Background Two-drug antiretroviral (ARV) regimens to achieve and maintain HIV viral suppression may lead to decreases in associated drug interactions, adverse events, and pill burden. Dolutegravir-lamivudine (DTG-3TC) has been established as safe and effective in treatment naïve and experienced adults. Further research is warranted to assess insertion into real-world practice. Methods This descriptive retrospective cohort consisted of all patients at an academic medical center HIV practice with a confirmed order of DTG-3TC between April 2019 and March 2020. Patients who were not linked to care by the site’s practices were excluded. The primary endpoint was number of patients initiated on DTG-3TC to determine uptake. Secondary endpoints included demographics and viral outcomes. Descriptive measures of central tendencies and variability were used for analysis. Results DTG-3TC was initiated in 49 patients. Sixty-nine percent were male (34/49), 90% carried publicly funded insurance (44/49), median age at DTG-3TC initiation was 55 years (IQR 46-60), and mean years since HIV diagnosis was 14 (SD ±8). The largest racial/ethnic category represented was Black (45%, 22/49). Forty-seven patients with a mean CD4 of 753 cells/mm3 (±413) and viral load of 88.2 copies/mL (±525) were switched from alternative regimens, mostly containing an integrase inhibitor (41/47, 87%), and with the primary rationale of medication modernization (27/47, 58%) followed by avoidance of adverse drug reactions (15/47, 32%). From 42 assessed patients, 62% had previous ARV exposure length of over 10 years. No patients were found to have significant resistance mutations to the involved agents. After initiation, 6% (3/49) of patients reported side effects. Among switch patients with follow up lab values, median CD4 (n=20) and viral load (n=21) deltas were -10 cells/mm3 (-59-67) and 0 copies/mL (0-0) respectively. Overall median length of therapy through April 1, 2020 was 110 days (71-156). Conclusion Initial implementation of DTG-3TC was successful in a northeast academic HIV practice primarily among virally suppressed treatment switch patients with long exposures to ARV and time since diagnosis. No clinically relevant change in CD4 or Viral Loads were immediately seen. Disclosures David E. Koren, PharmD, BCPS, AAHIVP, Gilead Sciences (Advisor or Review Panel member)Janssen Pharmaceuticals (Advisor or Review Panel member)Thera Technologies (Advisor or Review Panel member)

Objective To review the efficacy and safety of fostemsavir (FTR) for the treatment of multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection in heavily treatment-experienced adults who are failing their current antiretroviral regimen. Data Sources Clinical trials and review articles were obtained through PubMed (2015 to July 2020) using the search terms fostemsavir, BMS-663068, and GSK3684934. Study Selection and Data Extraction All relevant articles, trials, and abstracts in the English language were included. Data Synthesis FTR demonstrates a novel mechanism of action, preventing virus attachment to the host CD4 receptor. FTR extended-release 600-mg tablets every 12 hours orally has proven beneficial in obtaining viral suppression for heavily treatment-experienced patients with multidrug-resistant infection refractory to other agents, as indicated in phase 3 trials. Treatment courses were evaluated to 96 weeks with significant viral load reductions noted within the first 24 weeks. Adverse events commonly reported include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and headache. Serious events and fatality were not attributed to FTR and occurred because of advancement of HIV or other acute infection. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice FTR presents a new treatment option for patients with multidrug resistance and intolerability to other medications. The favorable adverse effect profile of FTR alongside the limited drug interaction profile makes it a viable option in a salvage regimen. Conclusions FTR provides an alternative agent when composing a regimen for patients with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection. It is generally well tolerated, with few significant interactions, and neither renal nor hepatic dose adjustments are required.

Background In hospitalized people with HIV (PWH) there is an increased risk of mortality from COVID-19 among hospitalized PWH as compared to HIV-negative individuals. Evidence suggests that tocilizumab—a humanized monoclonal interleukin (IL)-6 receptor inhibitor (IL-6ri) antibody—has a modest mortality benefit when combined with corticosteroids in select hospitalized COVID-19 patients who are severely ill. Data on clinical outcomes after tocilizumab use in PWH with severe COVID-19 are lacking. Case presentation We present a multinational case series of 18 PWH with COVID-19 who were treated with IL-6ri’s during the period from April to June 2020. Four patients received tocilizumab, six sarilumab, and eight received an undocumented IL-6ri. Of the 18 patients in the series, 4 (22%) had CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm3; 14 (82%) had a suppressed HIV viral load. Eight patients (44%), all admitted to ICU, were treated for secondary infection; 5 had a confirmed organism. Of the four patients with CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm3, three were treated for secondary infection, with 2 confirmed organisms. Overall outcomes were poor—12 patients (67%) were admitted to the ICU, 11 (61%) required mechanical ventilation, and 7 (39%) died. Conclusions In this case series of hospitalized PWH with COVID-19 and given IL-6ri prior to the common use of corticosteroids, there are reports of secondary or co-infection in severely ill patients. Comprehensive studies in PWH, particularly with CD4 counts < 200 cells, are warranted to assess infectious and other outcomes after IL-6ri use, particularly in the context of co-administered corticosteroids.

Antibiotic prescribing errors at hospital discharge are common. We designed a pharmacist-driven antimicrobial stewardship program to evaluate prescriptions prior to being transmitted to community pharmacies. Drug-related problems were identified in prescriptions for 48 of 149 patients, resulting in 55 interventions. Review at discharge improves outpatient prescribing of antimicrobials.