Clinical trial NCT04431518
Conditions: HIV/AIDS ESRD
Keywords: HIV ESRD Hemodialysis Pharmacokinetics
Sponsor: Indiana University
Start date: 2021-04-23; Completion date: 2023-07-31
Enrollment: 8 participants; Allocation: NON_RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
This study will compare the pharmacokinetics of the component drugs in JULUCA, and HIV combination treatment pill, in HIV-negative patients who require hemodialysis with those with normal renal function.

Detailed description:
The pharmacokinetics (PK) of dolutegravir (DTG) and rilpivirine (RPV), the components of JULUCA, in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis (HD) have not previously been adequately studied. It is possible that the PK of these drugs are affected by renal failure which may then compromise effectiveness and safety. This trial will rigorously assess the plasma PK and protein-binding of these two drugs in 10 HIV-negative patients requiring hemodialysis with 10 matched persons with normal renal function. All participants will receive JULUCA for up to 14 days and then undergo a 24 hour intensive PK evaluation.

Arms: arm 1: Receipt of JULUCA one pill per day up to 14 days arm 2: Receipt of JULUCA one pill per day up to 14 days
Interventions: intervention 1: JULUCA 50Mg-25Mg Tablet
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: One dose of JULUCA will be taken daily for up to 14 days

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_003.pdf: 
 
 
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The Steady-State Pharmacokinetics of Dolutegravir/Rilpivirine Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) in 
Patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Requiring Hemodialysis 
Version 2.0 
November 17, 2022 
 
 
Supported by an unrestricted, investigator-initiated research grant  
from ViiV Healthcare 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Investigators: 
__
_______  
April 6, 2022_      
Samir K. Gupta, MD, MS 
 
 
 
Date 
Division of Infectious Diseases 
Department of Medicine 
Indiana University School of Medicine 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (MAJOR SECTIONS ONLY) 
 
 
SCHEMA 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 3 
 
1.0 STUDY OBJECTIVES  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 4 
 
2.0 HYPOTHESES, BACKGROUND, AND RATIONALE 
 
 
Page 4 
 
3.0 STUDY DESIGN  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 5 
 
4.0 SELECTION AND ENROLLMENT CRITERIA 
 
 
 
Page 8 
 
5.0 STUDY TREATMENT  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 10 
 
6.0 CLINICAL AND LABORATORY EVALUATIONS  
 
 
Page 13 
 
7.0 ADVERSE EVENT MANAGEMENT  
 
 
 
 
Page 17 
 
8.0 CRITERIA FOR STUDY DISCONTINUATION 
 
 
 
Page 22 
 
9.0 STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND DATA MANAGEMENT  
Page 23 
 
10.0 HUMAN PARTICIPANTS RESEARCH AND PROTECTION 
 
Page 26 
 
11.0 REFERENCES  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 30 
 
Appendix 1: Highly Effective Methods for Avoiding Pregnancy in  
Females of Reproductive Potential 
 
  Page 32 
 
 
Appendix 2:  Dolutegravir Risk Assessment  
 
 
 
 
Page 33 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
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SCHEMA 
 
DESIGN 
 
The objectives of this study will be met by performing a single-center, prospective, two-group comparative 
study of the 24-hour steady-state pharmacokinetics (PK) of fixed dose combination (FDC) 
Dolutegravir(DTG)+Rilpivirine(RPV), or JULUCA. We will enroll a total of 20 HIV-negative participants, 10 
of whom require hemodialysis (HD) for end stage renal disease (ESRD) and the other 10 who have normal renal 
function [Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) ≥75 mL/min]. Up to 40 participants may be screened to identify the 20 
who will be enrolled. All participants will receive DTG+RPV for 10-14 days and will undergo intensive 24-
hour PK evaluations in the Indiana Clinical Research Center (ICRC) between days 11-14.  
 
OBJECTIVES 
The primary objective of this study is to compare the steady-state PK of FDC DTG+RPV in HIV-negative 
ESRD patients requiring HD to those with normal renal function. The key secondary objective is to assess the 
short-term safety and tolerability of FDC DTG+RPV in HIV-negative patients requiring HD. 
 
DURATION 
Each individual participant will be followed no more than 60 days from their Screening Visit. We expect to 
enroll the 20 required participants over a 10 month period.  
 
POPULATION 
All participants will be HIV-negative, be of age 18-65 years, and either require HD for ESRD (HD Group) or 
have normal renal function (Healthy Group). The Healthy Group participants will be matched 1:1 to the HD 
study group by age (±5 years), sex, and BMI (±5 kg/m2). We will enroll the Healthy Group after the HD study 
group participants have completed their study procedures. HD participants will be recruited from the HD clinics 
staffed by the faculty of the Division of Nephrology of the Indiana University School of Medicine or from self-
referrals in response to recruitment advertisements. The Healthy Group participants will be recruited from the 
community using an advertisement on CTSI All In for Health website along with the CTSI All IN for Health 
voluntary registry IU IRB Protocol Number 1105005444 to identify and contact potential subjects. 
 
SAMPLE SIZE 
The total sample size for this study will consist of 20 enrolled participants. Up to 40 participants may be 
screened to identify the 20 eligible for enrollment. If a consented and otherwise eligible participant withdraws 
prior to the PK study visit, this participant will be replaced. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
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1.0  
STUDY OBJECTIVES 
 
1.1 
Primary Objective 
 
1.1.1 Compare steady-state pharmacokinetics (with a focus on Ctau) of FDC DTG+RPV in HIV-negative 
ESRD patients requiring HD to those with normal renal function.  
 
1.2 
Secondary Objective 
 
1.2.1 Assess the short-term safety and tolerability of FDC DTG+RPV in HIV-negative persons requiring HD. 
 
2.0 
HYPOTHESES, BACKGROUND, AND RATIONALE 
 
2.1 
Hypotheses 
 
2.1.1 Ctau for DTG will be lower in the HD group compared to the Healthy group. 
 
2.1.2 Ctau for RPV will not be different in the HD group compared to the Healthy group.  
 
2.1.3 Treatment with DTG+RPV will be safely tolerated in the HD group.  
 
2.2 
Background 
 
There is a growing population of HIV-positive patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who require 
hemodialysis (HD) (1-4). Providing effective and well-tolerated antiretroviral therapy (ART) with low pill-
burden is a priority in this population, especially as large numbers of medications and supplements are needed 
for managing their renal failure. Current ART with nucleoside inhibitors typically require lower dosages in 
renal failure that preempt usage of most currently available fixed dose combinations (FDC). As such, many 
HIV-positive patients requiring HD use multicomponent ART with its inherently increased pill burden. 
 
One possible strategy to lower this pill burden while minimizing potential renal, bone, and 
cardiovascular complications from existing therapies (e.g. TDF, ABC) is to switch these patients’ current 
treatments to an NRTI-sparing FDC. In addition, the use of a ‘booster’ agent for integrase inhibitors (e.g. 
GENVOYA) or protease inhibitors (e.g. PREZCOBIX) would lead to possible drug-drug interactions that 
would lead to increased safety concerns. One possible solution is to use JULUCA, or the FDC 
dolutegravir+rilpivirine (DTG 50 mg+RPV 25 mg). With the results of the recently presented SWORD 1 and 2 
trials (5), this strategy appears safe and effective.  
 
However, without adequate pharmacokinetic data justifying the use of this FDC in ESRD patients 
requiring HD, it would be unwise to make such a change in treatment. DTG has been studied in HIV-negative 
persons with creatinine clearance (CrCl) <30mL/min, but not yet requiring HD, and was found to have 23-40% 
modestly lower Cmax and AUC0-∞ and a 50% reduction in unbound DTG Ctau (C24) after a single dose of 50 
mg when compared to those receiving DTG with normal renal function (6). In a case report of DTG 50 mg used 
daily in an HIV-positive ESRD patient requiring HD, the trough concentration was 85% lower than that found 
in patients with normal renal function, although there was no appreciable extraction of DTG during dialysis (7). 
A separate study of five HIV-positive ESRD patients requiring HD receiving DTG 50 mg daily also 
demonstrated minimal DTG extraction during dialysis (8), although the study did not perform comprehensive 
PK analysis to assess Ctau and AUC parameters which may affect DTG virologic efficacy. To our knowledge, 
the steady-state PK of RPV in ESRD requiring HD has not been studied. 


 
 
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2.3 
Study Rationale 
 
 
 The above-mentioned results with DTG are in line with other ART drugs that are similarly highly 
protein-bound, not water-soluble, and not renally cleared. For example, we have previously found that lopinavir 
circulating steady-state concentrations were surprisingly lower than expected when formally studied in HIV-
positive ESRD patients requiring HD, although protein-binding was not affected (9). Thus, it would be 
important not to assume there would be no effects of ESRD on the circulating concentrations of either DTG or 
RPV. Therefore, formal assessment of the steady-state concentrations of FDC DTG+RPV in ESRD patients 
requiring HD is required to optimize dose selection for both treatment and prevention in this population. In 
addition, the ensuing data will help inform the need for additional PK studies with other integrase inhibitors. 
 
3.0 
STUDY DESIGN 
 
3.1  
Overview 
 
 
The objectives of this study will be met by performing a single-center, prospective, two-group 
comparative study of the 24-hour steady-state PK of FDC DTG+RPV. Twenty participants will be enrolled; 
there will be 10 in each of two study groups. The HD group will consist of 10 participants who require HD for 
ESRD. The Healthy Group will consist of 10 participants who have normal renal function (CrCl ≥75mL/min) 
and matched 1:1 to the HD group by age (±5 years), sex, and BMI (±5 kg/m2). We will enroll each Healthy 
Group control participant after their matched HD participant has completed his/her study procedures. All 20 
participants will be 18-65 years old, be HIV-negative, and do not have contraindications to taking DTG-+RPV 
for up to 14 days. The intensive PK visit in the Indiana CRC (ICRC) will occur preferably on Day 11 or 12 of 
the study period but can occur up to Day 14. 
 
We will enroll HIV-negative, instead of HIV-positive, participants for several reasons. First, although 
HIV-positive ESRD patients would be most clinically relevant for treatment of HIV, from our experience 
performing similar studies, recruitment at a single site would be challenging and likely unachievable. 
Performing a multicenter study would involve unacceptably high costs and prolonged study completion 
timeframes. Second, to our knowledge, the effects of ESRD requiring HD on percentage change in PK 
parameters in HIV-negative patients should be readily extrapolated to HIV-positive patients. Third, use of an 
HIV-negative study group would provide relevant data if either DTG or RPV was to be used as an HIV pre-
exposure prophylaxis agent in an ESRD population.  
We have chosen to perform a steady-state PK study (as opposed to a single dose PK study) as 
DTG+RPV FDC is given chronically, and thus the data derived from steady-state would reflect actual clinical 
conditions. Although predicting steady-state conditions may be inferred from a single dose administration, there 
are a number of assumptions that would need to be made, including linear pharmacokinetics, which are not 
guaranteed.  
 
3.2  
Screening Visit (Visit 1) 
 
If deemed eligible for screening, the participant will be approached (with permission/referral of the 
potential participant’s primary dialysis/renal provider) by a study team member to enter the screening phase of 
the study. After written, informed consent is provided by the participant, a random study code number will be 
assigned to the participant to ensure confidentiality. This study code number will be used for laboratory 
transport and processing, result reporting, and data recording.  
 
The study participant does not need to be fasting for the Screening Visit. At this Screening Visit, the 
participant’s medical, psychiatric, and medication history will be reviewed. A brief physical examination 


 
 
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including vital signs will be performed. The PHQ-9 questionnaire will be administered to assess for ongoing 
depressive symptoms that could be worsened by DTG+RPV. A resting ECG will be obtained to determine QT 
interval. If the potential participant is eligible based on these initial assessments, and if a complete blood count 
and comprehensive metabolic panel is not available within the past 30 days through routine clinical care, then 
blood will be drawn to determine if the participant meets the safety laboratory eligibility criteria (see Section 
4.0) and for archiving samples for studies of future interest related to changes that may occur during study drug 
administration. Serum pregnancy testing for female study volunteers of reproductive potential will also be 
performed. All screening tests will be performed at the Indiana Clinical Research Center (ICRC). If the 
eligibility criteria are met, then the participants will enter the study.  
Those participants who score ≥ 10 on the PHQ-9, indicating moderate to severe depression, will not be 
enrolled and instead be referred back to their primary physicians for appropriate follow-up. If the participant 
answers positively to question #9 regarding suicidality, then Dr. Gupta or Dr. Friedman (the protocol 
nephrologist) will be contacted immediately for consultation if urgent, formal psychiatric assessment is required 
by Midtown Mental Health Center (either in person or through their phone hotline). 
 
If the participant is found to be fully eligible for study participation, then s/he will return for drug 
dispensation. 
 
3.3  
Drug Dispensation Visit (Visit 2)  
 
 
 
This visit will occur at the ICRC –OR- at the participant’s regularly scheduled dialysis session within 30 
days of the Screening Visit/Visit 1. The primary purpose of this visit is to provide one bottle (30 tablets) of 
study drug (FDC DTG+RPV) to each study participant. Study drug will be stored at the IUH University 
Investigational Drug Services Pharmacy and dispensed from that facility. The participant will be queried again 
for changes in concomitant medications, changes in interval medical history or symptoms, and repeat serum 
pregnancy testing (as appropriate) to confirm ongoing study eligibility.  
If study eligibility is confirmed, then the participant will then be instructed on proper use of the study 
drug, which includes taking the drug at about the same time every day with a meal. The study drug preferably 
will be taken within 2 hours before or 2 hours after the time anticipated for the observed drug administration at 
the Intensive PK Study Visit (Visit 3). For example, if the anticipated dosing time at Visit 3 is 8am, then the 
dosing should be between 6am and 10am for the days prior to Visit 3. The participant will then be given 
instructions on properly completing the Medication Use Log (section 3.4). As we do not anticipate dialysis itself 
to have clinically relevant effects of DTG or RPV circulating concentrations, the exact timing of study drug 
administration in relation to dialysis will not be pre-specified except that the study drug should not be taken 
during a dialysis session (please also see section 5.1 for other dosing requirements). 
The Intensive PK Study Visit at the ICRC will be preferably scheduled on either Day 11 or 12 after the 
Drug Dispensation Visit, but this PK study visit can be scheduled as late as Day 14 after the Drug Dispensation 
Visit. We believe 10 days prior to the Intensive PK Study Visit will be sufficient to achieve steady-state 
concentrations based on previous PK studies of both DTG and RPV (10, 11). If the participant cannot attend the 
Intensive PK Study Visit within this window, then s/he will be discontinued from study participation and will be 
replaced by another participant. 
The participant will then be reminded that they will be called by phone by a member of the study team 
or visited in person during a regular scheduled dialysis session at both 3 days and 9 days after the Drug 
Dispensation Visit to assess for interval toxicity development and adherence. Phone contact information will be 
verified at this visit; if possible, alternative contact information of a family member or friend will also be 
documented in case the participant cannot be contacted directly. 
 
3.4  
Interval Assessments and Medication Use Log/Adherence Assessment 


 
 
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The participant will be called by phone or visited in person during a regularly scheduled dialysis session 
by a member of the study team both 3±1 days and 9±1 days after the Drug Dispensation Visit to assess for any 
changes in medications, to review any interval development of potential adverse effects, and to assess drug 
adherence.  
Participants will receive a Medication Use Log (MUL) on which to record the dose times of the study 
drug prior between the Drug Dispensation Visit and the Intensive PK Study Visit. The dates and times of study 
drug ingestion will be reviewed at the Day 3 and Day 9 assessments and at initial evaluation on the Intensive 
PK Study Visit. 
If concerns arise about drug adherence, potential adverse effects from the study drug, or changes in 
study eligibility, then Dr. Gupta will be contacted immediately to discuss if the study participant should 
discontinue study participation and be replaced or if changes in the study timeline are required (e.g. 
rescheduling the intensive PK study visit). 
 
3.5  
Intensive PK Study Visit (Visit 3) and Follow-up Assessment 
 
 
This visit will occur preferably on either Day 11 or Day 12 after the Drug Dispensation Visit but can 
occur as late as Day 14 after the Drug Dispensation Visit. The 24 hour period of this study visit must not 
overlap the scheduled dialysis session for a participant in the HD group. The participant will be admitted to the 
ICRC approximately one hour prior to the scheduled time of the observed administration of the study drug on 
this study visit. The observed study drug administration time will vary between participants based on their 
typically scheduled dialysis times. The participant must be fasting for at least 4 hours prior to first blood draw. 
The participant will undergo once again a review of concomitant medications, interval medical history, review 
of any new potential adverse effects, and review of the Medication Use Log and pill counts. The MUL should 
document that the dose taken prior to the observed administered dose on this study visit should occur between 
22-26 hours prior to the study dose administration on this study visit. A brief, targeted physical examination 
including vital signs will be performed. If any concerns regarding study eligibility develop after these 
assessments, then Dr. Gupta or Dr. Desta will be notified immediately to determine if the remainder of the 
Intensive PK Study Visit should proceed. 
An indwelling peripheral IV catheter will then be placed for blood draws during this study visit. Safety 
laboratories will be obtained prior to study drug administration. Blood will also be drawn at this time for 
archiving DNA samples for future studies of interest linking genetics with the PK evaluations and for archiving 
serum and plasma for other studies of future interest that may explain differences in PK between the study 
groups. 
 
For both study groups, the FDC DTG+RPV will be administered with a standard meal (~600 calories, 
25% fat) after an initial blood sample (‘PRE’) is obtained for drug trough levels and safety laboratories. This 
will be the last dose of study drug that the participant ingests (any remaining study drug should at this time be 
returned to the study team for proper disposal by the Investigation Drug Services Pharmacy). For the intensive 
PK sampling, blood will be obtained pre-dose of study drug and then at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 hours 
after study drug administration. Standardized renal diets (low sodium, low potassium, low phosphorus) will be 
provided for the remainder of this study visit for both study groups. 
 
After these study procedures are completed, the participant will be reminded that they will be either 
called by phone or visited during a regularly scheduled dialysis session by a member of the study team in 
approximately 14 days to assess for any interval development of potential adverse effects after cessation of FDC 
DTG+RPV and to document any new medications given since the intensive PK visit that may explain such 
adverse effects. 
 


 
 
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3.6  
Study Duration and Participant Retention 
 
The maximum study period for each participant will be 60 days (screening phase of 30 days and on-
study phase of at most an additional 30 days). In order to promote retention in the study, the participants will be 
financially compensated at the Screening Visit and at the Intensive PK Study Visit, but not for the Drug 
Dispensation Visit or for the phone call assessments.  
 
4.0 
SELECTION AND ENROLLMENT CRITERIA 
 
4.1  
Inclusion Criteria 
 
1. Negative HIV antibody testing at screening. 
2. For the ESRD requiring HD study group: ESRD requiring chronic hemodialysis for at least 6 months at 
an established center (not home dialysis).  
 
NOTE:  The approximate date that hemodialysis was initiated should be reported, if known.  
 
For the normal renal function group: Estimated CrCl (using the Cockcroft-Gault equation) at screening 
≥75mL/min. 
 
3. Availability of alternative venous access (not used for dialysis) for the purpose of PK sampling. 
4. The following laboratory values obtained within 30 days prior to study entry (obtained either at 
screening or done as part of routine clinical care): 
• AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) less than or equal to ULN 
• Total bilirubin less than or equal to 1.5 x ULN 
• Hemoglobin greater than or equal to 8.0 mg/dL 
5. A negative serum pregnancy test result at screening for all women of reproductive potential who have 
not reached menopause or undergone hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, or tubal ligation. 
6. Males and females, age 18-65 years. 
7. Ability and willingness of participant to provide written informed consent.  
 
4.2  
Exclusion Criteria 
 
 
 
1. Known allergy or hypersensitivity to either dolutegravir or rilpivirine 
2. Use of peritoneal dialysis. 
3. Serious illnesses, other than ESRD, requiring systemic treatment and/or hospitalization within 30 days 
prior to the Screening Visit. 
4. Known liver cirrhosis, unstable liver disease (presence of ascites, encephalopathy, coagulopathy, 
esophageal/gastric varices), Child-Pugh Class A, B or C, or known biliary abnormalities (except for 
known Gilbert’s syndrome or asymptomatic gallstones). 
5. Hepatitis B surface antigen or hepatitis C antibody with detectable RNA at screening. 
6. Known gastrointestinal disease that may lead to poor absorption of the study drugs. 


 
 
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7. Known hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose 
malabsorption. 
8. Any of the following gastrointestinal signs or symptoms of Grade ≥ 2 within 7 days prior to the 
Screening Visit or during study drug administration prior to the Intensive PK Study Visit: 
• 
nausea 
• 
vomiting 
• 
diarrhea 
• 
abdominal pain 
9. Use of any of the following within 30 days of initiating study drug: 
• Medications known to appreciably inhibit or induce CYP3A enzymes, P-glycoprotein, UGT1A1 or 
UGT1A4 enzymes (e.g., anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, oxacarbamazepine; 
antimycobacterials such as rifampin, rifabutin and rifapentine; antifungal agents such as 
ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole; verapamil, clarithromycin, erythromycin) 
• St. John’s Wort, echinacea, grapefruits or grapefruit juice, garlic supplements, ginseng, golden seal, 
and milk thistle 
• Cancer chemotherapeutic agents 
• Investigational agents  
• Immunomodulators, including systemic steroids greater than or equal to 100 mg/day of prednisone 
(Note: Topical and inhaled corticosteroids are allowed.) 
• Dofetilide 
• Positive pre-study drug screen. Drugs that will be screened for include amphetamines, barbiturates, 
cocaine and phencyclidine (PCP). Active injected drug users will be excluded from this study. 
10. Use of proton pump inhibitors within 7 days of initiating study drug (H2 blockers are permitted). 
11. Pregnancy and/or breast-feeding.  
 
A female may be eligible to enter and participate in the study if she:  
a. 
is of non-child-bearing potential defined as either post-menopausal (12 months of 
spontaneous amenorrhea and ≥45 years of age) or physically incapable of becoming 
pregnant with documented tubal ligation, hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy 
or, 
b. is of child-bearing potential with a negative pregnancy test at Screening and agrees 
to use one of the following methods of contraception to avoid pregnancy (please see 
Appendix I for complete listing): 
• 
Complete abstinence from penile-vaginal intercourse from 2 weeks prior to 
administration of JULUCA, throughout the study, and for at least 2 weeks after 
discontinuation of all study medications; 
• 
Any intrauterine device with published data showing that the expected failure 
rate is <1% per year; 
• 
Male partner sterilization confirmed prior to the female subject’s entry into the 
study, and this male is the sole partner for that subject; 
• 
Approved hormonal contraception; 
• 
Any other method with published data showing that the expected failure rate is 
<1% per year. 


 
 
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Any contraception method must be used consistently, in accordance with the 
approved product label at least 28 days prior to the first dose of study drug and 
for at least 2 weeks after discontinuation of study medication.   
 
12. Moderate to severe depression, defined as a PHQ-9 ≥ 10 at Screening. 
13. Significant change (i.e., more than a 50% change) in tobacco smoking habit within 6 weeks prior to the 
Screening Visit.  Participants who have recently stopped smoking should have stopped smoking more 
than 6 weeks prior to the Screening Visit.  Participants who have recently started smoking should have 
started more than 6 weeks prior to the Screening Visit. 
14. QTc interval greater than 500 msec at Screening. 
 
If participants are excluded due to the above criteria, they may be approached again in the future or have 
their study visit rescheduled within the allowable timeframe if these criteria are no longer applicable.  
 
4.3 
Co-enrollment Guidelines 
 
Co-enrollment into other studies will be permitted provided no drugs prohibited on this study will be 
given in the other study/ies and that the required blood draws do not exceed safe limits when combined with 
those for this study.  
 
5.0 
STUDY TREATMENT 
 
5.1 
JULUCA Administration 
 
The study drug JULUCA (or FDC DTG 50 mg + RPV 25 mg) – IND 151804 – will be provided by 
ViiV Healthcare and stored at the IU Investigational Drug Services Pharmacy located at IUH University 
Hospital. Each JULUCA tablet contains 50 mg of DTG and 25 mg of rilpivirine, and is a pink, oval, film-
coated, biconvex tablet debossed with “SV J3T” on one side. A bottle contains 30 tablets with child-resistant 
closure (the bottle contains a desiccant). Store and dispense in the original package, protect from moisture, and 
keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not remove desiccant. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions 
permitted 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [USP Controlled Room Temperature]. 
This pharmacy will also dispense the study agent to the study participants. Study drug administration 
will be open-label. Unused study drug will be disposed of by the IU Investigational Drug Services Pharmacy. 
One tablet of FDC DTG+RPV will be taken daily for at least 10 days prior to the Intensive PK Study 
Visit but for no more than 14 days. On dialysis days, the dosing should not occur during dialysis itself but 
otherwise can be taken before or after the dialysis session. The timing of the dosing should coincide with the 
anticipated observed dosing time on the Intensive PK Study Visit. The study drug will be taken with a 
meal, taken at least 4 hours before or 12 hours after taking H2-receptor antagonists, and at least 4 hours 
before or 6 hours after taking polyvalent cations, including calcium-based phosphate binders. Use of 
sevalamer or similar phosphate binders are allowed.  
 
 
5.2 
JULUCA Safety 
 
 
The following summarizes the JULUCA safety data as presented in the October 2019 package insert. 
Please refer to the package insert for more detailed information 
(https://www.gsksource.com/pharma/content/dam/GlaxoSmithKline/US/en/Prescribing_Information/Juluca/pdf/
JULUCA-PI-PIL.PDF#page=1). 


 
 
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The primary adverse events associated with JULUCA involve skin disorders, hepatotoxicity, and 
depressive disorders as documented in the licensing trials of JULUCA in 1,024 HIV-positive, virologically 
suppressed trial participants who changed their current antiretroviral regimen to JULUCA in the open-label   
SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 trials. In the pooled analyses, the proportion of subjects who discontinued treatment 
due to an adverse event was 4% in subjects receiving JULUCA once daily and less than 1% in those who 
remained on their current antiretroviral regimen.  
The most common adverse events leading to discontinuation were psychiatric disorders with these AE 
occurring in 2% of subjects receiving dolutegravir plus rilpivirine and less than 1% on the current antiretroviral 
regimen. 
The most common adverse reactions (all grades) reported in at least 2% of subjects in the Week 48 
pooled analyses from SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 were diarrhea (2% JULUCA vs. <1% current treatment; 
headache 2% JULUCA vs. 0% current treatment).  
Selected laboratory abnormalities with a worsening grade from baseline and representing the 
worst-grade toxicity in at least 2% of subjects are presented below (from Table 3 in the JULUCA package 
insert). 
 
Table 3. Selected Laboratory Abnormalities (Grades 2 and 3 to 4; Week 48 Pooled 
Analyses) in SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 Trials 
Laboratory Parameter 
Preferred Term 
Dolutegravir plus 
Rilpivirine 
(n = 513) 
Current Antiretroviral 
Regimen 
(n = 511) 
ALT 
Grade 2 (>2.5-5.0 x ULN) 
2% 
<1% 
Grade 3 to 4 (>5.0 x ULN) 
<1% 
<1% 
AST 
Grade 2 (>2.5-5.0 x ULN) 
<1% 
2% 
Grade 3 to 4 (>5.0 x ULN) 
<1% 
<1% 
Total Bilirubin 
Grade 2 (1.6-2.5 x ULN) 
2% 
4% 
Grade 3 to 4 (>2.5 x ULN) 
0 
3% 
Creatine kinase 
Grade 2 (6.0-9.9 x ULN) 
<1% 
<1% 
Grade 3 to 4 (≥10.0 x ULN) 
1% 
2% 
Hyperglycemia 
Grade 2 (126-250 mg/dL) 
4% 
5% 
Grade 3 to 4 (>250 mg/dL) 
<1% 
<1% 
Lipase 
Grade 2 (>1.5-3.0 x ULN) 
5% 
5% 
Grade 3 to 4 (>3.0 x ULN) 
2% 
2% 
ULN = Upper limit of normal. 
 
Embryonic toxicity has also emerged as a potential concern with dolutegravir use during the first 
trimester of pregnancy, specifically neural tube defects. As such, a discussion should be conducted with 


 
 
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the patient about use of contraception to prevent pregnancy or to undergo pregnancy testing prior to 
initiation of dolutegravir and JULUCA in women of child bearing potential.  
 
5.2 Prohibited Medications 
 
• Medications known to appreciably inhibit or induce CYP3A enzymes, P-glycoprotein, or UGT1A1 
and UGT1A4 enzymes (e.g., anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, oxacarbamazepine; 
antimycobacterials such as rifampin, rifabutin and rifapentine; antifungal agents such as 
ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole; verapamil, clarithromycin, erythromycin) 
• St. John’s Wort, echinacea, grapefruits or grapefruit juice, garlic supplements, ginseng, golden seal, 
and milk thistle 
• Cancer chemotherapeutic agents 
• Investigational agents  
• Immunomodulators, including systemic steroids greater than or equal to 100 mg/day of prednisone 
(Note: Topical and inhaled corticosteroids are allowed.) 
• Proton pump inhibitors 


 
 
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6.0 CLINICAL AND LABORATORY EVALUATIONS 
6.1 
Schedule of Events 
 
Study Visits 
  
Visit 1 
Screening Visit 
Visit 2 
Drug Dispensation Visit 
(within 30 days of Visit 1) 
Interval 
Assessment 
D3/Dose 3 
(±1 day) 
Interval 
Assessment 
D9/Dose 9 
(±1 day) 
Visit 3 
 
Follow-up 
Assessment 
D26-30 
D11 
(up to D14) 
D12 
(up to D15) 
Study Procedure 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Informed Consent 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medical History 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Concomitant Medications 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
Adverse Event Review 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
Medication Use 
Log/Adherence Review 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
 
 
Vitals Signs & Brief Physical 
Examination 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
ECG1 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PHQ-9 Depression Screening 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venipuncture 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
Pregnancy Testing (for women 
of childbearing age) 
X 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, 
and illicit drug screening2 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Safety Laboratories3 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
DNA Sample 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
Archived Blood Samples 
(serum, plasma) 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
IV Placement 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
PK Sampling4 
 
 
 
 
X 
X 
 
Drug Dispensation5 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
Drug Administration 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
1 QTc must be less than 500 msec. 
2 HIV 4th generation antibody/antigen, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C antibody with reflex RNA, illicit drug screen 
3 Blood samples will be sent to IUH Pathology. Safety labs include: complete blood count with differential and    
platelets, comprehensive metabolic panel/liver function tests. Of note, for screening purposes to determine eligibility, if a complete blood count with differential and platelets and a comprehensive 
metabolic panel/liver function tests are available through routine clinical care within 30 days of the Screening Visit, then these laboratories do not need to be redrawn. 
4 PK samples will be obtained pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 hours post study dose. 
5 Drug will be dispensed to patient at Visit 2 with instructions to take 1 tablet of FDC DTG+RPV daily at approx. the same time each day with a meal.


 
 
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6.2       Definitions for Schedule of Events – Special Instructions and Definitions of Evaluations 
 
6.2.1 Medical/Psychiatric History 
 
 
A medical/psychiatric history must be present in the source documents. Record the following on CRFs 
at either the Screening Visit: 
 
• 
Birthdate 
• 
Sex 
• 
Patient’s self-report of ethnicity and race 
• 
Diagnoses (all medical and psychiatric as stated by the participant and by review of available medical 
records) 
• 
Tobacco, alcohol, illicit drug use 
• 
For those in the HD Study Group 
• Cause of renal failure, if known 
• Most recently available hepatitis C antibody, hepatitis C RNA levels, hepatitis B surface antigen, 
and hepatitis B surface antibody results obtained as part of routine clinical care prior to the 
Screening Visit 
• When hemodialysis was first initiated 
• Type of arteriovenous access (tunneled catheter, fistula) 
• Filter type used at last dialysis 
• Rate of blood flow into dialyzer (mL/min) 
• Dialysis fluid flow rate and times of dialysis at last 3 dialysis sessions prior to the Intensive PK 
Study Visit 
 
 
6.2.2 Concomitant Medications 
 
At Screening, a medication history must be present in source documents. All new and/or discontinued 
prescription medications taken since the last study visit or contact with the participant will be recorded on CRFs 
with start and stop dates. The following information will be recorded on the CRFs at the Screening Visit: 
 
• 
All prescription medications within 30 days of Screening 
• 
All supplements (non-prescription), vitamins, and over the counter medications used within 30 days of 
Screening 
 
6.2.3 Adverse Event Review 
 
All new symptoms/signs since the last study visit assessment (either by phone or in-person) will be 
documented on CRFs, graded per DAIDS toxicity tables 
(https://rsc.niaid.nih.gov/sites/default/files/daidsgradingcorrectedv21.pdf), and reviewed as being potentially 
related to study drug (see section 7.0).  
 
6.2.4 Clinical Assessments 
 
6.2.4.1 Height 
 


 
 
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Height will be recorded on CRFs at the Screening Visit. 
 
6.2.4.2  Weight 
 
 
Weight will be recorded on CRFs at the Screening Visit and at the Intensive PK Study Visit. 
 
6.2.4.3 Resting Blood Pressure 
 
Blood pressure will be recorded on CRFs at the Screening Visit and the Intensive PK Study Visit. Blood 
pressure measurements should be performed on the non-fistula/dialysis access arm for the HD Group. The 
participant should first sit quietly for five minutes. With the elbow and forearm resting comfortably on a flat 
table, the blood pressure should then be measured. After two minutes, repeat blood pressure measurement in the 
same arm. Therefore, two blood pressure measurements are to be documented in the CRFs. 
 
6.2.4.4 Resting Heart Rate 
 
Resting heart rates will be recorded on CRFs at the Screening Visit and the Intensive PK Study Visit. 
The participant should first sit quietly for five minutes prior to measurement of heart rate. 
 
6.2.4.5 Brief Physical Examination 
 
 
The following assessments will be performed at the Screening Visit and the Intensive PK Study Visit. 
 
• 
Examination of the arm to be used for IV placement 
• 
Relevant examinations related by any new signs and symptoms as stated by the participant 
 
6.2.4.6 Electrocardiogram (ECG) 
 
 
A standard 12-lead ECG will be obtained at the Screening Visit, primarily to assess the corrected QT 
interval (QTc) as part of the initial safety evaluation and eligibility evaluation. 
 
6.2.4.7 PHQ-9 Depression Symptom Survey 
 
 
The PHQ-9 questionnaire will be administered at the Screening Visit as part of the initial safety 
evaluation and eligibility evaluation. 
 
6.2.5.8 Laboratories 
 
 
All study visit laboratory evaluations performed as part of this study must be present in source 
documentation, including HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, illicit drug screen, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, 
platelet count, creatinine and estimated creatinine clearance (for the Healthy Group), glucose, AST, ALT, total 
bilirubin, and serum pregnancy testing.  
All laboratories will be sent to the Indiana University Health Pathology clinical laboratory for immediate 
processing and analysis; results will be entered on CRFs and kept in secure cabinets.  
 
 
 


 
 
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6.2.5.8  Specimen Collection, Processing, Labeling, and Storage for Specimens for Future Analysis 
 
DNA Sample  
• 
Collection: Collect ONE (1) 7.0-mL K3 purple-top EDTA tube, FILL COMPLETELY. Place on ice 
immediately. Do not allow to clot. Do not spin. 
• 
Processing: Prepare at least 4 aliquots of 1.5-mL each in 1.5-mL purple screw cap vials from the 7.0-mL 
whole blood EDTA tube and freeze at -80°C and store upright. 
• 
Labeling: Label on each aliquot the protocol-subject number, date, specimen type “DNA”. 
 
Archived Plasma 
• 
Collection:  
 For plasma #1, collect TWO (2) 6.0-mL, purple-top EDTA tubes, FILL COMPLETELY. After 
collection of blood, gently invert the tube 10 to 15 times and keep upright at room temperature until 
centrifugation. KEEP REFRIGERATED AT 4OC AFTER DRAW IF UNABLE TO CENTRIFUGE 
IMMEDIATELY.  
 For plasma #2, collect an additional ONE (1) 2.7-ml, blue-top 3.2% buffered Sodium citrate (SCI) 
tubes, FILL COMPLETELY (for storage). Mix gently by inverting 8 times immediately after filling. 
DO NOT SHAKE the tube as this will break down fibrinogen in the sample. COMPLETE 
PROCESSING WITHIN 1 HR OF COLLECTION.  
• 
Processing: 
 For plasma #1 tubes, spin 3000 x g for 10 minutes at 4oC. Prepare at least 6 total aliquots containing 
at least 0.5-mL of plasma each and freeze at −80°C within 4 hours of collection.  
 For plasma #2 tube, spin at 1500 x g for 15 minutes at room temperature. Prepare at least 2 total 
aliquots containing at least 0.5-ml of plasma each and freeze at –80ºC within 60 minutes of 
collection. 
• 
Labeling: Label on each aliquot the protocol-participant number, date, specimen type “E-PLA” and “S-
PLA”, and aliquot number as appropriate. 
 
Archived Serum 
• 
Collection: Collect ONE (1) 10.0-mL red-top tube without additive at room temperature. Let blood clot 
30 minutes at room temperature in vertical position. 
• 
Processing: Spin tube for 10 minutes at 1300 x g to separate serum within 1 hour of collection. Prepare 
at least 6 total aliquots containing at least 0.5-mL of serum. Separated serum MUST be refrigerated until frozen. 
Freeze at -80ºC as soon as possible within 8 hours of collection. REFRIGERATE ALIQUOTS IF FREEZING 
CANNOT BE ACCOMPLISHED IMMEDIATELY AFTER PROCESSING.  
• 
Labeling: Label on each aliquot the protocol-participant number, date, specimen type “SER”, and 
aliquot number. 
 
DTG and RPV Plasma Drug Concentrations 
• 
Collection: Collect ONE (1) 7.0-mL lavender-top tube without additive at each time point (at pre-dose, 
0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 hours after study drug administration).  
• 
Processing: Within one hour of collection, spin tube at 3000 rpm for 20 minutes at room temperature. 
Prepare at least TWO (2) aliquots in to amber brown glass tubes containing 0.5mL each and store immediately 
at -80°C. Utmost care will be made to protect blood and plasma samples from exposure to light.  


 
 
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• 
Labeling: Label on each aliquot the protocol-participant number, date, and appropriate time point (PRE, 
0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, or 24). 
 
Drug Concentration Measurement Methods 
DTG and RPV and their relevant metabolites concentrations in plasma and urine will be measured in a 96-well 
plates format using a validated LC/MS/MS assay method [QTRAP 6500+ LC-MS/MS system (AB Sciex, 
Framingham, MA) with turboelectrospray source operated in both positive (confirmation) and negative 
(quantification) modes]. The equilibrium dialysis method will be used to determine the fraction unbound DTG 
and RPV in plasma. Both the LC/MS/MS assay and the equilibrium dialysis methods have been described for 
DTG by our group recently and will be modified and implemented in this study. Validated LC/MS/MS plasma 
assay of RPV is available in Dr. Desta’s laboratory and this assay will be modified and validated to measure 
RPV in the equilibrium dialysis samples. At all times, processing plasma and equilibrium dialysis samples will 
be protected from light.   
 
7.0 
ADVERSE EVENT MANAGEMENT 
 
7.1  
General Considerations 
 
7.1.1 Definitions 
 
An adverse event (AE) is any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical study participant, temporally 
associated with the use of a study intervention, whether or not considered related to the study intervention. An 
AE can therefore be any unfavorable and unintended sign (including an abnormal laboratory finding), symptom, 
or disease (new or exacerbated) temporally associated with the use of a study intervention. 
• Any abnormal laboratory test results (hematology, clinical chemistry, or urinalysis) 
or other safety assessments (e.g., ECG, radiological scans, vital signs measurements), including 
those that worsen from baseline, considered clinically significant in the medical and scientific 
judgment of the investigator (i.e., not related to progression of underlying disease). 
• Exacerbation of a chronic or intermittent pre-existing condition including either an increase in 
frequency and/or intensity of the condition. 
• New conditions detected or diagnosed after study intervention administration even though it may 
have been present before the start of the study. 
• Signs, symptoms, or the clinical sequelae of a suspected drug-drug interaction. 
• Signs, symptoms, or the clinical sequelae of a suspected overdose of either study intervention or 
a concomitant medication. Overdose per se will not be reported as an AE/SAE unless it is an 
intentional overdose taken with possible suicidal/self-harming intent. Such overdoses should be 
reported regardless of sequelae. 
• "Lack of efficacy" or "failure of expected pharmacological action" per se will not be reported as 
an AE or SAE. Such instances will be captured in the efficacy assessments. However, the signs, 
symptoms, and/or clinical sequelae resulting from lack of efficacy will be reported as AE or SAE 
if they fulfill the definition of an AE or SAE. 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
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Events NOT meeting definition of an AE include: Any clinically significant abnormal laboratory 
findings or other abnormal safety assessments which are associated with the underlying disease, unless judged 
by the investigator to be more severe than expected for the subject’s condition. 
• The disease/disorder being studied or expected progression, signs, or symptoms of the 
disease/disorder being studied, unless more severe than expected for the subject’s condition. 
• Medical or surgical procedure (e.g., endoscopy, appendectomy): the condition that leads to the 
procedure is an AE. 
• Situations where an untoward medical occurrence did not occur (social and/or convenience 
admission to a hospital). 
• Anticipated day-to-day fluctuations of pre-existing disease(s) or condition(s) present or detected 
at the start of the study that do not worsen. 
 
A Serious Adverse Event (SAE) is defined as any untoward medical occurrence that, at any dose: 
• Results in death 
• Is life-threatening 
o The term 'life-threatening' in the definition of 'serious' refers to an event in which the 
participant was at risk of death at the time of the event. It does not refer to an event, 
which hypothetically might have caused death, if it were more severe. 
• Requires inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization 
o In general, hospitalization signifies that the participant has been detained (usually 
involving at least an overnight stay) at the hospital or emergency ward for observation 
and/or treatment that would not have been appropriate in the physician’s office or 
outpatient setting. Complications that occur during hospitalization are AE. If a 
complication prolongs hospitalization or fulfills any other serious criteria, the event is 
serious. When in doubt as to whether “hospitalization” occurred or was necessary, the AE 
should be considered serious. 
o Hospitalization for elective treatment of a pre-existing condition that did not worsen from 
baseline is not considered an AE. 
• Results in persistent disability/incapacity 
o The term disability means a substantial disruption of a person’s ability to conduct normal 
life functions. 
o This definition is not intended to include experiences of relatively minor medical 
significance such as uncomplicated headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, influenza, 
and accidental trauma (e.g., sprained ankle) which may interfere with or prevent 
everyday life functions but do not constitute a substantial disruption. 
• Is a congenital anomaly/birth defect 
• Other situations: 
o Medical or scientific judgment should be exercised in deciding whether SAE 
reporting is appropriate in other situations such as important medical events that may 
not be immediately life-threatening or result in death or hospitalization but may 
jeopardize the participant or may require medical or surgical intervention to prevent 
one of the other outcomes listed in the above definition. These events should usually 
be considered serious. 
o Examples of such events include invasive or malignant cancers, intensive treatment 
in an emergency room or at home for allergic bronchospasm, blood dyscrasias or 
convulsions that do not result in hospitalization, or development of drug dependency 


 
 
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or drug abuse. 
o Is associated with liver injury and impaired liver function defined as: 
 ALT ＞ 3xULN and total bilirubin ＞ 2xULN (>35% direct), or 
 ALT ＞3xULN and INR > 1.5. 
 Serum bilirubin fractionation should be performed if testing is available; if 
unavailable, measure urinary bilirubin via dipstick. If fractionation is unavailable and 
ALT ＞ 3xULN and total bilirubin ＞ 2xULN, then the event is still to be reported as 
an SAE. 
 
If an event is not an AE per definition above, then it cannot be an SAE even if serious conditions are met 
(e.g., hospitalization for signs/symptoms of the disease under study, death due to progression of disease). 
 
7.1.2 Assessment of Relatedness/Causality 
• The investigator is obligated to assess the relationship between study intervention and each occurrence 
of each AE/SAE. 
• A "reasonable possibility" of a relationship conveys that there are facts, evidence, and/or arguments to 
suggest a causal relationship, rather than a relationship cannot be ruled out. 
• The investigator will use clinical judgment to determine the relationship. 
• Alternative causes, such as underlying disease(s), concomitant therapy, and other risk factors, as well as 
the temporal relationship of the event to study intervention administration will be considered and 
investigated. 
• The investigator will also consult the Investigator’s Brochure (IB) and/or Product Information, for 
marketed products, in his/her assessment. 
• For each AE/SAE, the investigator must document in the medical notes that he/she has reviewed the 
AE/SAE and has provided an assessment of causality. 
• There may be situations in which an SAE has occurred and the investigator has minimal information to 
include in the initial report to ViiV Healthcare. However, it is very important that the investigator 
always make an assessment of causality for every event before the initial transmission of the SAE data 
to ViiV Healthcare. 
• The investigator may change his/her opinion of causality in light of follow-up information and send an 
SAE follow-up report with the updated causality assessment. 
• The causality assessment is one of the criteria used when determining regulatory reporting requirements. 
 
7.1.3 AE/SAE Reporting 
 
Development of any serious adverse event or any new onset adverse event of Grade ≥ 2 using the 
DAIDS adverse event reporting system 
(https://rsc.niaid.nih.gov/sites/default/files/daidsgradingcorrectedv21.pdf) and judged to be possibly or 
definitely due to study drug will lead to immediate cessation of study drug and the participant will be withdrawn 
from the study without rechallenge.  
In particular, CNS symptoms (mood, sleep disturbances), gastrointestinal symptoms, and safety 
laboratories (liver function tests, complete blood cell counts) will be assessed at the Screening Visit and the 
Intensive PK Study Visit. A withdrawn study participant will be replaced. For participants who are discontinued 
from the study due to adverse events, they will be followed (with repeat laboratory testing every 2 weeks as 
needed) until resolution of the event.  


 
 
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Clinical management decisions and decisions to discontinue participants from the trial will be made by 
the Principal Investigator(s). All serious adverse events (SAEs) will be documented on CRFs with unexpected 
SAEs forwarded to the IU IRB within 10 working days of the event; all other non-serious adverse events will be 
documented on the annual continuing review. All SAE, regardless of causality/relatedness, will be reported to 
ViiV Healthcare within 24 hours of the study team becoming aware of the event.  
 
7.2 
Pregnancy 
 
Women who become pregnant while on study will be discontinued from further participation. To ensure 
participant safety, each pregnancy must be reported immediately to the study team upon learning of its 
occurrence.  The pregnancy must be followed up to determine outcome (including premature termination) and 
status of mother and child, which must also be reported to the study team. Pregnancy complications and elective 
terminations for medical reasons must be reported as an adverse event or serious adverse event. Spontaneous 
abortions must be reported as a serious adverse event. These events will be reported to the Antiretroviral 
Pregnancy Registry and to ViiV within 24 hours of becoming aware using the APR reporting form 
(www.apregistry.com). 
 
7.3  
Allergy/Rash 
 
Participants may continue for Grade 1 allergic reactions or rash (skin reaction) at the discretion of the 
study team. The subject should be advised to contact the study team immediately if there is any worsening of 
symptoms or if further systemic signs or symptoms develop. Antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, or 
antipruritic agents may be prescribed.  
 
7.4 Liver stopping criteria 
Liver chemistry stopping and increased monitoring criteria have been designed to assure subject safety and 
evaluate liver event etiology during administration of study drug and the follow-up period (in alignment with 
the FDA premarketing clinical liver safety guidance). 
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/UCM174090.pdf 
For any participant meeting one of the criteria outlined below, or if the Principal Investigator believes that it is 
in the best interest of the patients, the Principal Investigator must follow the required actions and follow up 
assessments also outlined in these tables. Any events meeting liver stopping criteria should also be reported to 
ViiV Healthcare on a Liver Stopping Criteria specific CRF. 
 
Dolutegravir must be discontinued if: 
• 
ALT ≥ 3xULN.  
• 
 If ALT ≥ 3xULN AND bilirubin > 2xULN (>35% direct bilirubin), i.e. Hy’s case, report event as SAE. 
 
Required Actions and Follow up Assessments following ANY Liver Stopping Event 
Actions 
Follow Up Assessments 
• Immediately discontinue DTG  
• Viral hepatitis serology, including: 


 
 
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• Subject should not be rechallenged due to the 
risk of a recurrent reaction.   
• Report the event to the [the IU IRB and ViiV 
Healthcare] within 24 hours of awareness. 
• Events of possible drug-induced liver injury with 
hyperbilirubinemia2 will be reported to the [the IU 
IRB and ViiV Healthcare]  as serious adverse 
events using the serious adverse event case report 
form. 
• Complete the liver event case report form for all 
events meeting liver stopping criteria, and submit 
to the [the IU IRB and ViiV Healthcare] within 
one week of first becoming aware of the event 
• Perform liver event follow up assessments.  
• Monitor the subject until liver chemistries resolve, 
stabilise, or return to within baseline  
• Subject may continue in the study for any protocol 
specified follow up assessments. 
 
 
MONITORING: 
• Make every reasonable attempt to have subjects 
return to clinic within 24 hours for repeat liver 
chemistries (include ALT, aspartate 
aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin) 
and perform liver event follow up assessments at 
the central laboratory as described to the right.  
• A specialist or hepatology consultation is 
recommended. 
• Monitor subjects twice weekly until liver 
chemistries resolve, stabilise or return to within 
baseline. 
• 
Hepatitis A immunoglobulin M (IgM) 
antibody; 
• 
HBsAg and hepatitis B core antibody; 
• 
Hepatitis C RNA; 
• 
Hepatitis E IgM antibody. 
• Cytomegalovirus IgM antibody. 
• Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen IgM antibody 
(or if unavailable, obtain heterophile antibody or 
monospot testing). 
• Syphilis screening. 
• Drugs of abuse screen, including alcohol. 
Record alcohol use on the liver event case report 
form 
• Serum acetaminophen adduct High Performance 
Liquid Chromatography assay (quantifies 
potential acetaminophen contribution to liver 
injury in subjects with definite or likely 
acetaminophen use in the preceding week [FDA, 
2009]).  The site must contact the medical 
monitor when this test is required.  
• Serum creatinine kinase and lactate 
dehydrogenase. 
• Fractionate bilirubin, if total bilirubin 
≥1.5xULN. 
• Obtain complete blood count with differential to 
assess eosinophilia. 
• Anti-nuclear antibody, anti-smooth muscle 
antibody, Type 1 anti-liver kidney microsomal 
antibodies, and quantitative total 
immunoglobulin G (or gamma globulins). 
• Liver imaging (ultrasound, magnetic resonance, 
or computerised tomography) and /or liver 
biopsy to evaluate liver disease. Complete Liver 
Imaging and/or Liver Biopsy case report form. 
• Record the appearance or worsening of clinical 
symptoms of liver injury, or hypersensitivity, 
fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, 
abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, or rash as 
relevant on the AE report form 


 
 
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• Record use of concomitant medications on the 
concomitant medications report form including 
acetaminophen, herbal remedies, other over the 
counter medications, and alcohol use. 
Note: 
Serum bilirubin fractionation should be performed if testing is available. If serum bilirubin fractionation 
is not immediately available, discontinue study treatment for that subject if ALT ≥  3xULN and bilirubin 
≥ 2xULN. Additionally, if serum bilirubin fractionation testing is unavailable, record presence of 
detectable urinary bilirubin on dipstick, indicating direct bilirubin elevations and suggesting liver 
injury.  
All events of ALT ≥ 3xULN and bilirubin ≥  2xULN (>35% direct bilirubin) or ALT ≥3xULN and INR 
> 1.5, if INR measured which may indicate severe liver injury must be reported as a serious adverse 
event 
 
7.5 Suicidal risk monitoring 
 
 
Participants with HIV infection may occasionally present with symptoms of depression and/or 
suicidality (suicidal ideation or behavior). In addition, there have been some reports of depression, suicidal 
ideation and behavior (particularly in patients with a pre-existing history of depression or psychiatric illness) in 
some patients being treated with integrase inhibitors, including DTG. Therefore, it is appropriate to monitor 
subjects for suicidality before and during treatment.  
 
Participants should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for suicidal ideation and behavior, 
or any other unusual changes in behavior. It is recommended that the investigator consider mental health 
consultation or referral for subjects who experience signs of suicidal ideation or behavior. 
 
If any participant experiences a possible suicidality-related adverse event (PSRAE) while participating 
in this study that is considered by the Investigator to meet ICH E2A (ICH E2A, 1994) definitions for 
seriousness, the Investigator will collect information using a PSRAE case report form (or agreed alternative) in 
addition to reporting the event on a serious adverse event case report form. A PSRAE may include, but is not 
limited to, an event that involves suicidal ideation, a preparatory act toward imminent suicidal behavior, a 
suicide attempt, or a completed suicide.  The investigator will exercise his or her medical and scientific 
judgment in deciding whether an event is possibly suicide-related. PSRAE forms should be completed and 
reported to the IRB within one week of the investigator diagnosing a possible suicidality-related serious adverse 
event. 
 
8.0 
CRITERIA FOR STUDY DISCONTINUATION 
 
• Requirement for prohibited concomitant medications after Screening 
• Failure by the participant to attend a scheduled study visit 
• Request by the participant to withdraw 
• Request of the primary care provider if s/he thinks the study is no longer in the best interest of the 
participant 
• Clinical reasons believed life threatening by the physician 
• Participant judged by the investigator to be at significant risk of failing to comply with the provisions of the 
protocol as to cause harm to self or seriously interfere with the validity of the study results, including lack of 
adherence to the study agent 


 
 
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• At the discretion of the study investigators 
• If the pregnancy test is positive or if the participant is found to be pregnant on study visit days 
• Development of adverse events of Grade greater or equal to 2 after initiation of study drug and judged to be 
possibly due to study drug 
 
9.0 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND DATA MANAGEMENT 
 
9.1 
General Considerations 
 
Data management and statistical analyses will be the responsibility of Dr. Desta (Division of Clinical 
Pharmacology, Indiana University School of Medicine). Parameter estimates and relevant summary statistics 
will be reported for the PK, primarily using Geometric Mean Ratios and associated 90% CI, and side effects. 
Continuous variables will be summarized by means, medians, minima, maxima, and standard deviations. 
Categorical variables will be summarized by frequencies and percentages. Additional exploratory analyses will 
be performed when appropriate. Normality of variables will be checked and, if violated, nonparametric methods 
will be adopted. Changes from the analysis plan will not require an amendment to the protocol unless it changes 
a significant feature of the study. All PK analyses will be performed using Phoenix WinNonlin. 
 
9.2 
Study Design 
 
The objectives of this study will be achieved by performing a matched, two-group study of 10 
participants in the HD Group and 10 participants in the Healthy Group.  
 
9.3  
Sample Size Justification 
 
 
No formal hypothesis testing will be utilized for this study. An estimation approach will be used to 
evaluate the effect of ESRD requiring hemodialysis on DTG and RPV PK. The target sample size of 10 
evaluable subjects per study group was chosen based on feasibility to address the objectives of the study. This 
sample size is considered sufficient to determine whether the PK in subjects with severe renal impairment 
requiring HD is meaningfully different from subjects with normal renal function. The between-subject 
coefficients of variation of PK parameters from 50 mg tablet administration in DTG studies involving 
participants with normal renal function (11-14) were in the range of 20-35%, 16-30%, and 26-58% for the DTG 
PK parameters AUC0-tau, Cmax, and Ctau respectively. The between-subject coefficients of variation of PK 
parameters from 25 mg tablet administration in RPV studies of participants with normal renal function (14-17) 
were in the range of 26-34%, 28-35%, and 26-41% for the RPV PK parameters AUC0-tau, Cmax, and Ctau, 
respectively.   
If the point estimate of the geometric mean ratios (GMR) of the two study groups is assumed to be 1 for 
each PK parameter, then the tables below show the 90% confidence intervals on a log scale for these GMR for 
sample sizes of 10 and 9 (if there is data loss) in each study group. For each parameter, we provide the actual 
lower bound of the confidence interval for the parameter using the lowest, highest, and pooled concentration 
estimates from the literature.  
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
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Dolutegravir 
 
If N=10 
 
If N=9 
 
AUC0-tau, µg·h/mL 
 
 
 
 
   Lowest 
38.43 
(0.89, 1.11) 
38.16 
(0.88, 1.12) 
   Highest 
43.80 
(0.85, 1.15) 
43.37 
(0.83, 1.16) 
   Pooled 
40.43 
(0.84, 1.16) 
40.02 
(0.84, 1.16) 
Cmax, µg/mL 
 
 
 
 
   Lowest 
2.89 
(0.83, 1.17) 
2.86 
(0.83, 1.17) 
   Highest 
3.63 
(0.86, 1.14) 
3.60 
(0.84, 1.15) 
   Pooled 
3.26 
(0.86, 1.14) 
3.23 
(0.86, 1.14) 
Ctau, µg/mL 
 
 
 
 
   Lowest 
0.64 
(0.68, 1.32) 
0.62 
(0.66, 1.34) 
   Highest 
0.80 
(0.75, 1.25) 
0.79 
(0.74, 1.26) 
   Pooled 
0.74 
(0.76, 1.24) 
0.73 
(0.75, 1.25) 
Values are lower bounds for 90% confidence interval based on historical estimates (11-14), along with 90% 
confidence intervals around the null ratio of 1 (no change). 
 
Rilpivirine 
 
If N=10 
 
If N=9 
 
AUC0-tau, ng˖h/mL 
 
 
 
 
   Lowest 
1719 
(0.81, 1.19) 
1697 
(0.80, 1.20) 
   Highest 
2463 
(0.86, 1.14) 
2441 
(0.85, 1.15) 
   Pooled 
1958 
(0.82, 1.18) 
1935 
(0.81, 1.19) 
Cmax, ng/mL 
 
 
 
 
   Lowest 
103 
(0.74, 1.26) 
101 
(0.72, 1.28) 
   Highest 
168 
(0.85, 1.15) 
166 
(0.84, 1.16) 
   Pooled 
128 
(0.82, 1.18) 
126 
(0.81, 1.19) 
Ctau, ng/mL 
 
 
 
 
   Lowest 
51.6 
(0.74, 1.26) 
50.6 
(0.72, 1.28) 
   Highest 
86.2 
(0.86, 1.14) 
85.4 
(0.85, 1.15) 
   Pooled 
64.3 
(0.80, 1.20) 
63.4 
(0.79, 1.21) 
Values are lower bounds for 90% confidence interval based on historical estimates (14-17), along with 90% 
confidence intervals around the null ratio of 1 (no change). 
 
Based on the pooled half-width estimate of 24% for the 90% CI for DTG, even if the Ctau GMR was as 
low as 0.50 based on the study by Weller in patients with reduced renal function (6), then the lower bound of 
0.26 (0.50-0.24) would still be above the 0.25 requirement to maintain virologic efficacy as determined by Song 
et al. [Pharmacokinetics (PK) and PK-Pharmacodynamic (PD) Relationship of Dolutegravir (DTG) in Integrase 
Inhibitor (INI)-Naive Subjects. Song et al. 53rd ICAAC, Denver, CO, 2013]. 
 
9.4 
Criteria for Stopping the Study 
 
No early stopping rules will be implemented. 
 
 
 


 
 
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9.5 
Patient Characteristics and Significant Protocol Violations 
 
Demographics and other baseline data will be summarized descriptively for all enrolled participants. 
Comparisons between the two groups will be performed using Pearson’s chi-square tests and Student’s t-tests. 
Significant protocol violations will be documented. 
 
9.6 
Analysis Plan for the Primary Objective 
 
To address the primary objective of the study, we will focus on trough concentration (24 h after the 
observed inpatient dosing of FDC DTG and RPV, or Ctau) for each study drug as this parameter is most closely 
predictive of clinical efficacy (e.g. virologic suppression). Ctau concentrations will be calculated as the value 
occurring at the terminal sample point. A sampling window of 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after the 24-
hour observed post-dose will be used to estimate Ctau. Concentrations obtained during that time period will be 
expected to be acceptable deviations (within 2%) from nominal time for Ctau. Other pharmacokinetics, 
including Cmax, AUC0-tau, CL/F, steady state average concentration calculated as AUC0-tau/duration of the 
dosing interval (24 hour), and fractions unbound will be obtained for secondary PK analyses. PK parameters 
will be either observed (Cmax, Ctau) or derived from non-compartmental analysis using Phoenix WinNonlin 
8.1 (AUC0-tau and CL/F PK parameters will be log-transformed). 95% percent confidence intervals and other 
summary statistics will be calculated and reported on both the log and original scales. PK parameters will be 
compared for both total and free/unbound concentrations between the two study groups using t-tests and 
ANCOVAs as appropriate. GMRs with 90% confidence intervals will be calculated for the comparison of 
interest (HD Group: Healthy Group).  
 
9.7 
Analysis Plan for Secondary Objective 
 
Safety assessments will be performed using the safety dataset.  
 
9.8 
Interim Analysis 
 
No interim analysis will be performed. 
 
9.9 
Subgroup Analysis 
 
No subgroup analyses are planned. 
 
9.10 
Data Management 
 
A comprehensive web-based data management system will be developed for this study using REDCap 
which will allow controlled entry through the internet. REDCap provides a secure, web-based environment that 
provides an intuitive data entry interface and has real-time validation rules (with automated data type and range 
checks). The system offers easy data manipulation with logged auditing, functionality for reporting, monitoring 
and querying subject records. An experienced Database Administrator provides database creation, daily backup, 
and installation of security patches. 
 
A unique identifier will be assigned to each study participant and their associated study specimens. 
Patient identifiers will be located only within the participant’s study file in a separate, locked cabinet within the 
Division of Clinical Pharmacology. Hardcopies of laboratory source records will also be stored in a locked file 


 
 
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cabinet. Initial screening, consenting of potential subjects, and data abstraction and recording will be completed 
by the primary investigators or by the research study coordinators from the ICRC. 
 
 
10.0 
HUMAN PARTICIPANTS RESEARCH AND PROTECTION 
 
10.1 
General Considerations/Investigator Training 
 
The Human Participants Research outlined in this proposal does not meet the definition of a clinical 
trial. This is an observational study comparing the PK and safety of two study groups over a short period of 
time. Therefore, a formal Data and Safety Monitoring Board is not required, although appropriate monitoring 
through the Data and Safety Monitoring Plan with independent monitor as described below will be fully 
implemented. This trial will be posted on ClinicalTrials.gov and updated regularly as needed for protocol 
updates and results. All Indiana University personnel involved with this application have successfully 
completed the training and examination involved with the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative Course.  
 
10.2 
Risks to the Participants 
 
10.2.1  Human Participants Involvement and Characteristics 
 
• A total of 20 HIV-negative participants will be recruited to participate in this study. 
o All participants must be between 18-65 years inclusive, do not have HIV infection, and have 
a screening PHQ-9 score <10. 
o There will be 10 enrolled participants in the Hemodialysis Group (HD Group) and 10 in the 
Healthy Group without renal insufficiency. Participants who do not complete the Intensive 
PK Study Visit will be replaced. 
o The chief exclusion criteria include known cirrhosis, gastrointestinal disease that would 
impair absorption of the study drug, and use of prohibited medications.  
o Potential participants will be recruited from the dialysis clinics affiliated with the IU Division 
of Nephrology or after self-referring in response to recruitment advertisements. All study 
procedures will occur in the Indiana Clinical Research Center at Indiana University Health 
University Hospital. 
 
10.2.2 Sources of Materials 
 
• All data for this study will be obtained only after written, informed consent is provided by each 
participant. Existing medical records will be reviewed for demographics, medical diagnoses, 
medications, and dialysis parameters. Blood samples will be obtained for testing for HIV infection, 
chemistries, liver function tests, cell counts, pregnancy testing, and PK parameters. Serum, plasma, 
and DNA will be obtained for future studies of interest. Questionnaires to assess depression, 
medication adherence, and tobacco/alcohol/illicit drug use will be implemented. An 
electrocardiogram will be obtained to assess for QT prolongation prior to study drug administration. 
• Results from pertinent medical records and procedures performed for these studies, as outlined 
above, will be recorded on the human participants involved in the projects in this application. 
• Data will be stored in a password-protected computerized database via REDCap that will include 
only the participants’ study identification number (names and other identifiable information will not 
be included). Therefore, the SID# will be the only link to the participant. Only the principal 


 
 
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investigators, co-investigators, and research personnel who will directly obtain the necessary data 
will have access to the participant identities. All data obtained for this study will be obtained only 
after written, informed consent is provided by each participant.  
• Records will be reviewed manually. Blood specimens will be obtained via peripheral venipuncture. 
Questionnaires will be completed in private settings. These data will be collected solely for the 
purpose of the proposed research projects. 
 
10.2.3 Potential Risks 
 
• Risks associated with the study drug, FDC DTG+RPV (JULUCA). These primarily consist of 
psychiatric disorders (worsening depressive symptoms, headache, and insomnia), gastrointestinal and 
liver events (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hepatotoxicity, jaundice, abdominal pain, fever), and skin 
reactions (primarily rash). 
• Other risks: 
o Loss of participant confidentiality.  
o Blood drawing/needle sticks associated risks, which include pain, bruising, infection, and 
phlebitis.  
o The amount of blood to be drawn at Screening is 30 mL (two tablespoons). The amount of blood 
to be drawn during the Intensive PK Study Visit is approximately 120 mL (six tablespoons), 
respectively. The total amount of blood to be obtained over the study period would then be 
approximately 150 mL (8 tablespoons), which is well within the accepted standards for blood 
donation.  
o Participants may also feel unease in completing the questionnaires. 
• The principal alternative to these procedures would be not to participate in the research.  
 
10.3   Adequacy of Protection Against Risks 
 
10.3.1 Recruitment and Informed Consent  
 
• Recruitment will only begin once the Indiana University Institutional Review Board has approved this 
study. All HD participants will be recruited from the dialysis clinics associated with the IU Division of 
Nephrology or in response to recruitment advertisements. Healthy Group participants will be recruited 
from the community through general advertising on CTSI All In for Health website along with the CTSI 
All IN for Health voluntary registry IU IRB Protocol Number 1105005444. If the primary dialysis 
provider for the patient believes he or she is eligible for the study and allows the patient to be 
approached for screening, one of the study investigators or a study coordinator will approach each 
potential participant during his or her regularly scheduled clinic visit or dialysis session. If eligibility is 
confirmed, then the purpose, procedures, and risks and benefits of the study will be discussed with the 
participant. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions and to have all concerns 
addressed. If the participant wishes to pursue screening, then written informed consent will be obtained 
(and a copy given to the participant) prior to screening as screening requires fasting; if this is not 
possible, a waiver from IRB to allow fasting prior to provision of written, informed consent will be 
requested. All consent forms will be stored in a locked file cabinet.  
 
 
 


 
 
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10.3.2 Protection Against Risk  
 
10.3.2.1 Confidentiality. To minimize the risk to participant confidentiality, patient identifiers will be removed 
once his or her data is abstracted and recorded, and only the random study identification number (generated 
when consent is provided) will be used. All hardcopy study data will be kept in a secured and locked file 
cabinet. All electronic data will be kept in a password-protected computer database. The only link between 
patient identifiers and the randomized study identification number will be kept in separate files. Identifiers will 
never be used in the analysis or presentation of study results.  
 
 
 
10.3.2.2 Blood draws. The risks of blood drawing will be minimized by having only experienced medical 
personnel perform this procedure. The amount of blood that will be drawn falls well within safety standards for 
blood donation.  
10.3.2.3 Questionnaires. Participants may feel uneasy or discomfort in completing the depression, treatment 
adherence, and physical activity questionnaires. To minimize this risk, questionnaires will be completed in 
private settings with any questions regarding completion of the questionnaires addressed by trained study team 
personnel. 
 
10.3.2.4 Study drug toxicity. We do not anticipate serious adverse events to occur with JULUCA due to its 
known safety profile in HIV-positive patients. To minimize these risks further, we will exclude those 
participants who may be at higher risk of such toxicities, including those with a PHQ-9 score ≥ 10, those with 
abnormal liver function tests or known cirrhosis, those with abnormal blood cell counts, and those with a QTc 
>500 msec on standard 12-lead ECG. We will also exclude those who are pregnant/breastfeeding. In addition, 
we will closely monitor for any intolerances/side effects during the 14 day period when study drug is to be 
taken. We will call or visit with the participant on Days 3 and 9 after Drug Dispensation to determine if any new 
symptoms or side effects may have developed due to study drug. We will also assess for drug toxicities at the 
beginning of the Intensive PK Study Visit. We will then assess for later developing toxicities at a final phone 
call or in-person visit ~14 days after the Intensive PK Study Visit. Appendix 2 lists key risks and risk mitigation 
strategies for use of dolutegravir. 
 
10.3.2.5 Adverse event financial management, grading, and reporting. In the event of an adverse event, 
necessary medical and professional intervention will be provided immediately and billed to the participant’s 
medical insurance (if available). If the participant does not have insurance, care will be provided via the 
indigent care program at Eskenazi Health Hospital. Standard procedures for reporting deviations from protocols 
will be followed; serious adverse events that meet the Indiana University IRB prompt reporting requirements 
will be reported within 30 business days.  All adverse events will be graded using The Division of AIDS Table 
for Grading Adult Adverse Experiences is located at: http://roc.s-3.com/members/download/adulttox.pdf. 
 
10.3.2.6 Data and Safety Monitoring. Dr. Michael Eadon of the Division of Nephrology at Indiana University 
will serve as the independent chair and monitor for this trial. He will receive reports approximately every six-
eight months regarding the progress and participant safety during the trial. 
 
10.4  Potential Benefits of the Proposed Research to the Participants and Others 
 
• Direct benefits to the participants are not expected. However, they may benefit from knowing that their 
participation will accrue knowledge that could benefit those with ESRD requiring HD.  


 
 
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• The proposed research may lead to the proper dosing and utilization of JULUCA in patients with ESRD 
requiring HD. These would include HIV-positive patients who require options for treatment who are 
intolerant to other HIV medications and HIV-negative patients for whom JULUCA or its component drugs 
may be used as part of pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis to HIV infection. These results then 
would benefit society directly by impacting clinical practice.  
 
 
10.5   Importance of the Knowledge to be Gained 
 
• The knowledge that will be gained from this study will determine how to dose properly DTG and RPV (the 
components of JULUCA) in patients requiring HD for ESRD. Currently used dosing is based on single-dose 
PK studies and thus may not reflect true steady-state PK and proper dosing in this population. Improper 
dosing may lead to reduced efficacy and worse toxicities. As such, this study would potentially impact the 
clinical care of HIV-positive patients who require options for treatment and to HIV-negative patients 
needing alternative therapies for pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis to HIV infection. Given that 
‘treatment is prevention’, proper use of these drugs could benefit society by reducing transmission of HIV. 
Therefore, the importance of the knowledge gained outweighs the risks to the participants.  
 
10.6   Data and Safety Monitoring Plan 
 
 
Progress of these studies, including data monitoring, participant enrollment, protocol deviations, and all 
SAE, will be reviewed by a panel including the PIs (Drs. Gupta and Desta) and a nephrologist at Indiana 
University not directly connected with this study (Dr. Michael Eadon of the Division of Nephrology, Indiana 
University School of Medicine). Reports, which will include descriptions of all adverse events, will be prepared 
for review by this panel approximately every 6-8 months. Any study participant prematurely discontinued due 
to an adverse event will be reviewed immediately. Standard procedures for reporting deviations from protocols 
to the Indiana University ICRC, IRB, and the sponsor will be implemented. Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) 
will also be reported to the IRB within 30 working days and subsequently forwarded to the sponsor as required. 
All SAE will be reported to ViiV within 24 hours of the study team becoming aware of the event. 
 
10.7 
Inclusion of Women and Minorities 
 
There are no exclusion criteria based on sex, gender identity, racial category, or ethnicity.  
 
10.8 
Inclusion of Children 
 
 
As the objectives of this study are to address the PK of FDC DTG+RPV in adults with ERSD requiring 
HD, only participants ≥ 18 years will be eligible for enrollment. Changes in drug disposition may occur due to 
physiologic changes occurring during childhood and adolescents, and so those < 18 years will be excluded. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
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11.0  REFERENCES 
 
1. 
Jotwani V, Li Y, Grunfeld C, Choi AI, Shlipak MG. Risk factors for ESRD in HIV-infected individuals: 
traditional and HIV-related factors. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2012;59(5):628-35. doi: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2011.10.050. PubMed PMID: 22206742; PMCID: NIHMS346777 [Available 
on 05/01/13] 
PMC3324595 [Available on 05/01/13]. 
2. 
Bickel M, Marben W, Betz C, Khaykin P, Stephan C, Gute P, Haberl A, Knecht G, Wolf T, Brodt HR, 
Geiger H, Herrmann E, Jung O. End-stage renal disease and dialysis in HIV-positive patients: observations 
from a long-term cohort study with a follow-up of 22 years. HIV Med. 2013;14(3):127-35. Epub 2012/09/22. 
doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2012.01045.x. PubMed PMID: 22994610. 
3. 
Ryom L, Kirk O, Lundgren JD, Reiss P, Pedersen C, De Wit S, Buzunova S, Gasiorowski J, Gatell JM, 
Mocroft A. Advanced chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease and renal death among HIV-positive 
individuals in Europe. HIV Med. 2013;14(8):503-8. Epub 2013/04/18. doi: 10.1111/hiv.12038. PubMed PMID: 
23590641. 
4. 
Ryom L, Mocroft A, Kirk O, Ross M, Reiss P, Fux CA, Morlat P, Moranne O, Smith C, El-Sadr W, 
Law M, Lundgren JD. Predictors of advanced chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in HIV-
positive persons. AIDS. 2014;28(2):187-99. Epub 2013/12/24. doi: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000042. PubMed 
PMID: 24361680. 
5. 
Llibre JM, Hung CC, Brinson C, Castelli F, Girard PM, Kahl LP, Blair EA, Angelis K, Wynne B, 
Vandermeulen K, Underwood M, Smith K, Gartland M, Aboud M. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of 
dolutegravir-rilpivirine for the maintenance of virological suppression in adults with HIV-1: phase 3, 
randomised, non-inferiority SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 studies. Lancet (London, England). 
2018;391(10123):839-49. Epub 2018/01/10. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(17)33095-7. PubMed PMID: 29310899. 
6. 
Weller S, Borland J, Chen S, Johnson M, Savina P, Wynne B, Wajima T, Peppercorn AF, Piscitelli SC. 
Pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir in HIV-seronegative subjects with severe renal impairment. Eur J Clin 
Pharmacol. 2014;70(1):29-35. Epub 2013/10/08. doi: 10.1007/s00228-013-1590-9. PubMed PMID: 24096683; 
PMCID: PMC3889630. 
7. 
Bollen PDJ, Rijnders BJA, Teulen MJA, Burger DM. Dolutegravir is not removed during hemodialysis. 
AIDS. 2016;30(9):1490-1. 
8. 
Moltó J, Graterol F, Miranda C, Khoo S, Bancu I, Amara A, Bonjoch A, Clotet B. Removal of 
Dolutegravir by Hemodialysis in HIV-Infected Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease. Antimicrobial Agents 
and Chemotherapy. 2016;60(4):2564-6. doi: 10.1128/aac.03131-15. 
9. 
Gupta SK, Rosenkranz SL, Cramer YS, Koletar SL, Szczech LA, Amorosa V, Hall SD. The 
pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics of efavirenz and lopinavir/ritonavir in HIV-infected persons requiring 
hemodialysis. AIDS. 2008;22(15):1919-27. Epub 2008/09/12. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e32830e011f. PubMed 
PMID: 18784455; PMCID: PMC2675161. 
10. 
Custodio JM, Chuck SK, Chu H, Cao H, Ma G, Flaherty J, Ling J, Kearney BP. Lack of clinically 
important PK interaction between coformulated ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and rilpivirine/emtricitabine/tenofovir 
alafenamide. Pharmacol. 2017;5(5):10. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/prp2.353. PubMed PMID: 28971607. 
11. 
Min S, Sloan L, DeJesus E, Hawkins T, McCurdy L, Song I, Stroder R, Chen S, Underwood M, 
Fujiwara T, Piscitelli S, Lalezari J. Antiviral activity, safety, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of 
dolutegravir as 10-day monotherapy in HIV-1-infected adults. AIDS. 2011;25(14):1737-45. Epub 2011/07/01. 
doi: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e32834a1dd9. PubMed PMID: 21716073. 
12. 
Elliot ER, Wang X, Singh S, Simmons B, Vera JH, Miller RF, Fitzpatrick C, Moyle G, McClure M, 
Boffito M. Increased Dolutegravir Peak Concentrations in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus 


 
 
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Aged 60 and Over, and Analysis of Sleep Quality and Cognition. Clin Infect Dis. 2019;68(1):87-95. Epub 
2018/05/18. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciy426. PubMed PMID: 29771285. 
13. 
Walmsley SL, Antela A, Clumeck N, Duiculescu D, Eberhard A, Gutiérrez F, Hocqueloux L, Maggiolo 
F, Sandkovsky U, Granier C, Pappa K, Wynne B, Min S, Nichols G. Dolutegravir plus Abacavir–Lamivudine 
for the Treatment of HIV-1 Infection. N Engl J Med. 2013;369(19):1807-18. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1215541. 
PubMed PMID: 24195548. 
14. 
Ford SL, Gould E, Chen S, Margolis D, Spreen W, Crauwels H, Piscitelli S. Lack of pharmacokinetic 
interaction between rilpivirine and integrase inhibitors dolutegravir and GSK1265744. Antimicrob Agents 
Chemother. 2013;57(11):5472-7. Epub 2013/08/28. doi: 10.1128/aac.01235-13. PubMed PMID: 23979733; 
PMCID: PMC3811315. 
15. 
Dickinson L, Yapa HM, Jackson A, Moyle G, Else L, Amara A, Khoo S, Back D, Karolia Z, Higgs C, 
Boffito M. Plasma Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, and Rilpivirine and Intracellular Tenofovir Diphosphate and 
Emtricitabine Triphosphate Pharmacokinetics following Drug Intake Cessation. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 
2015;59(10):6080-6. Epub 2015/07/22. doi: 10.1128/aac.01441-15. PubMed PMID: 26195515; PMCID: 
PMC4576083. 
16. 
Custodio JM, Chuck SK, Chu H, Cao H, Ma G, Flaherty J, Ling J, Kearney BP. Lack of clinically 
important PK interaction between coformulated ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and rilpivirine/emtricitabine/tenofovir 
alafenamide. Pharmacology research & perspectives. 2017;5(5). Epub 2017/10/04. doi: 10.1002/prp2.353. 
PubMed PMID: 28971607; PMCID: PMC5625157. 
17. 
Foca M, Yogev R, Wiznia A, Hazra R, Jean-Philippe P, Graham B, Britto P, Carey VJ, King J, Acosta 
EP, Cressey TR. Rilpivirine Pharmacokinetics Without and With Darunavir/Ritonavir Once Daily in 
Adolescents and Young Adults. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2016;35(9):e271-4. Epub 2016/05/18. doi: 
10.1097/inf.0000000000001214. PubMed PMID: 27187753; PMCID: PMC5245132. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
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Appendix 1: Highly Effective Methods for Avoiding Pregnancy in Females of Reproductive Potential 
 
The following is the all-inclusive list of the highly effective methods for avoiding pregnancy (i.e., have a failure 
rate of less than 1% per year when used consistently and correctly and, when applicable, in accordance with the 
product label).  
 
The list does not apply to Females of Reproductive Potential (FRP) with same sex partners or for subjects who 
are and will continue to be abstinent from penile-vaginal intercourse on a long term and persistent basis, when 
this is their preferred and usual lifestyle. Periodic abstinence (e.g. calendar, ovulation, symptothermal, post-
ovulation methods) and withdrawal are not acceptable methods of contraception. 
 
1. Contraceptive subdermal implant 
2. Intrauterine device or intrauterine system 
3. Combined estrogen and progestogen oral contraceptive [Hatcher, 2011]) 
4. Injectable progestogen [Hatcher, 2011] 
5. Contraceptive vaginal ring [Hatcher, 2011] 
6. Percutaneous contraceptive patches [Hatcher, 2011 
7. Male partner sterilisation with documentation of azoospermia prior to the female subject's entry into the 
study, and this male is the sole partner for that subject [Hatcher, 2011]. The documentation on male sterility can 
come from the site personnel’s: review of subject’s medical records, medical examination and/or semen 
analysis, or medical history interview provided by her or her partner. 
 
These allowed methods of contraception are only effective when used consistently, correctly and in accordance 
with the product label. The investigator is responsible for ensuring that subjects understand how to properly use 
these methods of contraception. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
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Appendix 2:  Dolutegravir Risk Assessment   
 
Dolutegravir (TIVICAY) 
 
Potential Risk of 
Clinical Significance 
Data/Rationale for Risk 
Mitigation Strategy 
 
Investigational Product: dolutegravir 
Refer to Investigator Brochure and/or approved Local Prescribing Information for additional information 
Hypersensitivity 
and rash 
 
Hypersensitivity reactions has been 
observed uncommonly with DTG. Rash, 
generally mild to moderate in intensity, was 
commonly reported in DTG Phase IIb/III 
clinical trials. No episodes of severe rash, 
such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic 
epidermal necrolysis and erythema 
multiforme, were reported in these clinical 
trials.  
 
 
Subjects with history or presence of 
allergy/sensitivity to any of the study 
drugs or their components are 
excluded  
Specific toxicity management 
guidance is provided for 
hypersensitivity reactions and rash  
The subject informed consent form 
includes information on this risk and 
the actions subjects should take in the 
event of a hypersensitivity reaction or 
associated signs and symptoms. 
Drug induced liver 
injury and other 
clinically 
significant liver 
chemistry 
elevations 
Non-clinical data suggested a possible, albeit 
low, risk for hepatobiliary toxicity with DTG. 
Drug-related hepatitis is considered an 
uncommon risk for antiretroviral therapy 
containing DTG regardless of dose or 
treatment population.  
 
 
 
 
Subjects meeting any of the following 
criteria during the screening period 
are excluded from participating  
• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 
above the upper limit of normal 
(ULN) or total bilirubin ≥1.5xULN  
Positive for HBV (hepatitis B virus 
surface antigen positive [+HBsAg]) or 
positive HCV (positive hepatitis C 
antibody test) within 3 months of the 
Day 1 study visit  
Specific/detailed liver stopping criteria 
and toxicity management guidance 
are provided for suspected drug 
induced liver injury or other clinically 
significant liver chemistry elevations  
Neural Tube 
Defects 
In the ongoing observational study 
conducted in Botswana, preliminary results 
show that in babies born to women who 
were taking DTG when they became 
pregnant there was an increased risk of 
Pregnancy testing should be 
performed before initiation 
of DTG therapy in all women of child 
bearing potential (negative pregnancy 
test at screening and randomization).  
 


 
 
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Potential Risk of 
Clinical Significance 
Data/Rationale for Risk 
Mitigation Strategy 
 
Investigational Product: dolutegravir 
Refer to Investigator Brochure and/or approved Local Prescribing Information for additional information 
neural tube defects compared with the 
background rate.  
Dolutegravir was tested in a complete 
package of reproductive toxicology studies, 
including embryofetal development studies. 
No adverse development outcomes, 
including neural tube defects, were 
identified from reproductive toxicology 
studies. In reproductive toxicity studies in 
animals, DTG was shown to cross the 
placenta. 
Data available from other sources including 
the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR), 
other cohorts and clinical trials are 
insufficient to confirm or refute this 
potential risk.   
Women who are pregnant or who 
plan to become pregnant, are 
excluded.  
 
All women of reproductive potential 
should use effective contraception 
(Appendix 1). 
 
The subject informed consent form 
provides information about this 
potential risk. 
 
 
 
 
 

ICF_004.pdf: 
 
PK of DTG-RPV in HD – v12.19.2022                                                        
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INDIANA UNIVERSITY INFORMED CONSENT STATEMENT FOR RESEARCH 
 
The Steady-State Pharmacokinetics of Dolutegravir/Rilpivirine Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) in 
Patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Requiring Hemodialysis 
Version 1.0 
Supported by an unrestricted, investigator-initiated research grant  
from ViiV Healthcare 
 
ABOUT THIS RESEARCH  
You are being asked to participate in a research study.  Scientists do research to answer important 
questions which might help change or improve the way we do things in the future.  
 
This consent form will give you information about the study to help you decide whether you want to 
participate.  Please read this form, and ask any questions you have, before agreeing to be in the study. 
 
TAKING PART IN THIS STUDY IS VOLUNTARY 
You may choose not to take part in the study or may choose to leave the study at any time.  Deciding 
not to participate, or deciding to leave the study later, will not result in any penalty or loss of benefits 
to which you are entitled, and will not affect your relationship with your doctors or dialysis centers 
associated with IU Medical Center. 
 
WHY IS THIS STUDY BEING DONE? 
The purpose of this study is to determine if severely low kidney function requiring dialysis affects the 
blood levels of the two component medicines in the HIV combination pill called JULUCA. This 
combination tablet is approved for use already by the FDA for treating HIV, but it is not approved for 
use in people with HIV needing dialysis. However, the FDA has approved the use of JULUCA in the 
patients in this study so we can determine how best to use it in patients needing dialysis, either for 
treating HIV or for preventing getting HIV if exposed to it from someone else.   
 
You were selected as a possible participant because you are between 18-65 years old, do not have HIV 
infection, and either need to be on dialysis or have normal kidney function. Women who are pregnant 
or are breastfeeding are not allowed into this study. If you are needing dialysis, your dialysis doctor 
referred you to us or you responded to an advertisement. If you have normal kidney function, we 
expect you asked to be part of this study from hearing about the study from advertisements or from 
the patients on dialysis.  
 
The study is being conducted by Dr. Samir Gupta, Dr. Zeruesenay Desta, and Dr. Allon Friedman, who 
are all members of the Department of Medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine. The 
study is funded by the ViiV Healthcare, which is the company that makes JULUCA. 
 
 


 
PK of DTG-RPV in HD – v12.19.2022                                                        
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HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL TAKE PART? 
If you agree to participate, you will be one of 20 people in Indianapolis, 10 who are on dialysis and 10 
who do not have reduced kidney function. 
 
WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THE STUDY? 
If you agree to be in the study, you will do the following things at the following study visits: 
 
Visit 1 
At this visit, we will find out if you qualify for the study. You will be asked about your health and any 
illnesses you may have had in the past. You will be asked about medicines you are taking or have taken 
(including over-the-counter medicine, vitamins or herbal treatments). If you require certain 
medications, vitamins, or supplements, you may not be able to participate in this study or may need to 
space these apart from JULUCA. The study team will review how to take your medications with JULUCA 
to make sure you are comfortable with taking part in this study. 
 
The study team will also collect information about you from your medical records and use it for this 
study. We will measure your height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature and do a 
brief examination to make sure it is safe for you to participate. We will do a survey to assess your 
mood, as having depression prevents you from taking part in the study. We will then get blood 
specimens (about two tablespoons) from a vein in your arm (different from the one where your dialysis 
access is if you are on dialysis) to check to see if you are pregnant (if you are able to get pregnant), if 
you have HIV infection, if you have hepatitis B or C infections, if there are illegal drugs in your system, 
and to check your cell counts, kidney function, blood chemistries, and liver function. We will also do an 
electrocardiogram (ECG), which is to check your heart electrical rhythms, to make sure there is no 
contraindication to receiving JULUCA. Visit 1 will take one hour. This visit will take place at the Indiana 
Clinical Research Center at University Hospital.  
 
It is possible that we will find that you are not suitable for this study based on the results of these 
screening tests. If this happens, your participation in this study will be complete. 
 
Visit 2 
Once we have all your test results from Visit 1 and determine you can safely continue in the study, we 
will ask you to return to review again your medication list and see how you are feeling. If you are 
capable of being pregnant, we will check for this once again.  
 
If it still considered safe for you to participate, we will then provide you a supply of JULUCA and explain 
how to take these pills properly. You should take one pill per day, at about the same time each day, 
with a meal. JULUCA can be taken before or after a dialysis session, but JULUCA must NOT be taken 
during a dialysis session. We will also give you a diary to record when you take the JULUCA pills during 
the study. If you change your other prescribed medications, supplements, herbal remedies, vitamins or 


 
PK of DTG-RPV in HD – v12.19.2022                                                        
          Page 3 of 9 
any over-the-counter treatments during the course of the study, it is important that you notify the 
study team as soon as possible. It is important that no one else uses these JULUCA tablets.  
 
Visit 2 should take 30 minutes. This visit will take place at the Indiana Clinical Research Center at 
University Hospital. 
 
Phone Visits 
Between Visit 2 and Visit 3, we will call you twice to check how you are feeling while taking JULUCA 
and to review the diary with you. We will also review your other medications again to make sure you 
are not receiving any new drugs that could interfere with the study. If there are any concerns about 
your safety or ability to properly take JULUCA during the study, we may stop your participation in this 
study. These phone visits will take no more than 15 minutes each time. 
 
Visit 3 
This is the main study visit where we will check the blood levels of the two medicines in JULUCA. You 
will come to the Indiana Clinical Research Center at University Hospital between 11 and 14 days since 
you started taking JULUCA. You must be fasting for 4 hours prior to arriving at the Research Center. 
Please bring your JULUCA bottle with you with all remaining tablets. We will once again review how 
you are feeling, any changes in your medicines, your JULUCA medication diary, and check your weight, 
heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature and repeat a brief examination. If all seems in order, then 
the study visit will continue. If there is any reason to believe that it is not safe for you to continue, or if 
we find you may not have taken the JULUCA pills properly, we may stop you from taking part in the 
study any longer or reschedule this study visit.  
 
If it safe for you to continue, we will then place an IV (a small tube in an arm vein to draw blood). We 
will then take blood samples to check your blood counts, kidney function, blood chemistries, liver 
function, and the blood level of JULUCA. We will also obtain a DNA sample at this time if you permit us 
to do so. We will then give you a dose of JULUCA. We will then take blood samples 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 
12, 18, and 24 hours after this dose is given to check blood levels of JULUCA. The total amount of blood 
we will obtain at this visit will be about 6 tablespoons (8 tablespoons total for the entire study). After 
the 24 hour blood draw, you can leave the Research Center. You will no longer take JULUCA after Visit 
3 is completed. Visit 3 will last as long as 26 hours. 
 
Follow-up Visit 
About 14 days after Visit 3, we will either call you or visit you during a dialysis session (if you are on 
dialysis) to see if you have developed any side effects since Visit 3 and to review your medication list 
one more time. 
 
 
 


 
PK of DTG-RPV in HD – v12.19.2022                                                        
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WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF TAKING PART IN THE STUDY? 
While participating in the study, the risks, side effects, and/or discomforts include: 
 
 
Risks of taking JULUCA 
The primary risks of JULUCA are listed below. There may also be side effects that we cannot predict. So 
it is important you tell us immediately if anything new feels wrong while on the study, especially if you 
feel tired/faint, feel pain in your stomach and don’t want to eat, you bruise easily or develop itching, 
you develop yellow eyes/skin/urine, become confused, have trouble breathing or develop swelling. If 
these occur, we may have you return to the research clinic for evaluation and additional laboratory 
tests. 
• Mental health disorders (worsening depression, insomnia, headache, thoughts of hurting 
yourself). Mental health disorders were the most common adverse events leading to 
discontinuation of JULUCA in clinical studies. 
• Gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) 
• Liver injury (including liver failure), jaundice 
• Fever 
• Skin reactions/rash and allergic reactions 
o Though very rare, a severe skin allergic reaction with fever, called a hypersensitivity 
reaction, can be life-threatening 
• Harm to a fetus if pregnancy occurs 
• Potential of laboratory abnormalities 
o Particular high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) 
o Pancreatic enzymes (lipase)  
 
Other risks of being in this study include: 
• Loss of privacy 
• Risks of drawing blood (pain, bruising, infection, thickening of the vein) 
• Unease when completing the mood questionnaire  
 
To reduce the chances of these risks from happening: 
• We will do everything we can to protect your privacy. All blood samples and study documents, 
except for this consent statement, will use a code number. All information will be stored in a 
password-protected computer file or secured in a locked cabinet in a keypad protected room.  
• Blood will be drawn by experienced technicians.  
• The mood questionnaire will be completed in a private setting; you can ask any question you 
like about the questionnaire.  
• If you report having increased sadness during the trial or having thoughts of hurting yourself, 
we will make sure you get appropriate care. 
• We cannot fully remove the risks or side effects of JULUCA, but we will: 


 
PK of DTG-RPV in HD – v12.19.2022                                                        
          Page 5 of 9 
o Only allow people who are considered at low risk of developing side effects into the 
study 
o We will frequently be checking to see how you feel and make sure your other medicines 
will not interfere with JULUCA or increase the risks of its side effects. It is important that 
you do not take any other prescription drugs, over the counter medications or dietary or 
herbal supplements without first talking to your doctor(s) or study nurse. There is a risk 
of serious side-effects when certain non-study medications are taken with study drugs. 
o We will ask you to use contraception or avoid sexual activity during the study to prevent 
any potential harms to an unborn child if pregnancy occurs 
 
Are there risks if I get pregnant during the study? 
Because the drugs in this study may affect an unborn baby, you should not take part in this study if you 
are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. There is a small risk that one of the components of 
JULUCA, the dolutegravir component, can cross from the mother’s blood into the placenta and thus 
may cause brain or spine defects to a fetus early in pregnancy, even before you may know you are 
pregnant. So if you are a woman who can get pregnant, you must talk to your study doctor about birth 
control. You will need to use at least one of the following methods of birth control to prevent 
pregnancy to participate in this study. These include: 
 
• Completely abstain from sexual intercourse with men throughout the study, OR 
• Your partner is sterilized and is your only partner, OR 
• Use one of the methods below in the correct way and in the same way every time, as instructed by 
your study doctor: 
 
o Any intrauterine device (IUD) approved by your study doctor because it has a low chance of 
failing to prevent pregnancy; 
o Hormonal methods to prevent pregnancy, like certain birth control pills, injections, patches 
or vaginal rings;  
o Any other method with a low enough chance of failing to prevent pregnancy approved by 
your doctor and the study. 
 
Call the study doctor right away if you get pregnant during this study. You may be asked questions later 
about the pregnancy and the baby’s health. 
 
You should also note that if you become pregnant while receiving JULUCA, we will report this 
information to ViiV Healthcare and to the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry. We may need to follow-up 
with you throughout the pregnancy. 
 
Mothers should not breastfeed a baby while on this study because the dolutegravir component of 
JULUCA can enter into breast milk. 


 
PK of DTG-RPV in HD – v12.19.2022                                                        
          Page 6 of 9 
 
 
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF TAKING PART IN THE STUDY? 
We don’t expect you to receive any benefit from taking part in this study, but we hope to learn things 
which will help scientists in the future help people on dialysis get treatment for HIV or protect them 
from being infected with HIV. 
 
WILL I RECEIVE MY RESULTS? 
We may learn things about you from the study activities which could be important to your health or to 
your treatment.  If this happens, this information will be provided to you. We might learn about your 
HIV status or about problems with your blood counts, blood chemistries, kidney and liver function, or if 
you have depressed mood. We will provide you these results if they are abnormal or worrisome. If you 
wish to see these results even if normal, we will provide you a copy. You may need to meet with 
professionals with expertise to help you learn more about your results.  However, the study 
team/study will not cover the costs of any follow-up consultations or actions. We will not provide you 
the results of the JULUCA blood levels. 
 
HOW WILL MY INFORMATION BE PROTECTED? 
Efforts will be made to keep your personal information confidential.  All of your personal information 
will be recorded on paper records that will be kept secure in a room at our research clinic that can only 
be opened by our study team who have security badges. We cannot guarantee absolute 
confidentiality.  Your personal information may be disclosed if required by law.  No information which 
could identify you will be shared in publications about this study.   
 
Organizations that may inspect and/or copy your research records for quality assurance and data 
analysis include groups such as the study investigator and his/her research associates, the Indiana 
University Institutional Review Board or its designees, ViiV Healthcare, the Indiana Clinical Research 
Center (ICRC), and any state or federal agencies who may need to access your medical and/or research 
records (as allowed by law).  State and federal agencies may include the Food and Drug Administration 
(FDA).  
 
A description of this clinical trial is available on ClinicalTrials.gov (Record # NCT04431518) as required 
by U.S. law.  This website will not include information that can identify you.  At most, the website will 
include a summary of the results.  You can search this website at any time.  
 
WILL MY INFORMATION BE USED FOR RESEARCH IN THE FUTURE? 
Information or specimens collected from you for this study may be used for future research studies or 
shared with other researchers for future research.  If this happens, information which could identify 
you will be removed before any information or specimens are shared.  Since identifying information 
will be removed, we will not ask for your additional consent.   


 
PK of DTG-RPV in HD – v12.19.2022                                                        
          Page 7 of 9 
 
We may use your blood specimens to learn more about how the body uses JULUCA and how JULUCA is 
cleared by the body. We will store all blood specimens using only your study code and keep them in 
the research freezers of Dr. Zeruesenay Desta. The research freezer is kept in a locked room in the R2 
Research Building at Indiana University School of Medicine. Only Dr. Zeruesenay and his study team 
have access to the research freezers in which your blood specimens will be stored. To protect you 
against the risks of loss of confidentiality, all samples including DNA samples will be marked with a 
unique code number.  This information will be stored in an anonymous fashion in two different 
secured computer databases; one containing the sample codes and the other with your information 
(such as age, sex, ethnic group, health conditions, etc.) to maximize confidentiality. Samples from the 
freezers will be withdrawn by Dr. Desta’s lab, which follows a logbook which include time and date of 
withdrawal and amount.  
 
Making Your Choice 
Blood and urine samples will be collected as part of your screening and/or during the study period. 
Please read each sentence below and think about your choice.  After reading each sentence, circle or 
check “Yes” or “No” and add your initials next to the choice.  No matter what you decide it will not 
affect your care.  If you have any questions, please talk to your doctor or nurse or call our research 
review board.  
 
Answering these questions will not in any way influence your eligibility to participate in the study. 
Eligibility criteria will only be evaluated on the exclusion and inclusion criteria outlined below. You 
retain (keep) the right to have any remaining sample material destroyed at any time by contacting the 
investigator.  The investigator is responsible for the destruction of the sample at your request.  
However, any previously collected data from your sample cannot be destroyed. 
 
1. My sample(s) may be kept for a period of up to 20 years or more for use in future research to 
learn more about how to treat health problems.  This research may include testing how my 
DNA controls the way I respond to medicines like JULUCA. 
 
YES   ______ 
NO   ______ 
 
2. My sample(s) may be kept for a period of up to 20 years or more for use in research to learn 
more about the cause and prevention of health problems.  This research may include testing 
how my DNA compares to other volunteers or to patients with a disease like HIV. 
 
YES   ______  
 
NO   ______ 
 
3. Someone can contact me in the future to ask me to take part in more research. 
 


 
PK of DTG-RPV in HD – v12.19.2022                                                        
          Page 8 of 9 
YES   ______  
 
NO   ______ 
WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH MY GENETIC INFORMATION? 
The study data and results are for research purposes only. This research follows the Genetic 
Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), a federal law that generally makes it illegal for health 
insurance companies, group health plans, and most employers to request the genetic information we 
get from this research and to discriminate against you based on your genetic information.   
 
We will not use the specimens collected as a part of this study for whole genome sequencing, which 
involves mapping all of your DNA. But we may use the DNA specimen to look at the genes responsible 
for how JULUCA is cleared by the body. We will not provide these results back to you. 
 
WILL I BE PAID FOR PARTICIPATION?  
You will be compensated for completion of two of the three in-person visits in this study. For Visit 1, 
you will be paid $50 upon completion of all study components for this visit. For Visit 3, you will be paid 
$250 after completion of all study components for this visit. You will not receive compensation for Visit 
2. Payment will be in the form of a pre-paid gift card or by a refillable gift card. 
 
WILL IT COST ME ANYTHING TO PARTICIPATE?  
There is no cost to you for taking part in this study. 
 
WHO WILL PAY FOR MY TREATMENT IF I AM INJURED?  
In the event of physical injury resulting from your participation in this study, necessary medical 
treatment will be provided to you and billed as part of your medical expenses.  Costs not covered by 
your health care insurer will be your responsibility.  Also, it is your responsibility to determine the 
extent of your health care coverage.  There is no program in place for other monetary compensation 
for such injuries.  However, you are not giving up any legal rights or benefits to which you are 
otherwise entitled.   
 
WHAT FINANCIAL INTEREST DOES THE RESEARCHER HAVE?  
The Principal Investigator, Dr. Samir Gupta, provides consulting services for the sponsor of this study. 
The Institutional Review Board (an ethics committee that helps protect people involved in research) 
has reviewed the possibility of financial benefit due to this relationship. The Board believes that the 
possible financial benefit to the study doctor is not likely to affect your safety and/or the scientific 
integrity of the study. If you would like more information, please ask the researchers or study staff.  
 
WHO SHOULD I CALL WITH QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS? 
For questions about the study or a research-related injury, contact the researcher, Dr. Samir Gupta at 
317-274-7926. After business hours, please call the on-call physician for University Hospital at 317-962-
5000. 
 


 
PK of DTG-RPV in HD – v12.19.2022                                                        
          Page 9 of 9 
In the event of an emergency, you may contact Dr. Samir Gupta at 317-274-7926 or through the on-call 
physician for University Hospital at 317-962-5000. 
If you are unable to reach the investigator at the above number(s) in an emergency, you may contact 
the University Hospital pharmacy at 317-944-0362 and ask them to page the IDS pharmacist on call. 
 
For questions about your rights as a research participant, to discuss problems, complaints, or concerns 
about a research study, or to obtain information or to offer input, please contact the IU Human 
Subjects Office at 800-696-2949 or at irb@iu.edu. 
 
CAN I WITHDRAW FROM THE STUDY? 
If you decide to participate in this study, you can change your mind and decide to leave the study at 
any time in the future.  The study team will help you withdraw from the study safely. No risks are 
involved with stopping JULUCA. If you decide to withdraw, please contact the study coordinator or Dr. 
Samir Gupta. They will discuss returning JULUCA safely to the study team. Your future medical care will 
not be affected by your decision to leave the study.  
 
Your participation may be terminated by the investigator without regard to your consent in the 
following circumstances: if the study team determines your safety is jeopardized by continuing to take 
JULUCA or undergoing the study procedures during Visit 1 or Visit 3; and if the study team determines 
you are not taking JULUCA as directed by the study team’s instructions. 
 
 
PARTICIPANT’S CONSENT 
In consideration of all of the above, I give my consent to participate in this research study.  I will be 
given a copy of this informed consent document to keep for my records.  I agree to take part in this 
study. 
 
Participant’s Printed Name: 
 
 
Participant’s Signature: 
Date: 
 
 
Printed Name of Person Obtaining Consent:  
 
 
 
Signature of Person Obtaining Consent: 
Date: