Fixed dose darunavir boosted with cobicistat combined with emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate
Purpose of review
In an era when virological efficacy approaches 100%, novel antiretroviral (ARV) therapies must deliver better tolerability, safety, and convenient coformulated regimens. We review the phase II and III clinical data on the fixed dose combination (FDC) darunavir (DRV) 800mg / cobicistat (COBI/C) 150 mg / emtricitabine (F/FTC) 200 mg / tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) 10mg (D/C/F/TAF) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.
Recent findings
In an exploratory phase II study, D/C/F/TAF FDC demonstrated similar virological efficacy to darunavir/cobicistat FDC + F /tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) F...
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - June 4, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: NEW HIV DRUGS: Edited by Roy M. Gulick Source Type: research
Doravirine: a review
Purpose of review
The current review addresses the role of doravirine (DOR), a novel once-daily nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) in first-line therapy at a time in which multiple options are available, and issues of antiviral efficacy, safety, simplicity and cost are critical to make informed decisions.
Recent findings
DOR combination regimens have been tested in two large randomized double-blinded clinical trials in treatment-naïve patients, showing noninferiority to ritonavir-boosted darunavir-based and efavirenz (EFV)-based regimens. The main features of DOR are reviewed in this report includi...
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - June 4, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: NEW HIV DRUGS: Edited by Roy M. Gulick Source Type: research
Rilpivirine long-acting for the prevention and treatment of HIV infection
This study demonstrated that the combination of RPV-LA with a second long-acting agent (cabotegravir) administered intramuscularly every 4--8 weeks was similar in virologic suppression rates to standard of care ARV treatment.
Summary
RPV-LA is an injectable nanoparticle suspension for intramuscular use. Phase I studies in healthy volunteers demonstrated that RPV-LA, administered at doses between 600 and 1200 mg, was well tolerated and effective in maintaining satisfactory drug concentrations in plasma, vaginal secretions and rectal tissue compartments for at least 4 weeks. RPV-LA efficacy was also shown in a phase II ...
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - June 4, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: NEW HIV DRUGS: Edited by Roy M. Gulick Source Type: research
4′-Ethynyl-2-fluoro-2′-deoxyadenosine, MK-8591: a novel HIV-1 reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor
Purpose of review
4′-Ethynyl-2-fluoro-2′-deoxyadenosine (EFdA) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) with a novel mechanism of action, unique structure, and amongst NRTIs, unparalleled anti-HIV-1 activity. We will summarize its structure and function, antiviral activity, resistance profile, and potential as an antiretroviral for use in the treatment and preexposure prophylaxis of HIV-1 infection.
Recent findings
EFdA is active against wild-type (EC50 as low as 50 pmol/l) and most highly NRTI-resistant viruses. The active metabolite, EFdA-triphosphate, has been shown to have a prolonged intracell...
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - June 4, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: NEW HIV DRUGS: Edited by Roy M. Gulick Source Type: research
New HIV drugs: 2018 and beyond
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS)
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - June 4, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: NEW HIV DRUGS: Edited by Roy M. Gulick Source Type: research
Obituary: David Cooper, transformative clinician scientist
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS)
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - June 4, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Obituary Source Type: research
Editorial introduction
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS)
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - June 4, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Editorial Introduction Source Type: research
Novel therapies/hopes for HIV cure in perinatally acquired HIV-positive adolescents
Conclusion
Whilst it is premature to anticipate an HIV cure, there is much anticipation that with early ART and additional interventions to perturb the residual viral reservoir, future viral remission off ART might be feasible for PaHIV-AYA. However, given the safety and effectiveness of current ART, a critical debate must evaluate the risks against benefits of any novel intervention, especially amongst adolescents as they become sexually active. (Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS)
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - May 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: ADOLESCENTS AND HIV: Edited by Mary-Ann Davies and Elizabeth Hamlyn Source Type: research
Reaching key adolescent populations
Purpose of review
Adolescents and young people who fit within key populations face some of the greatest barriers to HIV care, but are frequently overlooked. We review the recent literature on these young, vulnerable populations including HIV risk factors, barriers to care, and strategies for engagement.
Recent findings
Common risk factors include age, risky sexual practices, poor education, and high levels of alcohol and drug abuse. Barriers to care include limited data, criminalization, and high levels of stigma. Strategies to increase engagement include incorporating adolescents into biological and behavioral survey...
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - May 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: ADOLESCENTS AND HIV: Edited by Mary-Ann Davies and Elizabeth Hamlyn Source Type: research
Adolescent lives matter: preventing HIV in adolescents
Purpose of review
Many of the almost 2 million HIV infections that occurred globally in the last year occurred among adolescents and young people, particularly those from East and Southern Africa and within key populations. Global HIV epidemic control will require that new infections among these youth populations be curtailed. This review examines the most effective prevention approaches to reach these adolescent populations in the next 5 years.
Recent findings
Adolescents are in transition and are developmentally unique. They have specific needs and challenges, which if not addressed will result in less than successf...
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - May 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: ADOLESCENTS AND HIV: Edited by Mary-Ann Davies and Elizabeth Hamlyn Source Type: research
Barriers to, and emerging strategies for, HIV testing among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa
Purpose of review
HIV/AIDS is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa and 40% of new HIV infections worldwide occur in this group. HIV testing and counselling (HTC) is the critical first step to accessing HIV treatment. The prevalence of undiagnosed HIV infection is substantially higher in adolescents compared with adults. We review barriers to HTC for adolescents and emerging HTC strategies appropriate to adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.
Recent findings
There are substantial individual, health system and legal barriers to HTC among adolescents, and stigma by providers and communit...
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - May 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: ADOLESCENTS AND HIV: Edited by Mary-Ann Davies and Elizabeth Hamlyn Source Type: research
Youth-friendly services and differentiated models of care are needed to improve outcomes for young people living with HIV
Purpose of review
Outcomes among young people living with HIV (YPLWH) remain disturbingly poor. We summarize recent research on youth-friendly services (YFS) and adolescent-specific differentiated care models, which may improve outcomes across the HIV care continuum for this vulnerable population. We further emphasize unique complexities that characterize the transition from childhood through adolescence to adulthood which must be considered when caring for YPLWH.
Recent findings
Studies suggest that YFS may improve outcomes in some but not all steps of the HIV care continuum. However, generalizability is compromised ...
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - May 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: ADOLESCENTS AND HIV: Edited by Mary-Ann Davies and Elizabeth Hamlyn Source Type: research
Adolescent transition among young people with perinatal HIV in high-income and low-income settings
Purpose of review
To summarize evidence for health outcomes among adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYLHIV) who have transitioned to adult care/adulthood, views of AYLHIV and providers on the transition process, and the effect of adolescent and youth friendly services (AYFS) on outcomes.
Recent findings
A total of 43 studies were identified [n = 13 high-income countries (HICs), n = 30 low-/middle-income countries (LMICs)]. In HICs, around 75% of patients were retained in care at approximately 4 years posttransition. In LMICs, retention worsened from older adolescence into young adulthood. Across ...
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - May 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: ADOLESCENTS AND HIV: Edited by Mary-Ann Davies and Elizabeth Hamlyn Source Type: research
Sexual and reproductive health in HIV-positive adolescents
Purpose of review
This review aims to summarize data in the last 18 months on the sexual and reproductive health of perinatally and horizontally infected adolescents and young people living with HIV (age 13–25 years) and to highlight some key issues faced by this group of adolescents as they reach puberty and sexual debut.
Recent findings
Adolescents and young people living with HIV are a growing cohort worldwide and a significant proportion engage in high-risk sexual activity, pose risk of onward HIV transmission, yet have poor access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and lack the knowledge and suppo...
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - May 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: ADOLESCENTS AND HIV: Edited by Mary-Ann Davies and Elizabeth Hamlyn Source Type: research
The challenges of timely and safe HIV disclosure among perinatally HIV-infected adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa
Purpose of review
Improved access to antiretroviral therapy has resulted in an emerging population of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Full disclosure of an HIV diagnosis includes naming HIV/AIDS and is an important step in coping with HIV. We reviewed the recent trends in the rates of children/adolescents who have been informed of their HIV infection according to age groups, the barriers and the evaluated interventions aimed at improving the HIV disclosure process to ALHIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
Recent findings
Literature shows that HIV disclosure remains challenging in sub-Saharan Af...
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - May 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: ADOLESCENTS AND HIV: Edited by Mary-Ann Davies and Elizabeth Hamlyn Source Type: research
