CLINICAL RESEARCH UPDATE

by Carolyn Chu, MD, MSc, AAHIVS, AAHIVM Chief Medical Officer

January 28, 2025


Featured Literature:

Abdi B, Saliba S, Wirden M, et al.  No virological failure in patients living with HIV with past NNRTI resistance-associated mutations switched to doravirine-containing regimens.  J Antimicrob Chemother.  2025 Jan 15:dkae481.  doi: 10.1093/jac/dkae481.

This observational, single-center study describes characteristics and virologic outcomes of 102 people with historical NNRTI associated mutations who were switched to doravirine (DOR)-containing regimens in routine clinical care.  All were DOR-naïve with viral load of 50 copies/mL or less pre-switch, and had previously documented NNRTI mutations in RNA and/or DNA based genotypes.  For people with historical mutations affecting DOR susceptibility, DNA genotype was performed at switch to assess for mutation persistence. Median age was 59 years, with 22 years on ART, and 7 years viral suppression.  63 were switched to a 3-drug regimen (of this group, 89% switched to DOR/TDF/3TC) and 39 to a 2-drug regimen (of this group, 51% to DOR/RAL and 44% to DOR/DTG).  Reasons for switch were primarily pill burden and long-term toxicity prevention, however several switched due to adverse effects attributed to current ART (e.g., weight gain, dyspepsia, CNS side effects, arthralgias, drug interactions).  25% had historical DOR mutations; at time of switch, DNA GRT revealed that archived mutations were no longer detected in 72% of this sub-group.  86 people had complete 96-week follow-up on DOR, and no virologic failures were detected.

Author’s Commentary:

Findings from this real-world analysis help shed light on how often DOR is being considered for virologically suppressed people seeking ART modification, and virologic outcomes after switching to DOR-inclusive regimens.  The additional details regarding drug resistance mutations in this population (both historically documented and mutations identified on DNA genotype at time of switch) help provide information on DOR efficacy even among people with a history of NNRTI failure and emergence of select mutations.  As authors note, further analyses on NNRTI mutation clearance need to be confirmed and may help inform whether NNRTI “recycling” could be a viable option for some individuals.

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