This Phase III, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolled HIV-negative women from 4 sites in 3 countries (Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa). The study's purpose was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of a once-daily Truvada® pill (compared with placebo) in preventing HIV among HIV-uninfected women at risk of becoming infected through sexual intercourse. The study population included HIV-antibody-negative women between the ages of 18-35 who were at risk of HIV acquisition through sexual intercourse. Each participant was randomized to take either a daily single oral tablet of Truvada®, which is a fixed-dose combination of emtricitabine (FTC; 200 mg) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF; 300 mg), or an identical placebo. After enrollment, each participant was followed every four weeks. All participants were followed for an additional eight weeks after study drug was stopped. Incidence rates of HIV infection were compared between the two groups (active drug and placebo) using the intent-to-treat principle.
This Phase III, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolled HIV-negative women from 4 sites in 3 countries (Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa). The study's purpose was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of a once-daily Truvada® pill (compared with placebo) in preventing HIV among HIV-uninfected women at risk of becoming infected through sexual intercourse. The study population included HIV-antibody-negative women between the ages of 18-35 who were at risk of HIV acquisition through sexual intercourse. Each participant was randomized to take either a daily single oral tablet of Truvada®, which is a fixed-dose combination of emtricitabine (FTC; 200 mg) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF; 300 mg), or an identical placebo. All participants received risk reduction counseling and condoms. Women had to be using a study-approved effective non-barrier contraceptive method at the time of enrollment and were asked to do so for the whole period they were on study drug. They received contraceptive counseling throughout the study. Any diagnosed, treatable sexually transmitted infection was treated free of charge. After enrollment, each participant was followed every four weeks. All participants were followed for an additional eight weeks after study drug was stopped. Participants at risk for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) flare were followed every four weeks for 12 weeks after stopping study product. Participants who acquired HIV infection during the study stopped taking the study drug at the time of HIV diagnosis, and will be followed for 52 weeks post diagnosis and were referred for care and treatment. Participants who became pregnant stopped taking the study drug but continued follow-up visits. Incidence rates of HIV infection were compared between the two groups (active drug and placebo) using the intent-to-treat principle.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
2,120
Daily single oral tablet of Truvada - a fixed-dose combination of emtricitabine (FTC; 200 mg) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF; 300 mg).
Daily single oral tablet of Placebo. Tablets are identical to Truvada tablets in taste and appearance; however, they contain no active ingredients.
Bondo Clinic, Bondo District Hospital
Bondo, Nyanza, Kenya
Setshaba Research Centre
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Josha Research Center
Bloemfontein, South Africa
Arusha Clinic, Levolosi Health Center
Arusha, Tanzania
HIV Infection
HIV Seroconversion, with time to infection refined based on PCR results obtained from stored specimens.
Time frame: Cumulative HIV infection between enrollment and 52 weeks
Confirmed Grade 2 or Higher Serum Creatinine Toxicity
Repeat specimens were collected to confirm chemistry toxicities. Grade 2 or higher serum creatinine toxicity was defined as ≥1.4 times the upper limit of normal
Time frame: cumulative toxicity through 52 weeks of product use and 4 weeks post product
Frequency of Adverse Events (AEs) During and Within 4 Weeks After Study Product Administration
The total number of adverse events in the placebo and Truvada arms during and within 4 weeks after study product administration.
Time frame: 10-26 months per site
Confirmed Grade 3 or Higher Reduction in Phosphorus
Repeat specimens were collected to confirm chemistry toxicities. Grade 3 phosphorus reduction was defined as ≤2.4mg/dL
Time frame: Through 52 weeks on product and 4 weeks post-product
Confirmed Grade 3 or Higher ALT Elevation
Grade 3 or higher ALT elevation was defined as ≥ 2.6 times the upper limit of normal
Time frame: Through 52 weeks on product and 4 weeks post-product
Confirmed Grade 3 or Higher AST Elevation
Grade 3 or higher AST elevation was defined as ≥ 2.6 times the upper limit of normal
Time frame: Through 52 weeks on product and 4 weeks post-product
Plasma HIV RNA Level (HIV-1 Viral Load)
Viral load at the time of HIV detection, HIV conversion and through 16 weeks
Time frame: up to 16 weeks
CD4+ T-cell Count
CD4+ T-cell Count at the Time of HIV Seroconversion through 16 weeks
Time frame: Up to 16 weeks
FTC and/or Tenofovir Resistance
Genotypic resistance to FTC and/or tenofovir at the time of HIV diagnosis and 4 weeks later. If resistance was present, testing was repeated at weeks 12, 24, 36 and 52 as necessary (resistance testing will stop if no resistance is detected). participants were classified as having resistance if they had one or more visits in which resistance was detected, even if the resistance became undetectable over time.
Time frame: up to 52 weeks
Pregnancy Complications
Reported complications during pregnancy, including spontaneous abortion, vaginal or uterine bleeding, emergency c-section and other complications
Time frame: up to 60 weeks
Pill Counts and Participant Report of Adherence to Once-daily Pill Taking
Pill counts and participant report of adherence to once-daily pill taking reported as mean days study product could have been used according to pill counts
Time frame: Up to 52 weeks
Participant Report of Change in Number of Sexual Partners
Difference in mean number of reported sexual partners between final study visit and enrollment visit
Time frame: Up to 52 weeks
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