Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Tenofovir and Tenofovir Alafenamide for HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Foreskin Tissue



Else, Laura, Penchala, Sujan D, Pillay, Azure-Dee, Seiphetlo, Thabiso B, Lebina, Limakatso, Callebaut, Christian, Minhas, Suks, Morley, Roland, Rashid, Tina, Martinson, Neil
et al (show 3 more authors) (2022) Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Tenofovir and Tenofovir Alafenamide for HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Foreskin Tissue. PHARMACEUTICS, 14 (6). 1285-.

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Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has focused predominantly on protective efficacy in receptive sex, with limited research on the dosing requirements for insertive sex. We pre-clinically assessed the ex vivo pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) profile of tenofovir (TFV) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in foreskin tissue.<h4>Methods</h4>Inner and outer foreskin explants were exposed to serial dilutions of TFV or TAF prior to addition of HIV-1<sub>BaL</sub> at a high (HVT) or a low viral titer (LVT). Infection was assessed by measurement of p24 in foreskin culture supernatants. TFV, TAF and TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations were measured in tissues, culture supernatants and dosing and washing solutions.<h4>Results</h4>Dose-response curves were obtained for both drugs, with greater potency observed against LVT. Inhibitory equivalency mimicking oral dosing was defined between 1 mg/mL of TFV and 15 µg/mL of TAF against HVT challenge. Concentrations of TFV-DP in foreskin explants were approximately six-fold higher after ex vivo dosing with TAF than with TFV. Statistically significant negative linear correlations were observed between explant levels of TFV or TFV-DP and p24 concentrations following HVT.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Pre-clinical evaluation of TAF in foreskin explants revealed greater potency than TFV against penile HIV transmission. Clinical evaluation is underway to support this finding.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: HIV-1, foreskin, pre-exposure prophylaxis
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 28 Oct 2022 14:58
Last Modified: 18 Jan 2023 19:48
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061285
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3165849