Willingness to participate in clinical trials and expectations towards antiretroviral therapy among heavily treatment-experienced people living with HIV: A feasibility survey
As people with HIV live longer on antiretroviral therapy (ART), many face multiple comorbidities and the challenges of polypharmacy, including drug–drug interactions (DDIs) from booster-containing regimens. In a study published in HIV Medicine, Ballif et al. surveyed Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants with a history of virological failure on boosted ART to assess their willingness to join clinical trials of simplified, booster-free regimens and their expectations for new treatments.
The survey, conducted at five hospitals between October 2021 and July 2022, included 143 of 223 eligible participants (median age 59 years, 22 % female, median 26 years on ART). Of these, 72 % said they would consider participating in a trial to test simplified regimens with fewer DDIs; 88 % of those were already satisfied with their current therapy. Key expectations for new regimens included maintaining treatment efficacy (91 %), fewer DDIs (83 %), once-daily dosing (86 %), fewer pills (78 %), and forgiveness for missed doses (75 %).
Despite being highly satisfied with current ART, most participants expressed readiness to change regimens if the new options addressed their main concerns. Heavily treatment-experienced individuals are motivated to engage in clinical research, underlining the importance of including them in future trials. Conducting feasibility surveys prior to large-scale studies can help align research with the needs and priorities of people living with HIV.