UNIVERSAL 1: Pharmacokinetic Study of a Novel DTG/FTC/TAF Dose Ratio for Children

This study aims to find out whether treating children living with HIV with three anti-HIV medicines, dolutegravir (DTG), emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), with a novel dose ratio will achieve adequate drug concentrations and is safe. The optimal DTG/FTC/TAF dose ratio will be used for the development of a fixed-dose combination dispersible tablet.

Dolutegravir (DTG), Emtricitabine (FTC) and Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) are anti-HIV medicines. DTG works very well, can be taken once-daily and has few side effects. In international treatment guidelines, DTG is one of the most recommended medicines for adults and young people. Emtricitabine is also one of the preferred medicines in anti-HIV treatment for adults and children. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is not yet recommended in children \<25 kg, however TAF could potentially be used safely and effectively in children. Combining DTG, FTC and TAF in a specific dose ratio may offer treatment that is safe and effective. If so, a combination dispersible tablet containing these three medicines can be developed and this will allow the same HIV medicines to be used across children and adults. This study will include 50 children aged 28 days to less than 10 years old who are living with HIV. All participants will receive the same treatment with DTG, FTC and TAF. Subjects will receive DTG 10 mg dispersible tablets and FTC/TAF 15/1.88 mg dispersible tablets or DTG 50 mg film coated tablets and FTC/TAF 200/25 mg film coated tablets depending on weight band. All children in the study will have clinical assessments. Blood tests will be performed to make sure that the medicines are safe and, at some visits, participants and carers will also be asked to answer some questions on taking medicine and how medicine tastes. All children will be followed up for 24 weeks.