Abstract
BACKGROUND: The phase 4, METABOLIK trial demonstrated that changes in metabolic parameters with darunavir with low-dose ritonavir (DRV/r) were comparable to those observed with atazanavir with low-dose ritonavir (ATV/r). A comprehensive assessment of the effects of these agents on insulin sensitivity will provide additional, relevant clinical information. METHODS: In this substudy of METABOLIK, HIV-1-infected, antiretroviral agent-naïve male subjects aged ≥18 years with a viral load of >1,000 copies/mL were randomized to receive DRV/r 800/100 mg once daily (qd) or ATV/r 300/100 mg qd, both with a fixed dose of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine 300/200 mg qd. The effects of DRV/r versus ATV/r on insulin sensitivity over 48 weeks were compared using the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, the preferred method to assess insulin sensitivity; primary end point was the effect on insulin sensitivity during the first 12 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty-seven subjects completed the study. In the DRV/r arm (n=14), median glucose disposal from baseline through weeks 12 and 48 was 9.3, 11.4, and 9.9 mg/kg*min, respectively; in the ATV/r arm (n=13), these values were 8.9, 8.6, and 9.1 mg/kg*min, respectively. Median insulin sensitivity in the DRV/r arm at baseline, week 12, and week 48 was 24.0, 25.0, and 21.5 mg/kg*min per μIU/mL×100, respectively; these values in the ATV/r arm were 20.7, 22.0, and 22.0 mg/kg*min per μIU/mL×100, respectively. Most subjects had ≥1 adverse event, including three serious adverse events (n=2 [DRV/r], n=1 [ATV/r]). CONCLUSIONS: DRV/r and ATV/r displayed similar modest effects on insulin sensitivity using a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp.