Important note: Information in this article was accurate in November 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
HIV Treatment Bulletin - Vol. 7, No. 11/12, November/December 2006
Simon Collins, HIV i-Base
An oral presentation by Brian Woodfall provided an analysis of why Tibotec’s TMC227 study had performed so poorly. [1] This trial was closed in November 2005 by the trial Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) because treatment-experienced patients in Thailand randomised to the new NNRTI etravirine (TMC-125) failed to show minimum -1 log virological response after 12 weeks. [2]
The study randomised patients failing their first-line NNRTI-based regimen and who were PI-naïve, to either the new NNRTI (n=59) or an investigator chosen PI-based regimen (n-57; 61% lopinavir/r, 32% atazanavir/r). The study took place in Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Thailand and South Africa.
Resistance tests were used to guide treatment choices and the study protocol included using two investigator selected sensitive nucleosides in the new regimen.
Pooled data from all sites showed that an initial viral load response of -1.3 logs at week 8 in the NNRTI arm (compared to >2 log reductions in the PI group) was not sustained to week 12. In Thailand the rebound occurred before week 4, and occurred after week 8 in South Africa and after week 12 in Argentina and Spain. For patients reaching week 12, only 57% of the TMC-125 groups compared to 91% in the PI group achieved at least -1.0 log viral load decline.
The baseline resistance profiles of patients in the NNRTI arm were slightly more advanced compared to the PI group, but the significant differences in response was probably more related to the fragility or an unsupported NNRTI, compared to boosted PI regimens which even shows reasonable success rates when used as monotherapy in several small trials, especially in PI-naïve patients. Although TMC-125 retains activity against NNRTI-resistant virus, it is clearly as vulnerable to rapid resistance when used as virtual monotherapy as existing drugs in this class.
At baseline, the median number of NNRTI mutations was 2 (range 0-4) and median fold change (FC) to TMC125 was 2.0. The median number of NRTI mutations was 1 (range 0-7). However 9% and 12% of subjects in TMC125 and control groups, respectively, did not receive two sensitive NRTIs. Only patients with less than 2 TAMS/M184V maintained viral suppression.
Patients with higher NNRTI and RTI-associated resistance had higher FC to TMC-125. Thai patients had more extensive RTI and NNRTI resistance, and this correlated with a higher FC phenotypic resistance to TMC-125 (5.6 vs </=2.0 in other countries). Increased resistance to RTIs tended to increase with increased NNRTI mutations.
In a multivariate analysis, increased numbers of NRTI and NNRTI mutations, use of inactive NRTIs, and higher TMC125 FC were all independently associated with virologic failure.
Comment
The failure of TMC-125 in this study seems to be convincingly explained by extensive RTI and NNRTI resistance, and recycling of RTIs.
It also showed that accumulating NNRTI mutations can compromise chance of benefiting from pipeline NNRTIs.
This is particularly important in countries using NNRTI-based first line regimens where there is limited or no access to viral load monitoring, where patients are treated until clinical failure. Unfortunately, this the exactly the setting that would benefit most from a second generation NNRTI.
Other Phase III trials TMC125 in NNRTI and PI experienced patients are ongoing. TMC-125 is currently available in the UK in an expanded access programme.
References
| 1. | Woodfall B, Vingerhoets J, Peeters M et al. Impact of NNRTI and NRTI resistance on the response to the regimen of TMC125 plus two NRTIs in Study TMC125-C227. Int Cong Drug Therapy HIV 2006 Nov 12-16;8: (abstract PL5.6). |
| 2. | Tibotec discontinues TMC125 study C227: phase III studies continue. HIV Treat Bull 2005 Nov/Dec; 6(11/12). |
2006-11-10
IB060711-05
©2006. I-BASE HIV Treatment Bulletin. Permission to reproduce courtesy of HIV i-Base, Third Floor East, Thrale House, 44-46 Southwark Street, London SE1 1UN - T: +44 (0) 20 7407 8488 F: +44 (0) 20 7407 8489
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, John M. Lloyd Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2006. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.