was maintained in 394 (90%) of 438 participants assigned to the tenofovir alafenamide regimen and 402 (92%) of 437 assigned to the tenofovir disoproxil fumarate regimen (difference -2·0%, 95·001% CI -5·9 to 1·8), demonstrating non-inferiority. 56 (13%) of 438 in participants in the rilpivirine, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide group experienced treatment-related adverse events compared with 45 (10%) of 437 in the efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group. INTERPRETATION: Switching to rilpivirine, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide from efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was non-inferior in maintaining viral suppression and was well tolerated at 48 weeks. These findings support guidelines recommending tenofovir alafenamide-based regimens, including coformulation with rilpivirine and emtricitabine, as initial and ongoing treatment for HIV-1 infection. FUNDING: Gilead Sciences.

Surgical site infections in cardiac surgery: an 11-year perspective.

BACKGROUND: A surgical site infection (SSI) develops in 2% to 5% of patients undergoing operation. We report SSI surveillance at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Mass, in coronary artery bypass operation between 1991 and 2001, and demonstrate a substantial decline in SSI rates accomplished with use of multiple intervention strategies. METHODS: Infection documentation used Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria and a postdischarge questionnaire. Infections were stratified by risk class. Strategies used to lower SSI rates included active surveillance and provision of authenticated SSI rate plus surgeon-specific rates. Interventions included outbreak analyses and targeted nasal mupirocin plus chlorhexidine showering. RESULTS: The rate of coronary artery bypass-related SSIs declined from >8% to <2%, comparing extremely favorably with CDC national data. Percentage of infections documented by postdischarge questionnaire was variable and did not change during the study period. Most SSIs were at the harvest site. Routine implementation of nasal mupirocin plus chlorhexidine preoperative showering effectively disrupted an outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus, and statistically decreased rates of postoperative infections with this organism. CONCLUSION: Regular provision of authenticated and verified data, use of postdischarge questionnaires, and careful attention to adverse trends and outbreaks with appropriate actions can substantially decrease rates of infections in coronary artery bypass operation.

Switching from ritonavir to cobicistat in HIV patients with renal impairment who are virologically suppressed on a protease inhibitor.

INTRODUCTION: Cobicistat (COBI) is a pharmacoenhancer and one of the components of ECF/TDF (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF), which is approved in treatment-naïve HIV patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) ≥70 mL/min. Study 118 assessed the renal safety of COBI-containing regimens in HIV patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Phase 3, open label study in HIV-1-infected patients with CrCl 50-89 mL/min who are virologically suppressed on a stable regimen containing ritonavir (RTV)-boosted atazanavir (ATV) or darunavir (DRV). Patients switched RTV to COBI, while keeping the rest of their regimen unchanged. We present the 96-week (Wk) data. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were enrolled. Mean age was 54 years; male 82%; white 77%; hypertension 38%; diabetes 18%; baseline proteinuria (≥trace) 51%; median CrCl 71 mL/min (range: 42-98). At Wk 96, 89% maintained virologic suppression (95% CI 77.4-95.8%). No emergent resistance developed. Reductions in CrCl (median [IQR]) were observed as early as Wk 2, after which they were nonprogressive through Wk 96 (Wk 48: -3.8 [-9-0.8]; Wk 96: -5.0 [-13.0-0.1]). Changes in CrCl by baseline CrCl (<70 vs ≥70) at Wk 96 were: -3.1 [-5.1-0.5] vs -7.6 [-15.2 to -3.6], respectively. Cystatin C-based eGFR remained stable through Wk 96 (median [IQR]: -2.8 [-7.4-8.9 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). Actual GFR assessment using CLiohexol (n=14) was unaffected over 24 Wks (median at baseline: 82.5, median changes from baseline at Wks 2, 4, and 24: 1.6, 7.0, -4.1 mL/min, respectively). Three renal discontinuations occurred (two worsening CrCl and one proteinuria/hematuria); none had proximal renal tubulopathy [PRT]. No patient had laboratory evidence of PRT (>1 confirmed renal laboratory abnormalities [increase in serum Cr≥0.4 mg/dL, ≥2-grade increase in proteinuria,≥1-grade increase in normoglycemic glycosuria or hypophosphatemia]). CONCLUSIONS: In HIV-infected patients with CrCl 50-89 mL/min, on ATV- or DRV-based regimen switching to COBI from RTV, demonstrated that COBI was well tolerated with no cases of PRT through 96 Wks. The renal safety profile of COBI in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment was consistent with the long-term data in patients without renal impairment (CrCl≥70 mL/min) from the phase 3 studies of COBI-containing regimens.

Randomized study of asunaprevir plus pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin for previously untreated genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: Asunaprevir is a selective NS3 protease inhibitor with in vitro activity against HCV genotypes 1 and 4. METHODS: In this Phase IIa double-blind study, treatment-naive HCV genotype-1-infected patients in the United States and France were randomly assigned 1:1:1:1 to placebo or asunaprevir 200 mg twice daily, 600 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily in combination with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-α2a and ribavirin for 48 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was undetectable HCV RNA at weeks 4 and 12 (extended rapid virological response [eRVR]). Other end points included safety and undetectable HCV RNA at 24 weeks post-treatment (24-week sustained virological response [SVR24]). RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were randomized and treated. eRVR was achieved by 75% (9/12), 75% (9/12) and 92% (11/12) of patients in the asunaprevir 200 mg twice-daily, 600 mg twice-daily and 600 mg once-daily groups, respectively, versus 0% (0/11) in the placebo group. Corresponding SVR24 rates were 83% (10/12), 83% (10/12) and 92% (11/12) in the asunaprevir groups and 46% (5/11) in the placebo group. There was no virological breakthrough in any asunaprevir group. Following the 12-week analysis, the 600 mg doses were reduced to 200 mg twice daily because of a greater frequency of transaminase elevations at the 600 mg dose. The most common grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities were consistent with those reported for PEG-IFN and ribavirin. CONCLUSIONS: Asunaprevir plus PEG-IFN and ribavirin achieved higher response rates than placebo plus PEG-IFN and ribavirin, with a tolerable adverse event profile at the 200 mg twice-daily dose. This dose is being evaluated in the Phase IIb and Phase III studies.

Daclatasvir for previously untreated chronic hepatitis C genotype-1 infection: a randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding, phase 2a trial.

BACKGROUND: Several direct-acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are available, but they are limited by tolerability and dosing schedules. Once-daily daclatasvir, a potent NS5A replication complex inhibitor, was generally well tolerated in phase 1 studies. We assessed daclatasvir in combination with pegylated interferon (peginterferon) and ribavirin for chronic HCV. METHODS: In this double-blind, parallel-group, dose-finding, phase 2a study, treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype-1 infection (without cirrhosis) from 14 centres in the USA and France were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to receive peginterferon alfa-2a (180 µg per week) and ribavirin (1000-1200 mg daily) plus placebo or 3 mg, 10 mg, or 60 mg of daclatasvir taken once daily, for 48 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was undetectable HCV RNA at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after start of treatment (extended rapid virological response, eRVR). Analysis was of all participants who received one dose of study drug. We used descriptive analyses to compare results. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00874770. FINDINGS: 48 patients were randomly assigned (12 per group); all received at least one dose of study drug. 15 patients discontinued treatment before week 48. Five of 12 patients (42%, 80% CI 22-64%) who received 3 mg daclatasvir achieved eRVR, compared with ten of 12 (83%, 61-96%) who received 10 mg daclatasvir, nine of 12 (75%, 53-90%) who received 60 mg daclatasvir, and one of 12 (8%, 1-29%) who received placebo. Adverse events and discontinuations as a result of adverse events occurred with similar frequency across groups. INTERPRETATION: Daclatasvir seems to be a potent NS5A replication complex inhibitor that increases the antiviral potency of peginterferon and ribavirin. Our findings support the further development of regimens containing 60 mg daclatasvir for the treatment of chronic genotype-1 HCV infection. FUNDING: Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Effects of darunavir/ritonavir-based therapy on metabolic and anthropometric parameters in women and men over 48 weeks.

Gender-based differences in lipids have been noted in antiretroviral clinical trials. We present the metabolic and anthropometric data from the GRACE (Gender, Race And Clinical Experience) study by gender. Treatment-experienced adults received darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) 600/100 mg twice daily, plus a background regimen, over 48 weeks. Fasting blood samples were obtained for lipid, glucose, and insulin measurements at baseline and at weeks 24 and 48/early discontinuation. Anthropometric measurements were taken at baseline and at weeks 12, 24, and 48/discontinuation. The Assessment of Body Change and Distress questionnaire was administered at baseline and regular intervals. Descriptive statistics as well as comparisons using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test are reported. Four hundred twenty-nine patients (women, n=287; men, n=142) enrolled in GRACE; 94 women (32.8%) and 33 men (23.2%) discontinued the trial. Median changes in triglycerides from baseline to week 48 were higher in men (25 mg/dL versus 8 mg/dL; p=0.006); the mean change in triglycerides was higher in men than in women in all racial subgroups. Other lipid and glucose level changes were similar between genders. Anthropometric parameters increased for both genders, with larger increases in women. Patients' perceptions of body changes concurred with physical measurements. The proportion of women who were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their bodies increased from 45.2% to 57.8% from baseline to week 48 (p=0.005), while the proportion of men who were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their bodies increased from 56.3% to 61.5% from baseline to week 48 (p=0.317). DRV/r-based therapy was associated with small to moderate changes in metabolic parameters, and few between-gender differences were observed. Levels of self-reported, body-related distress improved for women and men over 48 weeks.

Use of HIV resistance testing after prolonged treatment interruption.

BACKGROUND: HIV-1 genotypic resistance testing is not routinely recommended for patients who have been off antiretroviral therapy (ART) for longer than 4 weeks. We assessed the results and use of resistance testing in patients off ART. METHODS: All HIV resistance genotypes from November 2003 through April 2008 were reviewed from one large teaching hospital and two private HIV practices. Inclusion criterion was having a genotypic resistance test after an ART interruption of at least 2 months. Medical records were reviewed using a standardized data collection sheet. RESULTS: Sixty-two of 304 treatment-experienced patients with HIV genotypes met the inclusion criteria. Prior cumulative ART class exposure included nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in 54 patients, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in 32 patients, and protease inhibitors in 30 patients. Resistance testing was performed at a mean of 12 months (range, 2.5-48 months) after ART interruption. The mean time between ART interruption and resistance testing did not differ for patients with mutations and those without mutations detected. Seventeen of 62 (27.4%) patients were found to have resistance mutations. Eleven patients were found to have mutations to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, four patients had mutations to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and two patients had protease inhibitor-associated mutations. No patient had multiclass resistance. Among the 17 patients with mutations after treatment interruption, 15 had mutations that were either not present on a prior genotype (n = 2) or did not have a prior genotype (n = 13). CONCLUSIONS: HIV genotypic resistance assays may identify mutations even when performed after a prolonged treatment interruption and may offer clinically significant information. Current guidelines that discourage resistance testing after treatment interruptions of longer than 4 weeks should be re-evaluated.

Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extension.

BACKGROUND: HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy often demonstrate excess visceral fat. A growth hormone-releasing factor, tesamorelin, may selectively reduce visceral fat in this population. We investigated the effects of tesamorelin (GHRH(1-44)) in HIV-infected patients with central fat accumulation. METHODS: A 12-month study of 404 HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat in the context of antiretroviral therapy was conducted between January 2007 and October 2008. The study consisted of 2 sequential phases. In the primary efficacy phase (months 0-6), patients were randomly assigned to receive tesamorelin [2 mg subcutaneous (SC) every day] or placebo in a 2:1 ratio. In the extension phase (months 6-12), patients receiving tesamorelin were rerandomized to continue on tesamorelin (2 mg SC every day) or switch to placebo. Patients initially randomized to placebo switched to tesamorelin. Patients and investigators were blinded to treatment assignment throughout the study. The primary endpoint was visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Secondary endpoints included body image, IGF-I, safety measures, including glucose, and other body composition measures. RESULTS: VAT decreased by -10.9% (-21 cm(2)) in the tesamorelin group vs. -0.6% (-1 cm(2)) in the placebo group in the 6-month efficacy phase, P < 0.0001. Trunk fat (P < 0.001), waist circumference (P = 0.02), and waist-hip-ratio (P = 0.001) improved, with no change in limb or abdominal SC fat. Insulin-like growth factor-1 increased (P < 0.001), but no change in glucose parameters was observed. Patient rating of belly appearance distress (P = 0.02) and physician rating of belly profile (P = 0.02) were significantly improved in the tesamorelin vs. placebo-treated groups. The drug was well tolerated. VAT was reduced by approximately 18% (P < 0.001) in patients continuing tesamorelin for 12 months. The initial improvements over 6 months in VAT were rapidly lost in those switching from tesamorelin to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Tesamorelin reduces visceral fat by approximately 18% and improves body image distress in HIV-infected patients with central fat accumulation. These changes are achieved without significant side effects or perturbation of glucose.