South African Male User Research on Acceptability of Implants and Injections

Long-acting (LA) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers a promising alternative to existing HIV prevention methods. Research to assess end-user acceptability and actual experiences of novel delivery formulations has neglected, however, to include male perspectives, despite these products being appropriate for use by both men and women. This research aims to assess acceptability of and preferences for novel LA PrEP delivery formulation use among key end users: heterosexual men and men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa. Early involvement of men in product development is an important opportunity to measure and address product acceptability and foster male ownership of novel strategies, thereby enhancing potential effectiveness and impact, and broadening male engagement in HIV prevention.

LA PrEP delivered by implant or injection addresses user preferences for simplicity, discretion, and longer dose duration. Currently, there are several PrEP implants in preclinical development and a few injectable formulations in early human phase trials. Biomedical strategies have two core components: the active pharmaceutical ingredient and the delivery mechanism; both of which contribute to acceptability and successful use of products. Research to assess acceptability of placebo use of LA PrEP delivery forms among end users provides insight that may apply to the many products under development. The contraceptive field provides substantial information about potential acceptability and use of LA delivery methods among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is a gap in knowledge regarding acceptability of implant and injectable dosing platforms among men, particularly in SSA.

The investigators propose a four-year study to comparatively examine acceptability and preferences of placebo implants and injectables using a crossover-designed mixed methods study among heterosexual men and MSM in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. The investigators hypothesize that men will find implant use acceptable as a delivery form and no less acceptable than intramuscular injections. First, formative qualitative research with men (n=40) will be conducted to assess knowledge and experiences and inform messages and materials for our Aim 2 and 3 work. Subsequently, a clinical crossover study will be conducted, in which men (n=200) will wear placebo implants for 6 months and have three bimonthly injections in a randomized sequence. Preferences for these delivery forms and product attributes of these LA methods, oral PrEP, and condoms will then be measured using a discrete choice experiment survey.

Inclusion criteria

• Being cis-gender male per self-identification
• Aged 18-35 years
• In good physical health, as determined by the site investigator or designee based on clinical history
• Willing and able to comply with study procedures and attend follow-up visits over 1 year
• Fluent in English, Xhosa, or Zulu
• Sexually active, defined by receptive or insertive anal or vaginal intercourse at least once a month in the past 3 months
• Able and willing to comply with all study procedural requirements
• Able and willing to provide informed consent
• Intention to stay within study catchment area for study duration and willingness to give adequate locator information
• At Screening and Enrollment, states a willingness to refrain from participation in other research studies involving drugs, vaccines, or medical devices during study participation. Participation in other behavioral studies is subject to Investigator discretion.

Exclusion criteria

• Known or suspected allergy to study product components (active or placebo), including egg or soy products (egg and soy products are contained in Intralipid).
• At Screening or Enrollment, has a positive HIV test.
• Diagnosed or suspected sexually transmitted infection (STI) requiring treatment at Enrollment such as gonorrhea (GC), chlamydia, trichomonas, and/or syphilis. Enrollment will be considered after treatment of STIs.

Note: Genital warts requiring treatment and frequent recurrence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) are considered exclusionary; however, infrequent HSV outbreaks are not. Genital warts requiring treatment are defined as those that cause undue burden or discomfort to the participant, including bulky size, unacceptable appearance, or physical discomfort.

• As determined by the Investigator/designee, any current or historical physical or mental health condition that the site investigator or designee determines should exclude participation (for example, injection drug use within the past year).
• Has any other condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator/designee, would preclude informed consent, make study participation unsafe, complicate interpretation of study outcome data, or otherwise interfere with achieving the study objectives.
• At Enrollment, participant reports current or recent (30 days or less prior to enrollment) participation in any research study involving drugs, vaccines, or medical devices. Allowance for co-enrollment in other types of studies is indicated below.