Efficacy is Not Everything: Eliciting Women's Preferences for a Vaginal HIV Prevention Product Using a Discrete-Choice Experiment.

As new female-initiated HIV prevention products enter development, it is crucial to incorporate women's preferences to ensure products will be desired, accepted, and used. A discrete-choice experiment was designed to assess the relative importance of six attributes to stated choice of a vaginally delivered HIV prevention product. Sexually active women in South Africa and Zimbabwe aged 18-30 were recruited from two samples: product-experienced women from a randomized trial of four vaginal placebo forms and product-naïve community members. In a tablet-administered survey, 395 women chose between two hypothetical products over eight choice sets. Efficacy was the most important, but there were identifiable preferences among other attributes. Women preferred a product that also prevented pregnancy and caused some wetness (p < 0.001). They disliked a daily-use product (p = 0.002) and insertion by finger (p = 0.002). Although efficacy drove preference, wetness, pregnancy prevention, and dosing regimen were influential to stated choice of a product, and women were willing to trade some level of efficacy to have other more desired attributes.

Tenofovir Gel for Prevention of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Acquisition: Findings From the VOICE Trial.

BACKGROUND: Genital infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is common and increases risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission and acquisition. Pericoital use of tenofovir (TFV) gel provided protection from HSV-2 acquisition in the CAPRISA 004 study. METHODS: We measured estimate of effect of vaginal TFV 1% gel in preventing HSV-2 acquisition among women in VOICE, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial assessing daily use of oral and vaginal TFV for HIV-1 preexposure prophylaxis. The TFV level in plasma at the first quarterly visit was used as a measure of gel use. RESULTS: Of 566 participants at risk for HSV-2 acquisition, 532 (94%) had first-quarter plasma TFV and end-of-study HSV-2 serologic data available. Over a follow-up period of 501 person-years, 92 incident cases of HSV-2 acquisition occurred: 77 were in women with no TFV detected in plasma, and 15 occurred in women with TFV detected in plasma (incidence, 20.6 cases/100 person-years [95% confidence interval [CI], 16.2-25.7] vs 11.9 cases/100 person-years [95% CI, 6.6-19.6], respectively). TFV detection in plasma was associated with a trend toward a reduced risk of HSV-2 seroconversion, with an unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.59 (95% CI, .34-1.02; P = .060) and a HR adjusted for site, age, having ≥2 male sex partners in the past 3 months, use of hormonal contraception, having anal sex in the past 3 months, and HIV status of 0.60 (95% CI, .33-1.08; P = .086). CONCLUSIONS: Detection of TFV in plasma among TFV gel users was associated with a trend toward a reduced risk of HSV-2 acquisition, after controlling for sexual behavior and HIV-1 acquisition.

Tenofovir-based preexposure prophylaxis for HIV infection among African women.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive-age women need effective interventions to prevent the acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess daily treatment with oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), oral tenofovir-emtricitabine (TDF-FTC), or 1% tenofovir (TFV) vaginal gel as preexposure prophylaxis against HIV-1 infection in women in South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. HIV-1 testing was performed monthly, and plasma TFV levels were assessed quarterly. RESULTS: Of 12,320 women who were screened, 5029 were enrolled in the study. The rate of retention in the study was 91% during 5509 person-years of follow-up. A total of 312 HIV-1 infections occurred; the incidence of HIV-1 infection was 5.7 per 100 person-years. In the modified intention-to-treat analysis, the effectiveness was -49.0% with TDF (hazard ratio for infection, 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97 to 2.29), -4.4% with TDF-FTC (hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.49), and 14.5% with TFV gel (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.21). In a random sample, TFV was detected in 30%, 29%, and 25% of available plasma samples from participants randomly assigned to receive TDF, TDF-FTC, and TFV gel, respectively. Independent predictors of TFV detection included being married, being older than 25 years of age, and being multiparous. Detection of TFV in plasma was negatively associated with characteristics predictive of HIV-1 acquisition. Elevations of serum creatinine levels were seen more frequently among participants randomly assigned to receive oral TDF-FTC than among those assigned to receive oral placebo (1.3% vs. 0.2%, P=0.004). We observed no significant differences in the frequencies of other adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: None of the drug regimens we evaluated reduced the rates of HIV-1 acquisition in an intention-to-treat analysis. Adherence to study drugs was low. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health; VOICE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00705679.).

Acceptability of and Adherence to an Antiretroviral-Based Vaginal Microbicide among Pregnant Women in the United States.

The MTN-008 trial was the first multi-dose study conducted to evaluate the safety of a microbicide gel (2:1 randomized to tenofovir 1% or hydroxycellulose (HEC) placebo gel) during pregnancy. The study aim was to evaluate safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the study products. Procedures included daily gel administration, with Day 0 and Day 6 in clinic, and Days 1-5 at home. Because pregnancy may pose unique challenges to consistent gel use and acceptability, evaluation of adherence and acceptability was a secondary objective of the trial. The study enrolled healthy, HIV-negative, pregnant women aged 18-40 in Pittsburgh, PA and Birmingham, AL, USA in 2 consecutive groups: cohort 1 was 37-39 weeks gestation, cohort 2 was 34-36 weeks. Ninety-one women completed the study (45 and 46 in each cohort, respectively) and were evaluable per protocol. Adherence was evaluated using self-reports: participants completed a web-based computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) at Days 0 and 6 about gel attitudes and behaviors. At Day 6 trained research staff conducted a short interviewer-administered questionnaire with both structured and open-ended questions. Frequencies of quantitative data were tabulated in SAS and descriptive statistics are presented; open-ended textual data were summarized by a behavioral scientist experienced in qualitative analysis. Participants reported generally neutral perceptions of gel characteristics. A small number of women (7-8%) reported pain (6/90), other physical discomfort (7/90), or mental discomfort (7/90) associated with the process of applicator insertion. About 5% reported the same for the gel itself. Two-thirds (61/90) thought the gel was runny, many complained of bothersome gel leakage and several cited this reason for not inserting a full dose. The majority were not worried the gel would cause problems for their pregnancy or babies. Ninety-seven percent (83/86) said they would use the gel in the future if they were pregnant, and 90% (81/90) when nonpregnant. Self-reported adherence was high with 88% (79/90) reporting daily gel use on both the computerized and interviewer-administered questionnaires. The majority (67/90) reported no difficulty with daily use. However, drug was undetectable (<0.31 ng/mL) among 45% (27/60; 95% CI 32-58%) of the women on active product prior to observed dosing at Day 6. The most common reason for reported nonuse (N = 6) was forgetting. Study gel was generally acceptable, but many complained of a runny consistency (61/90) and leakage (83/90). No frequent or strong concerns about the effects of the study gel on the pregnancy/fetus were reported. Self-reported adherence to study gel self-administered at home for 5 days was high, however plasma drug levels suggest actual use may have been considerably lower. Findings from this study can provide insights relevant to use of other antiretroviral-based, vaginally-inserted HIV prevention methods during pregnancy.

MTN-017: A Rectal Phase 2 Extended Safety and Acceptability Study of Tenofovir Reduced-Glycerin 1% Gel.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). Safe and acceptable topical HIV prevention methods that target the rectum are needed. Methods: MTN-017 was a phase 2, 3-period, randomized sequence, open-label, expanded safety and acceptability crossover study comparing rectally applied reduced-glycerin (RG) 1% tenofovir (TFV) and oral emtricitabine/TFV disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF). In each 8-week study period participants were randomized to RG-TFV rectal gel daily, or RG-TFV rectal gel before and after receptive anal intercourse (RAI; or at least twice weekly in the event of no RAI), or daily oral FTC/TDF. Results: MSM and TGW (n = 195) were enrolled from 8 sites in the United States, Thailand, Peru, and South Africa with mean age of 31.1 years (range 18-64). There were no differences in ≥grade 2 adverse event rates between daily gel (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.09; P = .59) or RAI gel (IRR, 0.90; P = .51) compared to FTC/TDF. High adherence (≥80% of prescribed doses assessed by unused product return and Short Message System reports) was less likely in the daily gel regimen (odds ratio [OR], 0.35; P < .001), and participants reported less likelihood of future daily gel use for HIV protection compared to FTC/TDF (OR, 0.38; P < .001). Conclusions: Rectal application of RG TFV gel was safe in MSM and TGW. Adherence and product use likelihood were similar for the intermittent gel and daily oral FTC/TDF regimens, but lower for the daily gel regimen. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT01687218.

Detectable Tenofovir Levels in Breast-Feeding Infants of Mothers Exposed to Topical Tenofovir.

Lactation studies are necessary evaluations of medications for reproductive-age women. We evaluated pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics, safety, and adherence profiles associated with 7 days of 1% tenofovir (TFV) vaginal gel use during lactation. Tenofovir levels (maternal/infant serum, milk) and anti-HIV activity (milk), adverse events (AEs), and adherence were measured for 17 HIV-1-seronegative breast-feeding mother-infant pairs. Tenofovir use was well-tolerated and detected at low levels in maternal serum, milk, and infant serum but demonstrated no anti-HIV activity in milk.

Comparison of visual and ultraviolet light inspection versus DNA/protein biomarkers to assess product adherence with vaginal microbicide applicators.

BACKGROUND: Objective biomarkers of product use and protocol compliance are urgently needed. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of DNA and protein-based biomarkers, obtained from used vaginal gel applicators, to visual inspection of those applicators under ambient light (visual inspection of returned applicator [VIRA]) and ultraviolet light (UVL). METHODS: Forty women inserted hydroxyethylcellulose placebo gel vaginal applicators under direct observation. Applicators were evaluated by VIRA, UVL, and DNA/protein-based methods at 2 time points: within 7 days of the visit and after storing applicators for approximately 30 days. Semen biomarkers were assayed from vaginal swabs and returned applicators. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity and specificity of DNA and protein-based biomarkers in determining vaginal insertion versus sham handling of returned applicators were 98.3% and 100%, respectively, at both 7- and 30-day evaluations. The overall sensitivity and specificity of VIRA at 7 and 30 days after collection were significantly lower than those of DNA and protein-based biomarkers. Ultraviolet light inspection also had significantly lower overall sensitivity and overall specificity compared with DNA and protein biomarkers. The sensitivity of DNA and protein-based biomarkers for detecting insertion of wiped applicators was 95%, whereas the sensitivity of VIRA (range of 24%-28%) and UVL inspection (range, 38%-84%) was low for this subset. It was feasible to obtain semen biomarkers from vaginal swabs and returned used applicators. CONCLUSIONS: DNA and protein-based biomarkers offer significantly higher sensitivity and specificity compared with VIRA and UVL assessment. The accuracy of these objective biomarkers is maintained despite storage of returned products for approximately 30 days and under conditions potentially modeling field use.

Colposcopy: still useful in microbicide safety trials?

BACKGROUND: Colposcopy is used to evaluate vaginal microbicides, but its link to risk of HIV is unknown. This reanalysis of 9 safety studies determined the impact of omitting colposcopy on the number of findings detected and assessed whether colposcopy was useful in identifying nonoxynol-9 (N-9) as an unsafe product in one study. METHODS: Product-related findings seen with naked eye and colposcopy or by colposcopy alone were evaluated. Using data from one study, the ratio of findings in N-9 users to those in hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) users was compared for findings seen by naked eye and colposcopy versus findings detected only by colposcopy. RESULTS: Of the 403 finding observations in the 9 studies, 173 (43%) would have been missed without colposcopy. Data from the N-9/HEC study showed that without colposcopy, there would have been 7 times as many observations in the N-9 group as in the HEC group (63 vs. 9). With colposcopy, the N-9/HEC ratio was 13:9 or 1.4. Considering epithelial integrity, finding type, and size showed similar patterns, except that among the smallest findings (<5 mm), the N-9/HEC ratio was 1.2 by naked eye and nearly the same at 1.4 by colposcopy. CONCLUSION: Colposcopy was not helpful in identifying an unsafe product: the conclusions reached using naked eye examination alone were more alarming regarding the safety of N-9 than reached by including colposcopy. Recommendations include: (1) naked eye examinations should be continued in microbicide studies; (2) colposcopy may be considered for early studies, such as first-in-human studies, but has no place in large studies; and (3) colposcopy should be replaced as soon as possible with a more objective validated biomarker of HIV risk.

Randomized, placebo controlled phase I trial of the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and acceptability of a 90 day tenofovir plus levonorgestrel vaginal ring used continuously or cyclically in women: The CONRAD 138 study.

Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs), which prevent sexually transmitted infection(s) and unintended pregnancy, are highly desirable to women. In this randomized, placebo-controlled, phase I study, women used a placebo or tenofovir (TFV) and levonorgestrel (LNG) intravaginal ring (IVR), either continuously or cyclically (three, 28-day cycles with a 3 day interruption in between each cycle), for 90 days. Sixty-eight women were screened; 47 were randomized to 4 arms: TFV/LNG or placebo IVRs used continuously or cyclically (4:4:1:1). Safety was assessed by adverse events and changes from baseline in mucosal histology and immune mediators. TFV concentrations were evaluated in multiple compartments. LNG concentration was determined in serum. Modeled TFV pharmacodynamic antiviral activity was evaluated in vaginal and rectal fluids and cervicovaginal tissue ex vivo. LNG pharmacodynamics was assessed with cervical mucus quality and anovulation. All IVRs were safe with no serious adverse events nor significant changes in genital tract histology, immune cell density or secreted soluble proteins from baseline. Median vaginal fluid TFV concentrations were >500 ng/mg throughout 90d. TFV-diphosphate tissue concentrations exceeded 1,000 fmol/mg within 72hrs of IVR insertion. Mean serum LNG concentrations exceeded 200 pg/mL within 2h of TFV/LNG use, decreasing quickly after IVR removal. Vaginal fluid of women using TFV-containing IVRs had significantly greater inhibitory activity (87-98% versus 10% at baseline; p<0.01) against HIV replication in vitro. There was a >10-fold reduction in HIV p24 antigen production from ectocervical tissues after TFV/LNG exposure. TFV/LNG IVR users had significantly higher rates of anovulation, lower Insler scores and poorer/abnormal cervical mucus sperm penetration. Most TFV/LNG IVR users reported no change in menstrual cycles or fewer days of and/or lighter bleeding. All IVRs were safe. Active rings delivered high TFV concentrations locally. LNG caused changes in cervical mucus, sperm penetration, and ovulation compatible with contraceptive efficacy. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT03279120.

An Open-Label Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Assessment of Tenofovir Gel and Oral Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate.

The Microbicide Trials Network-017 study was undertaken to characterize the safety, acceptability, pharmacokinetic (PK), and pharmacodynamic profile of the reduced-glycerin (RG) 1% tenofovir (RG-TFV) gel compared to oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF). The study was a Phase 2, three-period, randomized sequence, open-label, expanded safety and acceptability crossover study. In each 8-week study period, HIV-1-uninfected participants were randomized to RG-TFV rectal gel daily or RG-TFV rectal gel before and after receptive anal intercourse (RAI) (or at least twice weekly in the event of no RAI), or daily oral FTC/TDF. A mucosal substudy was conducted at sites in the United States and Thailand. Samples were collected to evaluate PK and ex vivo biopsy challenge with HIV-1. A total of 195 men who have sex with men and transgender women were enrolled in the parent study and 37 in the mucosal substudy. As previously reported, both products were found to be safe and acceptable. Systemic TFV concentrations were significantly higher following oral exposure and daily rectal administration compared to RAI-associated product use (p < .001). All three routes of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) administration resulted in the inhibition of explant infection (p < .05), and there was a significant inverse correlation between explant HIV-1 p24 and tissue concentrations of TFV and FTC (p < .0001). Despite significant differences in systemic and mucosal drug concentrations, all three PrEP regimens were able to protect rectal explants from ex vivo HIV infection. These data suggest that there is a rationale for co-development of oral and topical antiretroviral PrEP for HIV prevention. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT01687218.

Baseline variation and associations between subject characteristics and five cytokine biomarkers of vaginal safety among healthy non-pregnant women in microbicide trials.

Interleukins (IL)-8, IL-1α, IL-1ß, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) have emerged as indicators of vaginal inflammation and HIV-1 transmission risk. We provide values and factors of normal variation of these immune mediators in premenopausal women to allow their wider clinical application as biomarkers of vaginal health. Cross-sectional analyzes (Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon exact tests) of cytokine concentrations in relation to sociodemographic variables and Nugent score were performed on baseline (prior to product) cervicovaginal lavage from two Phase I randomized microbicide trials. All women in the analysis had regular menstrual cycles, 72 h abstinence, normal blood and Pap tests, and absence of genitourinary infections, study-relevant allergies, antibiotics use and history of substance abuse. Cytokine norms were defined as the values among those with Nugent score <4. Among women with normal Nugent score (n=92), IL-8 and IL-1ß were lowest in those using abstinence as compared to hormonal contraceptives or male/female sterilization as their primary method for birth control. No difference was found by age, prior pregnancy, or education, and also by race after controlling for contraceptive method. Women with abnormal (>7) and borderline (4-6) Nugent scores had elevated IL-1α and/or IL-1ß although their IL-1RA-to-IL(α+ß) ratio remained within the normal range due to higher IL-1RA. Women with borderline Nugent scores had IL-8 levels above the normal range. IL-8 and the IL-1RA-to-IL-1 ratio can be used as independent biomarkers of vaginal immune balance. More studies must determine the role of sexual activity, contraceptive method, and borderline Nugent scores, which normally are not exclusion criteria for enrollment in microbicide trials but may affect product tolerability and HIV-1 risk due to the aberrant cytokine levels.

Safety and Pharmacokinetics of a Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate-Emtricitabine based Oral Antiretroviral Regimen for Prevention of HIV Acquisition in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Daily oral emtricitabine (FTC, F)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) combination is approved for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in men and women. Tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) is a newer, more potent prodrug of tenofovir (TFV), and in combination with FTC, has recently been approved for prevention of HIV through rectal transmission. METHODS: This Phase I, prospective, interventional, randomized study was conducted in three clinical sites: PROFAMILIA, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; University of Pittsburgh and Eastern Virginia Medical School. We assessed the multi-compartmental pharmacokinetics (primary outcome) and safety (secondary outcome) among HIV uninfected women randomized to F/TDF (200mg/300mg) or F/TAF (200mg/25mg; F/TAF25) (n=24) in a single dose phase (SDP) and F/TDF, F/TAF (200mg/10mg; F/TAF10), or F/TAF25 (n=75) in a multiple dose (14 daily doses) phase (MDP). We described PK parameters in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and cervicovaginal (CV) and rectal fluids and tissues. ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02904369, completed. FINDINGS: Recruitment for the study began on 5 October 2016. The first participant was enrolled on 6 October 2016 and the last participant completed the study 21 November 2017. PLASMA: TFV concentrations area under curve (AUC) were ~20 fold lower following F/TAF versus F/TDF. TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) AUC concentrations in PBMCs were 7-fold higher with F/TAF25 versus F/TDF. Median TFV-DP concentrations in vaginal tissue (4hours post last dose) were approximately 6-fold higher with F/TAF25 versus F/TDF. TFV and TFV-DP were lower with F/TAF versus F/TDF in rectal tissue. Concentrations of FTC and FTC-triphosphate (FTC-TP) were similar across matrices and treatment arms. Gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs) occurred more frequently in F/TDF users (44.0%) than in either F/TAF group (11.5 and 12.0%). INTERPRETATION: F/TAF was safe and well-tolerated. TFV-DP concentrations were higher in PBMCs and similar or higher (4h post dose) in female genital tract tissues for F/TAF versus F/TDF. High FTC and FTC-TP concentrations in all compartments support the potential of F/TAF as a new PrEP combination for women.

Suppression of follicular rupture with meloxicam, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor: potential for emergency contraception.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors can prevent or delay follicular rupture. COX-2 inhibitors, such as meloxicam, may offer advantages over emergency contraception with levonorgestrel, such as extending the therapeutic window for up to 24 h. We assessed the effect of meloxicam administered in the late follicular phase upon ovulation in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single center, double blind, crossover study designed to assess the effects in 27 eligible women (18-40 years old, surgically sterilized with regular menstrual cycles) of meloxicam, 15 or 30 mg/day, administered orally for five consecutive days during the late follicular phase, starting when the leading follicle reached 18 mm diameter. Volunteers underwent two treatment cycles separated by one resting cycle, with randomization to dose sequence. Main outcomes were follicular rupture; serum LH, progesterone and estradiol (E2) levels; and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty-two volunteers completed the study. There were no differences between meloxicam doses in menstrual cycle length. Dysfunctional ovulation was observed in 11/22 (50%) cycles treated with 15 mg/day and 20/22 (90.9%) cycles with 30 mg/day (P = 0.0068). All women had normal luteal phase progesterone levels; mean maximal values +/- SEM were 42 +/- 4.1 and 46.8 +/- 2.6 nmol/l for 15 and 30 mg/day groups, respectively. There were no serious adverse events, and no changes in LH and E2 levels or in cycle length. CONCLUSIONS: Meloxicam 30 mg given for five consecutive days in the late follicular phase is safe, effective and may be an alternative form of emergency contraception.

Effect of Hormonal Contraception on Pharmacokinetics of Vaginal Tenofovir in Healthy Women: Increased Tenofovir Diphosphate in Injectable Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Users.

OBJECTIVE: Endogenous and exogenous contraceptive hormones may affect mucosal pharmacokinetics (PKs) of topical antiretrovirals such as tenofovir. We present PK data from healthy women using tenofovir vaginal gel, at baseline (follicular and luteal phases) and after oral contraceptive pill (OCP) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) use. METHODS: CONRAD A10-114 was a prospective, interventional, open-label, parallel study. We enrolled 74 women and 60 completed the study (32 and 28 who selected OCPs or DMPA, respectively). Participants used 2 doses of tenofovir gel separated by 2 hours, without intercourse, and were examined 3 or 11 hours after the last dose. We assessed pharmacokinetics in plasma, cervicovaginal (CV) aspirate, and vaginal tissue. RESULTS: In general, there were no significant differences in mucosal tenofovir and tenofovir diphosphate concentrations (P > 0.23) in the follicular and luteal phases, except for lower mean tenofovir tissue concentrations (P < 0.01) in the follicular phase. Tenofovir concentrations significantly decreased in CV aspirate (P < 0.01) after contraceptive use, but overall remained very high (>10 ng/mL). Mean tissue tenofovir diphosphate increased to 6229 fmol/mg after DMPA use compared with 3693 and 1460 fmol/mg in the follicular and luteal phases, respectively (P < 0.01). The molecular conversion of tenofovir into tenofovir diphosphate was more effective in DMPA users (molecular ratio of 2.02 versus 0.65 luteal phase, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both menstrual cycle phase and exogenous hormones affect topical tenofovir mucosal and systemic PKs. However, high levels of tenofovir and tenofovir diphosphate were observed in the CV mucosa in the presence or absence of OCPs and DMPA, with tissue levels exceeding benchmarks of predicted mucosal anti-HIV efficacy (tenofovir >1.00 ng/mL in CV aspirate and tenofovir diphosphate >1000 fmol/mg).

Vaginal microbiota and mucosal pharmacokinetics of tenofovir in healthy women using tenofovir and tenofovir/levonorgestrel vaginal rings.

Recent data support that the vaginal microbiota may alter mucosal pharmacokinetics (PK) of topically delivered microbicides. Our team developed an intravaginal ring (IVR) that delivers tenofovir (TFV) (8-10 mg/day) alone or with levonorgestrel (LNG) (20 ug/day). We evaluated the effect of IVRs on the vaginal microbiota, and describe how the vaginal microbiota impacts mucosal PK of TFV. CONRAD A13-128 was a randomized, placebo controlled phase I study. We randomized 51 women to TFV, TFV/LNG or placebo IVR. We assessed the vaginal microbiota by sequencing the V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA genes prior to IVR insertion and after approximately 15 days of use. We measured the concentration of TFV in the cervicovaginal (CV) aspirate, and TFV and TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) in vaginal tissue at the end of IVR use. The change in relative or absolute abundance of vaginal bacterial phylotypes was similar among active and placebo IVR users (all q values >0.13). TFV concentrations in CV aspirate and vaginal tissue, and TFV-DP concentrations in vaginal tissue were not significantly different among users with community state type (CST) 4 versus those with Lactobacillus dominated microbiota (all p values >0.07). The proportions of participants with CV aspirate concentrations of TFV >200,000 ng/mL and those with tissue TFV-DP concentrations >1,000 fmol/mg were similar among women with anaerobe versus Lactobacillus dominated microbiota (p = 0.43, 0.95 respectively). There were no significant correlations between the CV aspirate concentration of TFV and the relative abundances of Gardnerella vaginalis or Prevotella species. Tissue concentrations of TFV-DP did not correlate with any the relative abundances of any species, including Gardnerella vaginalis. In conclusion, active IVRs did not differ from the placebo IVR on the effect on the vaginal microbiota. Local TFV and TFV-DP concentrations were high and similar among IVR users with Lactobacillus dominated microbiota versus CST IV vaginal microbiota. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02235662.

Integrated provision of topical pre-exposure prophylaxis in routine family planning services in South Africa: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Tenofovir-containing oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended for those at substantial risk as part of combination HIV prevention. However, there are limited data, beyond clinical trial settings, to guide the introduction of PrEP in healthcare services with adequate levels of adherence. Since young women in Africa are at high risk of HIV and likely to utilize family planning (FP) services, the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of integrating topical PrEP provision into routine FP services was assessed. METHODS: This two-arm, randomized controlled, non-inferiority, open-label extension trial was undertaken in urban and rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. HIV-negative eligible women (n = 372) from the parent trial (Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) 004) were randomized to receive tenofovir gel either through intervention (FP clinics, n = 189) or control clinics (CAPRISA research clinics, n = 183). Non-inferiority was predefined as gel use in the intervention clinics would be no more than 20% lower than in the control clinics. Adherence, retention and HIV incidence rates were assessed. RESULTS: Women were enrolled between November 2012 and October 2014, and followed up for 682.3 women-years (mean = 22 months). Baseline characteristics of women in intervention and control clinics were comparable and retention rates were 92.1% and 92.3% respectively. Women in intervention clinics and control clinics returned on average 5.2 (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.7 to 5.7) and 5.7 (CI: 5.2 to 6.2) used gel applicators per month respectively, with a mean difference of -0.47 (CI: -1.16 to 0.21). Per-protocol estimates were on average 5.5 (CI: 5.0 to 6.1) and 5.8 (CI: 5.3 to 6.3) respectively, with a mean difference of -0.25 (CI: -0.98 to 0.48), meeting the non-inferiority criteria. Adherence, based on proportion of reported sex acts covered by two gel doses, was 79.9% (CI: 76.7 to 83.2) in intervention compared with 73.9% (CI: 70.7 to 77.1) in control clinics; mean difference:6.0% (CI: 1.5 to 10.6) (p = 0.009). HIV incidence rates were 3.5 (CI: 1.8 to 6.0) and 3.6 (CI: 1.9 to 6.3) per 100 women-years in intervention and control clinics respectively. Both these incidence rates were lower than the age-standardized rate of 6.2 per 100 women-years (n = 444) in the placebo arm of the parent trial (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Provision of topical PrEP as part of an integrated FP service achieved higher adherence, and was as feasible, acceptable and effective in preventing HIV as provision through a research setting. This provides useful evidence for scale-up of oral PrEP in urban and rural high burden communities.

The Effect of Hormonal Contraception on Cervicovaginal Mucosal End Points Associated with HIV Acquisition.

Reproductive age women may choose to concurrently use topical antiretrovirals and hormonal contraceptives (HCs) to simultaneously prevent HIV-1 infection and unintended/mistimed pregnancy. There are conflicting data on the effect of HCs on mucosal susceptibility to HIV-1. The objective of this study was to evaluate cervicovaginal (CV) mucosal data from healthy women before and after initiation of either oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injection. CONRAD A10-114 was a prospective, open-label, parallel cohort study. We enrolled 74 women and 62 completed the visits (32 and 30 who selected OCPs and DMPA, respectively). Participants provided CV lavage, vaginal biopsies, and CV swabs at baseline in the luteal phase and then ∼6 weeks after initiating HCs. After contraceptive initiation, there were significant increases in vaginal immune cell density among both DMPA and OCP users. Changes for OCP users were concentrated in the subepithelial lamina propria, whereas for DMPA users, they were distributed throughout the vaginal tissue, including the epithelium (CD45+, CD3+, CD4+, and CD1a+). Contraceptive use altered concentrations of soluble CV inflammatory and immune mediators, with significant reductions in some proinflammatory cytokines and secretory leukoprotease inhibitor. Compared with baseline, p24 antigen production after ex vivo HIV-1 infection of vaginal biopsies doubled after DMPA use, but all p-values were >.05. HIV-1 replication was significantly higher in DMPA-exposed tissues compared with those from the OCP group at the end of the tissue culture (p = .01). Although not statistically significant, median in vitro inhibition of HIV-1 by CV fluid (innate antiviral activity), was reduced by ∼50% with HCs (p > .21). Exposure to exogenous contraceptive hormones significantly increased vaginal immune cells and reduced CV proinflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides. DMPA users showed higher susceptibility to HIV-1 ex vivo infection.

Comparison of self-reported female condom failure and biomarker-confirmed semen exposure.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether rates of self-reported Woman's Condom (WC) clinical failure and semen exposure from a functionality study are comparable to results from a contraceptive efficacy substudy. STUDY DESIGN: We structured our comparative analysis to assess whether functionality studies might credibly supplant contraceptive efficacy studies when evaluating new female condom products. Couples not at risk of pregnancy in the functionality (breakage/slippage/invagination/penile misdirection) study and women in the contraceptive efficacy study completed condom self-reports and collected precoital and postcoital vaginal samples for up to four uses of the WC. Both studies used nearly identical self-report questions and the same self-sampling procedures and laboratory for prostatic specific antigen (PSA), a well-studied semen biomarker. We compared condom failure and semen exposure proportions using generalized estimating equations methods accounting for within-couple correlation. RESULTS: Ninety-five (95) efficacy substudy participants used 334 WC and 408 functionality participants used 1572 WC. Based on self-report, 19.2% WC (64 condoms) clinically failed in the efficacy substudy compared to 12.3% WC (194 condoms) in the functionality study (p=.03). Of the 207 WC efficacy uses with evaluable postcoital PSA levels, 14.5% (30 uses) resulted in semen exposure compared to 14.2% (184 uses) of the 1293 evaluable WC functionality study uses. CONCLUSIONS: When evaluating the ability of an experimental condom to prevent semen exposure, the rate of clinical condom failure reported by participants risking pregnancy in an efficacy substudy was significantly higher than the rate reported by participants not risking pregnancy in a functionality study. The rate of semen exposure, assessed by an objective biomarker was nearly identical for the two studies. IMPLICATIONS: Our results suggest that an objective marker of semen exposure in functionality studies could provide a reasonable alternative to contraceptive efficacy studies in evaluating risk of unintended pregnancy and inferring protection from sexually transmitted infection than condom failure rates based on self-report.

Noncomparative contraceptive efficacy of cellulose sulfate gel.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the 6-month cumulative probability of pregnancy, short-term adverse effects, and acceptability of cellulose sulfate vaginal contraceptive gel. METHODS: Two hundred fertile heterosexual couples were enrolled in this single-center, phase II, 6-month noncomparative study conducted at the California Family Health Council in Los Angeles, California. Couples did not desire pregnancy, were at low risk for sexually transmitted diseases, and agreed to use 3.5 mL of cellulose sulfate gel intravaginally before each coital act as their primary means of contraception. Scheduled follow-up visits took place after one menstrual cycle and at study completion, which occurred after 6 months and six menstrual cycles had elapsed. In addition, participants were instructed to call the site at the onset of each menses to review their diary cards. RESULTS: The cumulative probabilities of pregnancy during 6 months and six cycles of typical use were 13.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.5-19.4%) and 13.9% (95% CI 7.7-20.2%), respectively, and during 6 cycles of correct and consistent ("perfect") use: 3.9% (95% CI 0.0-9.2%). Slightly over one fourth of the women and one man reported experiencing gel-related adverse events, two thirds of which were mild and only possibly related to the gel. Three quarters of women and men reported that they would buy cellulose sulfate gel for contraception. CONCLUSION: Cellulose sulfate vaginal gel yields pregnancy rates comparable to nonoxynol-9 and few adverse events among couples at low risk for sexually transmitted diseases.

SILCS diaphragm: postcoital testing of a new single-size contraceptive device.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of a new, single-size silicone contraceptive diaphragm used with either spermicide [2% nonoxynol-9 (N-9)] or lubricant in preventing sperm from penetrating midcycle cervical mucus. STUDY DESIGN: A crossover postcoital test (PCT) in healthy, sexually active women not at risk for pregnancy due to tubal occlusion was conducted. Couples had a baseline PCT without a device to verify normal fertility parameters. Qualified couples underwent up to two test cycles using the SILCS diaphragm with a metal spring. A subgroup of couples underwent a third test cycle with the SILCS polymer spring diaphragm used with N-9 gel. RESULTS: Fifteen couples completed a baseline cycle and were randomized to order of study gel. Of these, 14 couples completed a baseline cycle and at least one test cycle, 12 couples completed a baseline cycle and two test cycles and 8 couples completed a third test cycle with the polymer spring prototype. Sperm was detected in the vaginal pool in all completed test cycles. The SILCS metal spring diaphragms used with N-9 gel reduced the average number of progressively motile sperm per high power field in the cervical mucus from a baseline of 12.5 to 0, while use of this device with lubricant reduced the number to 0.5. The SILCS polymer spring diaphragm used with N-9 performed the same as the metal spring used with N-9. CONCLUSION: The SILCS diaphragm used with N-9 gel performed well. It is likely that the SILCS diaphragm will give acceptable results in a contraceptive effectiveness study but that adjunctive use of a chemical barrier such as N-9 gel will be necessary for it to be most effective.