Recent data suggests 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 this trial, the viral load decay rate will be estimated in HIV infected, treatment-naive participants receiving RAL and FTC/TDF.
This 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.
This study 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.
