Intensive Viral Dynamics Substudy of A5248

The HIV integrase inhibitor, raltegravir (RAL), which was recently approved by the FDA, has been shown in several trials to be highly effective. The main study will estimate the viral load decay rate in treatment-naive HIV-infected participants receiving RAL and emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF).

This substudy of A5248 will similarly examine the characteristics of decrease in viral load but will focus on estimating the time at which first-phase viral decay starts, following initiation of the study drugs.

Recent data suggest that early virologic response to HIV interventions may be predictive of long-term virologic outcomes. Defining early decay in viral load through carefully performed studies of viral dynamics may be a useful tool for assessing the likely outcome of long-term treatment. It may also be a useful screening tool to define which combinations should be studied further. In the main study, the viral load decay rate will be estimated in HIV-infected, treatment-naive participants receiving RAL and FTC/TDF.

The A5248 study will last approximately 72 weeks. All participants will take RAL and FTC/TDF for 72 weeks. RAL will be provided by the study. FTC/TDF will not be provided.

A5248 will consist of 16 study visits. These visits will occur at study entry; Days 2, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, and 56, and Weeks 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72. Blood collection and pharmacokinetic studies will occur at all study visits. Self-reported adherence assessments will be submitted at each visit. A targeted physical exam will occur at most visits. Liver function tests and urine collection will occur at select visits. Pregnancy tests will occur whenever pregnancy is suspected.

This substudy will enroll 10 participants from A5248. It is critical that substudy participants take their medications as directed to ensure accurate trial results. Any participant who discontinues study treatment will also be removed from the substudy and replaced. Participants will be asked about medication holds and adherence.

No medications will be provided by the substudy. Study treatment will be provided and administered as per the main study, A5248. After participants begin study medications, samples will be collected for the substudy. Participants will be required to stay overnight and in the hospital from Day 0 until Day 2. The morning study medication dose will be administered in the clinic on Days, 2, 3, 4, and 7.

Medication diaries will be provided for participants on Day 2. Participants will be instructed to record the times they take their study medications through Day 7 of the study. Participants are required to bring these diaries to their study visits on Days 3, 4, and 7 for review.

Participants may discontinue their enrollment in this substudy and still remain in the main study, A5248. Participants may not discontinue their involvement in A5248 and remain in the substudy.