Use of Drug-level Testing and Single-genome Sequencing to Unravel a Case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seroconversion on Pre-exposure Prophylaxis.

Cases of seroconversion on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should be carefully investigated, given their public health implications and rarity. We report a case of transmitted drug resistance causing seroconversion on PrEP in spite of high adherence, confirmed with dried blood spot and segmental hair drug-level testing and single-genome sequencing.

Thyroid and Cardiovascular Disease: Research Agenda for Enhancing Knowledge, Prevention, and Treatment.

Thyroid hormones have long been known to have a range of effects on the cardiovascular system. However, significant knowledge gaps exist concerning the precise molecular and biochemical mechanisms governing these effects and the optimal strategies for management of abnormalities in thyroid function in patients with and without preexisting cardiovascular disease. In September 2017, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a Working Group with the goal of developing priorities for future scientific research relating thyroid dysfunction to the progression of cardiovascular disease. The Working Group reviewed and discussed the roles of normal thyroid physiology, the consequences of thyroid dysfunction, and the effects of therapy in 3 cardiovascular areas: cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias, the vasculature and atherosclerosis, and the myocardium and heart failure. This report describes the current state of the field, outlines barriers and challenges to progress, and proposes research opportunities to advance the field, including strategies for leveraging novel approaches using omics and big data. The Working Group recommended research in 3 broad areas: (1) investigation into the fundamental biology relating thyroid dysfunction to the development of cardiovascular disease and into the identification of novel biomarkers of thyroid hormone action in cardiovascular tissues; (2) studies that define subgroups of patients with thyroid dysfunction amenable to specific preventive strategies and interventional therapies related to cardiovascular disease; and (3) clinical trials focused on improvement in cardiovascular performance and cardiovascular outcomes through treatment with thyroid hormone or thyromimetic drugs.

Daclatasvir plus Sofosbuvir for HCV in Patients Coinfected with HIV-1.

BACKGROUND: The combination of daclatasvir, a hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A inhibitor, and the NS5B inhibitor sofosbuvir has shown efficacy in patients with HCV monoinfection. Data are lacking on the efficacy and safety of this combination in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). METHODS: This was an open-label study involving 151 patients who had not received HCV treatment and 52 previously treated patients, all of whom were coinfected with HIV-1. Previously untreated patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either 12 weeks or 8 weeks of daclatasvir at a standard dose of 60 mg daily (with dose adjustment for concomitant antiretroviral medications) plus 400 mg of sofosbuvir daily. Previously treated patients were assigned to undergo 12 weeks of therapy at the same doses. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response at week 12 after the end of therapy among previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 1 who were treated for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Patients had HCV genotypes 1 through 4 (83% with genotype 1), and 14% had compensated cirrhosis; 98% were receiving antiretroviral therapy. Among patients with genotype 1, a sustained virologic response was reported in 96.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.8 to 99.2) who were treated for 12 weeks and in 75.6% (95% CI, 59.7 to 87.6) who were treated for 8 weeks among previously untreated patients and in 97.7% (95% CI, 88.0 to 99.9) who were treated for 12 weeks among previously treated patients. Rates of sustained virologic response across all genotypes were 97.0% (95% CI, 91.6 to 99.4), 76.0% (95% CI, 61.8 to 86.9), and 98.1% (95% CI, 89.7 to 100), respectively. The most common adverse events were fatigue, nausea, and headache. There were no study-drug discontinuations because of adverse events. HIV-1 suppression was not compromised. CONCLUSIONS: Among previously untreated HIV-HCV coinfected patients receiving daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir for HCV infection, the rate of sustained virologic response across all genotypes was 97.0% after 12 weeks of treatment and 76.0% after 8 weeks. (Funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb; ALLY-2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02032888.).

A formative evaluation of a nurse practitioner-led interprofessional geriatric outpatient clinic.

The number of older adults with multiple complex comorbidities and frailty is expected to increase dramatically in the coming decades, which will necessitate a concomitant increase in the need for skilled clinicians who are able to manage complex geriatric needs. Many physicians, however, lack the required formal training, often leading to long wait-lists for specialist clinics. Yet, clinics led by non-physician professionals specialising in geriatric care could decrease these delays. This article describes the development and evaluation of a nurse practitioner-led interprofessional geriatric outpatient clinic (Inter-D Clinic). A combination of semi-structured clinician interviews, post-clinic follow-up phone calls, satisfaction surveys, and information from the hospital workload management system served as data sources for this formative programme evaluation. Between January 2013 and December 2014, 293 patients were seen in the clinic with the majority being referred for either memory issues (49%) or functional decline (35%). The clinic assessment frequently uncovered other issues, which led to guidance around falls prevention, improved nutrition, medication management, and referrals to available community supports. Both patients and referring physicians were very satisfied with this model of care, which is likely transferable to other locations provided the needed clinical expertise and community support services are available.

12 Weeks of Daclatasvir in Combination With Sofosbuvir for HIV-HCV Coinfection (ALLY-2 Study): Efficacy and Safety by HIV Combination Antiretroviral Regimens.

BACKGROUND: Highly effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) direct-acting antiviral therapies that do not require modification of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antiretroviral regimens are needed. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of daclatasvir + sofosbuvir (DCV + SOF) for 12 weeks by antiretroviral (ARV) regimen in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients. METHODS: In the randomized, open-label ALLY-2 study, HIV-HCV-coinfected patients received 8 or 12 weeks of once-daily DCV 60 mg (dose-adjusted as-necessary for concomitant ARVs) + SOF 400 mg. Results were stratified by ARV class for the 151 patients who received 12 weeks of DCV + SOF. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were HCV treatment experienced, 100 were treatment naive, 89% male and 33% black. HCV genotypes were: genotype 1a (GT1a; 69%), GT1b (15%), GT2 (8%), GT3 (6%), and GT4 (2%). Sustained virologic response 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) was 97% and was similar across ARV regimens (P = .774): protease inhibitor-based, 97% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90%-99.7%); nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based, 100% (95% CI, 91%-100%); and integrase inhibitor based, 95% (95% CI, 83%-99.4%). SVR12 among patients receiving either tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or abacavir as part of their antiretroviral therapy regimen was 98% (95% CI, 93%-99.5%) and 100% (95% CI, 85%-100%), respectively. Age, gender, race, cirrhosis, HCV treatment history, GT , and baseline HCV RNA did not affect SVR12. No discontinuations were attributed to treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: DCV + SOF x12 weeks is a highly efficacious, all-oral, pan-GT HCV treatment for HIV-HCV coinfected patients across a broad range of ARV regimens. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT02032888.

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.

Lenacapavir administered every 26 weeks or daily in combination with oral daily antiretroviral therapy for initial treatment of HIV: a randomised, open-label, active-controlled, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral agents with novel mechanisms and dosing intervals could expand treatment options for people with HIV. Lenacapavir, an inhibitor of capsid protein that makes use of a unique mechanism, can be administered orally or subcutaneously. We sought to explore the efficacy of lenacapavir in various combination regimens as initial and maintenance therapy for HIV. METHODS: In a phase 2, randomised, open-label, ongoing study at 41 investigational sites in the USA and Dominican Republic, we randomly assigned adults with HIV who had not previously received antiretrovirals to four groups (2:2:2:1). Randomisation was stratified by plasma HIV-1 RNA load (≤100 000 or >100 000 copies per mL) at screening. Groups 1 and 2 both received lenacapavir (927 mg) subcutaneously every 26 weeks (after 2 weeks of oral loading [600 mg on days 1 and 2, followed by 300 mg on day 8]) with oral daily emtricitabine (200 mg) and tenofovir alafenamide (25 mg) for 28 weeks followed by subcutaneous lenacapavir (927 mg) plus oral daily tenofovir alafenamide (25 mg, group 1) or bictegravir (75 mg, group 2). Group 3 received oral daily lenacapavir (600 mg on days 1 and 2, followed by 50 mg daily) with emtricitabine (200 mg) and tenofovir alafenamide (25 mg). Group 4 received oral daily bictegravir (50 mg), emtricitabine (200 mg), and tenofovir alafenamide (25 mg). Participants and investigators were not masked to group assignment. The primary endpoint was the percentage of participants with virological suppression (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per mL) at week 54, analysed in the full analysis set (all randomly assigned participants who received at least one dose of study drug) using only on-treatment data. The safety outcome measures were incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events and graded laboratory abnormalities, analysed in the full analysis set. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04143594. FINDINGS: Between Nov 22, 2019, and Aug 27, 2020, 249 people with HIV were screened, 183 participants were randomly assigned and 182 received a dose of antiretroviral drugs (52 in group 1, 53 in group 2, 52 in group 3, and 25 in group 4). 22 participants did not complete the full study course (five in group 1, 12 in group 2, four in group 3, and one in group 4). At week 54, virological suppression was 90% (47 of 52 patients) for group 1 (difference vs group 4: -2·6%, 95% CI -18·4 to 13·2), 85% (45 of 53) for group 2 (-7·1%, -23·4 to 9·3), 85% (44 of 52) for group 3 (-7·2%, -23·5 to 9·1), and 92% (23 of 25) for group 4. The most frequent non-injection-site adverse events with lenacapavir (subcutaneous or oral) were headache (13%, 21 of 157) and nausea (13%, 21 of 157). The most common lenacapavir-related injection-site reactions were erythema (27%, 28 of 105), swelling (23%, 24 of 105), and pain (19%, 20 of 105), which were generally mild or moderate. No serious adverse event related to study treatment occurred. Three participants discontinued subcutaneous lenacapavir because of grade 1 injection-site reactions (two for induration and one for erythema or swelling). INTERPRETATION: Lenacapavir warrants further investigation as a potential antiretroviral used orally and as injection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. FUNDING: Gilead Sciences.

A nucleoside- and ritonavir-sparing regimen containing atazanavir plus raltegravir in antiretroviral treatment-naïve HIV-infected patients: SPARTAN study results.

BACKGROUND: Nucleoside and ritonavir (RTV) toxicities have led to increased interest in nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and RTV-sparing antiretroviral regimens. SPARTAN was a multicenter, randomized, open-label, noncomparative pilot study evaluating the efficacy, safety, and resistance profile of an investigational NRTI- and RTV-sparing regimen (experimental atazanavir [ATV] dose 300 mg bid + raltegravir [RAL] 400 mg bid [ATV+RAL]). The reference regimen consisted of ATV 300 mg/RTV 100 mg qd + tenofovir (TDF) 300 mg/emtricitabine (FTC) 200 mg qd (ATV/r+TDF/FTC). METHODS: Treatment-naïve HIV-infected patients with HIV-RNA ≥5,000 copies/mL were randomized 2:1 to receive twice-daily ATV+RAL (n=63) or once-daily ATV/r+TDF/FTC (n=31). Efficacy at 24 weeks was determined by confirmed virologic response (CVR; HIV-RNA <50 copies/mL) with noncom-pleters counted as failures based on all treated subjects. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with CVR HIV RNA <50 copies/mL at week 24 was 74.6% (47/63) in the ATV+RAL arm and 63.3% (19/30) in the ATV/r+TDF/FTC arm. Systemic exposure to ATV in the ATV+RAL regimen was higher than historically observed with ATV/r+TDF/ FTC. Incidence of Grade 4 hyperbilirubinemia was higher on ATV+RAL (20.6%; 13/63) than on ATV/r+TDF/FTC (0%). The criteria for resistance testing (virologic failure [VF]: HIV-RNA ≥400 copies/mL) was met in 6/63 patients on ATV+RAL, and 1/30 on ATV/r+TDF/FTC; 4 VFs on ATV+RAL developed RAL resistance. CONCLUSIONS: ATV+RAL, an experimental NRTI- and RTV-sparing regimen, achieved virologic suppression rates comparable to current standards of care for treatment-naïve patients. The overall profile did not appear optimal for further clinical development given its development of resistance to RAL and higher rates of hyperbilirubinemia with twice-daily ATV compared with ATV/RTV.

Switching to Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in Black Americans With HIV-1: A Randomized Phase 3b, Multicenter, Open-Label Study.

BACKGROUND: With the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the United States, Black Americans are still underrepresented in HIV medical research. SETTING: BRAAVE (NCT03631732) is a randomized, phase 3b, multicenter, open-label US study. METHODS: Adults identifying as Black or African American and virologically suppressed on 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus third agent were randomized (2:1) to switch to open-label bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) once daily or stay on baseline regimen (SBR) for 24 weeks, after which SBR had delayed switch to B/F/TAF. Resistance to non-NRTIs, protease inhibitors, and/or NRTIs was permitted; integrase strand transfer inhibitor resistance was exclusionary. Primary endpoint was proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL at week 24 (snapshot algorithm; noninferiority margin of 6%). RESULTS: Of 558 screened, 495 were randomized/treated (B/F/TAF n = 330; SBR n = 165). Overall, 32% were ciswomen, 2% transwomen, and 10% had an M184V/I mutation. At week 24, 0.6% on B/F/TAF vs 1.8% on SBR had HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL (difference -1.2%; 95% confidence interval -4.8% to 0.9%), demonstrating noninferiority of B/F/TAF vs SBR. Proportions with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL at week 24 were 96% B/F/TAF and 95% SBR and remained high at week 48. No participant had treatment-emergent resistance to study drug. Treatments were well tolerated. Study drug-related adverse events, mostly grade 1, occurred in 10% of participants on B/F/TAF through week 48 and led to discontinuation in 9 participants through week 48. CONCLUSIONS: For Black Americans with HIV, switching to B/F/TAF was noninferior to continuing a variety of regimens, including those with pre-existing NRTI mutations.

Darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide in treatment-naïve patients with HIV-1: subgroup analyses of the phase 3 AMBER study.

Background: The once-daily, single-tablet regimen darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) 800/150/200/10 mg is approved for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. The 48-week efficacy and safety of D/C/F/TAF versus darunavir/cobicistat + emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (control) in treatment-naïve adults were demonstrated in the phase 3 AMBER study. Objective: To describe AMBER outcomes across patient subgroups based on demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline. Methods: AMBER patients had viral load (VL) ≥1000 copies/mL, CD4+ cell count >50 cells/µL, and genotypic susceptibility to darunavir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with virologic response (VL <50 copies/mL; FDA snapshot). Safety was assessed by adverse events, estimated glomerular filtration rate (cystatin C; eGFRcystC), and bone mineral density. Outcomes were assessed by age (≤/>50 years), gender, race (black/non-black), baseline VL (≤/>100,000 copies/mL), baseline CD4+ cell count (50 years and women, relative to their comparator groups, regardless of treatment arm (notably, sample sizes were small for patients >50 years and women). Improvements in eGFRcystC and stable bone mineral density were observed with D/C/F/TAF overall, and results were generally consistent across subgroups. Conclusions: For treatment-naïve patients in AMBER, initiating therapy with the D/C/F/TAF single-tablet regimen was an effective and well-tolerated option, regardless of demographic or clinical characteristics.

Thyroid and Cardiovascular Disease: Research Agenda for Enhancing Knowledge, Prevention, and Treatment.

Thyroid hormones have long been known to have a range of effects on the cardiovascular system. However, significant knowledge gaps exist concerning the precise molecular and biochemical mechanisms governing these effects and the optimal strategies for management of abnormalities in thyroid function in patients with and without preexisting cardiovascular disease. In September 2017, The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a Working Group with the goal of developing priorities for future scientific research relating thyroid dysfunction to the progression of cardiovascular disease. The Working Group reviewed and discussed the roles of normal thyroid physiology, the consequences of thyroid dysfunction, and the effects of therapy in three cardiovascular areas: cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias, the vasculature and atherosclerosis, and the myocardium and heart failure. This report describes the current state of the field, outlines barriers and challenges to progress, and proposes research opportunities to advance the field, including strategies for leveraging novel approaches using omics and big data. The Working Group recommended research in three broad areas: 1) investigation into the fundamental biology relating thyroid dysfunction to the development of cardiovascular disease and into the identification of novel biomarkers of thyroid hormone action in cardiovascular tissues; 2) studies that define subgroups of patients with thyroid dysfunction amenable to specific preventive strategies and interventional therapies related to cardiovascular disease; and 3) clinical trials focused on improvement in cardiovascular performance and cardiovascular outcomes through treatment with thyroid hormone or thyromimetic drugs.

Impact of switching virologically suppressed, HIV-1-infected patients from twice-daily fixed-dose zidovudine/lamivudine to once-daily fixed-dose tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the impact of switching from twice-daily zidovudine/lamivudine (AZT/3TC) to once-daily tenofovir DF plus emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) with efavirenz (EFV). DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, single-arm 24-week trial. METHODS: Patients on EFV + AZT/3TC for > or =8 weeks with HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL were switched to EFV + TDF/FTC and assessed for safety/tolerability, virologic and immunologic responses, adherence, and quality of life at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. RESULTS: Of 402 patients, 2% discontinued for an adverse event (AE) and 1 patient for virologic failure. At 24 weeks, 87% had HIV RNA <400 copies/mL, and 74% versus 71% at baseline had undetectable (HIV RNA <50 copies/mL) viral load (ITT; M=F). Treatment-emergent AEs were infrequent (< or = 5%) with gastrointestinal complaints being the most common. At 24 weeks compared to baseline, hemoglobin (Hb) increased by a median of 0.6 g/dL (p < .001), and a decrease in creatinine clearance of 7.6 mL/min (p < .001) was observed. Fasting lipids decreased slightly (p < .02) in a subset of patients studied (n = 160). A higher percentage of patients reported being "very satisfied" with treatment and the absence of regimen side effects at 24 weeks versus baseline (p < .001). At 24 weeks, 86% of patients took > or = 95% of doses versus 78% at baseline (p = .002). CONCLUSION: Patients switched to EFV + TDF/FTC maintained virologic suppression and the regimen was well tolerated. Patients reported increased satisfaction with treatment and fewer were bothered by side effects.

Safety of elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide in HIV-1-infected adults with end-stage renal disease on chronic haemodialysis: an open-label, single-arm, multicentre, phase 3b trial.

BACKGROUND: Current treatment for HIV-infected individuals with renal failure on haemodialysis frequently requires complex regimens with multiple pills. A daily single-tablet regimen of coformulated elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide is approved in Europe, the USA, and in other regions for use in HIV-1-infected individuals with mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease (creatinine clearance 30-69 mL/min). We aimed to assess the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of this regimen in HIV-infected adults with end-stage renal disease on chronic haemodialysis. METHODS: We did an open-label, single-arm, multicentre, phase 3b trial at 26 outpatient clinics in Austria, France, Germany, and the USA. Participants were HIV-1-infected adults with end-stage renal disease (creatinine clearance <15 mL/min), on chronic haemodialysis for at least 6 months before screening. Virological suppression (ie, plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen was required for at least 6 months before screening with a CD4 count of at least 200 cells per µL. We switched all participants to coformulated elvitegravir 150 mg, cobicistat 150 mg, emtricitabine 200 mg, and tenofovir alafenamide 10 mg once daily, taken after haemodialysis for up to 96 weeks. We did assessments at study visits at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48, and every 12 weeks thereafter up to 96 weeks. The primary endpoint was the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events of grade 3 or higher up to week 48. All participants who received at least one dose of study drug were included in the primary analysis. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02600819) and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS: Between Feb 1, and Nov 3, 2016, 55 participants were enrolled and received at least one dose of study drug. Through week 48, 18 of 55 participants (33%, 95% CI 20-45) had an adverse event of grade 3 or higher on study treatment. Treatment-emergent grade 3 or higher adverse events that occurred in more than one participant included anaemia, osteomyelitis, prolonged electrocardiogram QT, fluid overload, hyperkalaemia, hypertension, and hypotension (all n=2). No adverse event of grade 3 or higher was considered by the site investigators to be treatment related. Three participants (5%, 95% CI 0-11) discontinued treatment because of adverse events; one of these (grade 1 allergic pruritus) was considered treatment related. Treatment-related adverse events were reported for six individuals (11%, 95% CI 3-19), the most common of which was nausea (in four individuals [7%]); all treatment-related adverse events were grade 1 or 2 in severity. INTERPRETATION: At 48 weeks, switching to the single-tablet regimen of elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide was well tolerated. This regimen might provide a tolerable and convenient option for ongoing treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults with end-stage renal disease on chronic haemodialysis. FUNDING: Gilead Sciences.

Brief Report: Randomized, Double-Blind Comparison of Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) vs Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF), Each Coformulated With Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, and Emtricitabine (E/C/F) for Initial HIV-1 Treatment: Week 144 Results.

In 2 double-blind phase 3 trials, 1733 antiretroviral-naive adults were randomized to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), each coformulated with elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine (E/C/F). At 144 weeks, TAF was superior to TDF in virologic efficacy, with 84.2% vs 80.0% having HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL (difference 4.2%; 95% confidence interval: 0.6% to 7.8%). TAF had less impact than TDF on bone mineral density and renal biomarkers. No participants on TAF had renal-related discontinuations vs 12 on TDF (P < 0.001), with no cases of proximal tubulopathy for TAF vs 4 for TDF. There were greater increases in lipids with TAF vs TDF, with no difference in the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio. For initial HIV therapy, E/C/F/TAF is superior to E/C/F/TDF in efficacy and bone and renal safety.

The Gene Therapy Resource Program: A Decade of Dedication to Translational Research by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Over a 10-year period, the Gene Therapy Resource Program (GTRP) of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has provided a set of core services to investigators to facilitate the clinical translation of gene therapy. These services have included a preclinical (research-grade) vector production core; current Good Manufacturing Practice clinical-grade vector cores for recombinant adeno-associated virus and lentivirus vectors; a pharmacology and toxicology core; and a coordinating center to manage program logistics and to provide regulatory and financial support to early-phase clinical trials. In addition, the GTRP has utilized a Steering Committee and a Scientific Review Board to guide overall progress and effectiveness and to evaluate individual proposals. These resources have been deployed to assist 82 investigators with 172 approved service proposals. These efforts have assisted in clinical trial implementation across a wide range of genetic, cardiac, pulmonary, and blood diseases. Program outcomes and potential future directions of the program are discussed.

Tenofovir Alafenamide Versus Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in the First Protease Inhibitor-Based Single-Tablet Regimen for Initial HIV-1 Therapy: A Randomized Phase 2 Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the novel tenofovir prodrug, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), as part of the first protease inhibitor-based single-tablet regimen (STR) for initial treatment of HIV-1 infection. METHODS: Antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive adults with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 70 mL/min were randomized 2:1 to receive the darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) STR (TAF: N = 103) or darunavir + cobicistat + emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF: N = 50) once daily with matched placebos for 48 weeks. RESULTS: At week 24, viral suppression (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) rates were similar (TAF 74.8% vs. TDF 74.0%). At week 48, rates were TAF 76.7% vs. TDF 84.0%; the difference was driven by higher rate of discontinuations in TAF (6.8%) vs. TDF (2%). Among those with virologic failure, none developed resistance. Most adverse events were of mild/moderate severity. The mean change in serum creatinine from baseline at week 48 was 0.06 mg/dL (95% confidence interval: 0.04 to 0.08) for TAF vs. 0.09 mg/dL (95% confidence interval: 0.05 to 0.14) for TDF (P = 0.053). The % change in retinol binding protein/Cr ratio was +9 (TAF) vs. +54 (TDF), P = 0.003; the % change in urine ß-2 microglobulin/Cr ratio was -42.0 (TAF) vs. +2.3 (TDF), P = 0.002. The % change in hip bone mineral density (BMD) was -0.84 (TAF) vs. -3.82 (TDF), P < 0.001 and in spine BMD was -1.57 (TAF) vs. -3.62 (TDF), P = 0.003. There were no fractures in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The TAF arm had significantly improved renal and bone safety parameters: less proteinuria and less change in hip and spine BMD, consistent with results from a similarly designed study of the elvitegravir/C/F/TAF STR. This D/C/F/TAF STR offers a promising option for initial HIV treatment, with the high barrier to resistance of darunavir, and the potential for improved long-term renal and bone safety with TAF.

Perspectives on best practices for gene therapy programs.

With recent successes in gene therapy trials for hemophilia and retinal diseases, the promise and prospects for gene therapy are once again garnering significant attention. To build on this momentum, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the Muscular Dystrophy Association jointly hosted a workshop in April 2014 on "Best Practices for Gene Therapy Programs," with a focus on neuromuscular disorders. Workshop participants included researchers from academia and industry as well as representatives from the regulatory, legal, and patient advocacy sectors to cover the gamut from preclinical optimization to intellectual property concerns and regulatory approval. The workshop focused on three key issues in the field: (1) establishing adequate scientific premise for clinical trials in gene therapy, (2) addressing regulatory process issues, and (3) intellectual property and commercialization issues as they relate to gene therapy. The outcomes from the discussions at this workshop are intended to provide guidance for researchers and funders in the gene therapy field.

A randomized study of emtricitabine and lamivudine in stably suppressed patients with HIV.

BACKGROUND: Once daily (QD) dosing facilitates regimen simplification and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Emtricitabine (FTC) QD is a newly approved nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor compared in this study to twice daily lamivudine (3TC BID). METHODS: Controlled, open label equivalence trial of 440 HIV-1-infected patients with plasma HIV-1 RNA stably suppressed on a regimen of 3TC 150 mg BID, stavudine or zidovudine, and a protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Patients were randomized to continue their current regimen or replace 3TC with FTC 200 mg QD. If HIV-1 RNA levels were