A preliminary study on plasma concentration, short-term efficacy, and safety profile of dolutegravir in Chinese people with HIV

Background: This study examined the plasma concentration, clinical efficacy, and safety of dolutegravir (DTG) in Chinese people with HIV (PWH). Methods: In this observational study, HIV-positive individuals on DTG-based regimens for at least 6 months were included. Plasma DTG concentrations were measured 1 month after initiating treatment. Viral loads (VL) and CD4+ T cell counts were evaluated at baseline and after 1 and 6 months of therapy. High-performance liquid chromatography was used for measuring DTG concentrations, polymerase chain reaction for VL, and flow cytometry for CD4+ T cell counts. Safety assessments included monitoring liver enzymes, serum creatinine estimated glomerular filtration rate, and adverse reactions. Results: Eighty-two Chinese PWH were enrolled. Average VL decreased significantly from baseline by 3.1 log at 1 month and 3.5 log at 6 months. CD4+ T cell counts increased from 273 cells/mm(3) at baseline to 378 cells/mm(3) and 446 cells/mm(3) after 1 and 6 months, respectively. Seventy-five percent achieved undetectable VLs (<20 copies/mL) by 6 months. C-max and C-tau were 4.63 and 1.98 mu g/mL, respectively. The safety profile was favorable with only 4.88% experiencing transient dizziness. Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest higher DTG plasma concentrations in Chinese PWH compared to Western populations, with promising short-term efficacy and safety.