Ainuovirine Regimen Achieves HIV Suppression and Improves Blood Markers in Guangxi

Adult individuals living with HIV-1 who switched to an ainuovirine-based antiretroviral therapy regimen achieved virologic suppression and significant immune reconstitution across a 96-week follow-up in Guangxi, China. At the 96-week milestone, all evaluated patients achieved virologic suppression with human immunodeficiency virus ribonucleic acid levels reaching 0 copies/mL. Concurrently, median CD4+ T-cell counts increased from 358 cells/µL at baseline to 492 cells/µL (P ≤ 0.05), alongside documented improvements in the CD4/CD8 ratio.

The clinical investigation evaluated post-marketing blood biochemical data for ainuovirine, a novel non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor developed in China. Researchers enrolled 76 adult people living with HIV who received an ainuovirine-containing regimen between May 2022 and February 2023. The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry under identifier ChiCTR2500099875, monitoring participants across 96 weeks of therapy.

To evaluate patient laboratory trajectories over the 96-week duration, the investigators utilized paired-sample nonparametric statistical tests comparing follow-up measures to baseline values. The analytical protocol assessed multiple biological indicators, encompassing virologic control, CD4+ cell counts, liver function markers, renal function markers, and circulating lipid profiles to determine clinical efficacy and safety.

Safety evaluations demonstrated a favorable metabolic profile following the switch to an ainuovirine-based regimen, characterized by statistically significant reductions in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Specifically, circulating levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol all declined from baseline values (all P < 0.05). Conversely, levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly over the same timeframe (P < 0.05), reflecting improved lipid parameters and reduced cardiovascular risk indicators.

Hepatic safety monitoring indicated favorable liver tolerability with distinct timelines of biochemical improvement. Levels of total bilirubin and gamma-glutamyl transferase decreased early during the treatment course and remained low through week 96 (P ≤ 0.05), whereas alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels showed improvements later during follow-up. Throughout the 96 weeks of observation, renal function markers, including creatinine and urea, remained stable.

In their final assessment, the study authors concluded that the ainuovirine-containing antiretroviral therapy regimen delivered potent virologic suppression, excellent immune reconstitution, and a favorable safety profile across the 96-week follow-up. The researchers reported that the regimen significantly improved lipid profiles, reduced cardiovascular risk, and demonstrated good hepatic tolerability. Based on these observed outcomes, the investigators characterized ainuovirine as an effective and metabolically friendly core agent. They concluded that it offers an optimized first-line treatment option for people living with HIV who require long-term clinical management, highlighting its particular suitability for individuals presenting with dyslipidemia or hepatic abnormalities.

Subject of Research: Ainuovirine antiretroviral therapy and blood biochemical markers in HIV-1

Article Title: Efficacy and impact on blood biochemical markers of switching to a ainuovirine-based antiretroviral therapy in individuals with HIV-1: a study in Guangxi, China

Article References: Qin, S., Huang, W., Wang, Q., Dou, Y., Wen, Y., Xie, L., Wu, J., & Liu, A. (2026). Efficacy and impact on blood biochemical markers of switching to a ainuovirine-based antiretroviral therapy in individuals with HIV-1: a study in Guangxi, China. AIDS Research and Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12981-026-00949-3

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12981-026-00949-3

Keywords: HIV-1, ainuovirine, antiretroviral therapy, virologic suppression, CD4 count, blood biochemical markers, lipid metabolism, liver function, Efficacy, impact, blood, biochemical