Immediate HIV Treatment Initiation With Integrase Inhibitors Leads to Large Drop in Secondary HIV Transmission Among MSM

We know that early HIV treatment initiation is a good idea-not just for the health of a person living with HIV, but from an HIV prevention standpoint as well. We also know that integrase inhibitors have developed a pretty sterling reputation as an excellent first-line option.

But when it comes to brass tacks-for instance, the ability of a person’s first HIV treatment regimen to quickly suppress their viral load and eliminate the risk for secondary sexual HIV transmission-how well do integrase inhibitors really measure up relative to the other excellent antiretroviral options we have on the menu?

Quite well, it appears, according to recently published research.

A large modeling study appearing in PLoS One in July found that initiating HIV treatment with an integrase inhibitor-based regimen immediately after a person is diagnosed led to an 88% reduction in onward HIV transmission risk over the next eight weeks among men who have sex with men (MSM), when compared to starting treatment 28 days after diagnosis. That’s a moderately higher rate reduction than the researchers found for efavirenz-based therapy (76%) and considerably better than for boosted darunavir-based therapy (58%).

To discuss the findings in more detail and examine their clinical ramifications, we spoke with two HIV experts: Juan Berenguer, M.D., Ph.D., and Antonio Urbina, M.D.

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During the Canada Post strike, the following measures have been undertaken to minimize service disruption to BC-CfE clients and providers.

  • The BC-CfE Laboratory has transitioned to private courier for delivery of outgoing reports and documents. (Lab Contact Information: Phone 604-806-8775; FAX 604-806-9463)
  • The BC-CfE Drug Treatment Program (DTP) will fax outgoing forms and documents to the provider’s office.  (DTP Contact Information: Phone 604-806-8515; FAX 604-806-9044)
  • St. Paul’s Hospital Ambulatory Pharmacy has transitioned to private courier for delivery of medications. (Contact Information: Phone 1-800-547-3622; FAX 604-806-8675).
    Certain parts of BC have experienced medication delivery delays of up to 2 weeks by private courier. The pharmacy suggests clients or providers place medication orders with 2-3 weeks advance notice whenever possible.

During this time, we recommend that documents be faxed or couriered to our sites, versus utilization of regular mail service.

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