Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Disintegration Time of Vaginal Tablets Containing Tenofovir and/or Emtricitabine

This prospective, double-blinded, randomized, parallel cohort study will examine the genital and systemic safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), disintegration and disappearance times, and acceptability of four vaginal tablets: 1) Tenofovir (TFV) alone; 2) Emtricitabine (FTC) alone; 3) TFV combined with FTC; and 4) placebo. Participants will be randomized to treatment group, to number of tablets to be inserted in the Single Use Phase (1 tablet or 1 tablet followed by a second tablet two hours later to mimic the BAT24 dosing regimen), and to one of four collection time points (2, 4, 6, or 24 hours after tablet insertion) for assessments only after the last dose of the Multiple Use Phase.

In the Single Use Phase of the study, the participant will insert one tablet in the clinic to estimate times to disintegration and disappearance. Those randomized to two tablets will insert a second tablet 2 hours later. In all women, sample collection will occur 5 hours after the initial tablet insertion.

In the Multiple Use Phase of the study, participants will insert a tablet once daily for 14 days. The 1st, 7th, and 14th tablets will be inserted in the clinic; the remaining tablets will be inserted at home. The clinic will call the participant on day 3 of the multiple use phase to ask about any symptoms the participant may be experiencing. Each insertion in the clinic will be followed by sample collection and, at Visits 4 and 6, colposcopy at the participant's assigned time point.

Objectives:

Primary:

* To assess genital safety after a single use (consisting of one tablet in half of participants and one tablet followed by a second tablet two hours later in the other half) and during and after two weeks of daily tablet use
* To assess systemic safety after two weeks of daily tablet use
* To assess the pharmacokinetics (PK) of TFV and FTC after a single use (as defined above) and during and after two weeks of daily tablet use

Secondary:

* To estimate the time needed for tablet disintegration and the time needed for full tablet disappearance
* To assess acceptability of the tablet
* To assess indicators of the pharmacodynamics (PD) of TFV and FTC in vitro using biological samples (fluids) from study participants obtained before use, after a single (use as define above), and after two weeks of daily tablet use

Exploratory:

•To assess exploratory indicators of the PD of TFV and FTC in vitro using biological samples (tissues) from study participants obtained before use, after a single use (as defined above), and after two weeks of daily tablet use

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* General good health (by volunteer history and per investigator discretion) without any clinically significant systemic disease (including, but not limited to significant liver disease/hepatitis, gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, osteoporosis or bone disease, and diabetes)
* Currently having regular menstrual cycles of 25 - 35 days by participant report
* History of Pap smears and follow-up consistent with American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) practice guidelines #99 and #109 or willing to undergo a Pap smear at Visit 1
* Protected from pregnancy, meaning one of the following:

  * Sexually abstinent and planning to remain abstinent for the duration of the study;
  * In a monogamous heterosexual relationship for at least four months with a partner who is not known to be HIV positive and has no known risks for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and:
* Couple is using condoms and is willing to use non-spermicidally lubricated condoms throughout the study or
* One partner is sterilized; or

  * In a monogamous same sex relationship for at least four months with a partner who is not known to be HIV positive and has no known risks for STIs.
* Willing to abstain from vaginal activity as follows:

Starting 48 hours before Visit 2 until the sixth day after Visit 2 Starting 48 hours before Visit 3 until the sixth day after Visit 3 Starting 48 hours before Visit 4 until the sixth day after Visit 6

* Willing to abstain from the use of any vaginal product other than the study product including spermicides, lubricants, and douches starting 48 hours before Visit 2 until the sixth day after Visit 6 (tampons may be used, but for menses only)
* Vaginal and cervical anatomy that, in the opinion of the investigator, lends itself to easy colposcopy and genital tract sample collection
* Negative urine pregnancy test
* Willing to give voluntary consent, sign an informed consent form and comply with study procedures as required by the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of hysterectomy
* Currently pregnant or within two calendar months from the last pregnancy outcome. Note: If recently pregnant must have had at least two spontaneous menses since pregnancy outcome
* Use of any hormonal contraceptive method in the last 30 days (oral, transdermal, transvaginal, implant, or hormonal intrauterine contraceptive device)
* Injection of Depo-Provera in the last 6 months
* Current use of IUD
* Currently breastfeeding or having breastfed an infant in the last two months, or planning to breastfeed during the course of the study
* History of sensitivity/allergy to any component of the study products, topical anesthetic, or allergy to both silver nitrate and Monsel's solution
* In the last six months, diagnosed with or treated for any STI or pelvic inflammatory disease. Note: Women with a history of genital herpes or condylomata who have been asymptomatic for at least six months may be considered for eligibility
* Nugent score greater than or equal to 7 at Visit 1 or symptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV) as defined by Amsel's criteria at Visit 1 or 2
* Symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis or symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI)
* Positive test for Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhea or Chlamydia trachomatis
* Deep epithelial genital findings such as abrasions, ulcerations, and lacerations, or vesicles suspicious for an STI
* Positive test for HIV
* Positive test for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
* Known bleeding disorder that could lead to prolonged or continuous bleeding with biopsy
* Chronic or acute vulvar or vaginal symptoms (pain, irritation, spotting, etc.)
* Known current drug or alcohol abuse which could impact study compliance
* Grade 1 or higher laboratory abnormality, per the August 2009 update of the Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (DAIDS) Table for Grading the Severity of Adverse Events (AEs)
* Systemic use in the last two weeks or anticipated use during the study of any of the following: corticosteroids, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals (e.g., acyclovir or valacyclovir) or antiretrovirals (e.g., Viread, Atripla, Emtriva, Complera). Note: Participants should avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) except for treatment of dysmenorrhea during menses. Participants may use Tylenol® on an as-needed but not daily basis during the study.
* Participation in any other investigational trial (device, drug, or vaginal trial) within the last 30 days or planned participation in any other investigational trial during the study
* History of gynecological procedures (including genital piercing) on the external genitalia, vagina or cervix within the last 14 days
* Abnormal finding on laboratory or physical examination or a social or medical condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, would make participation in the study unsafe or would complicate interpretation of data