1039. Real World Community-Based HIV Rapid Start Antiretroviral with BFTAF Versus Conventional HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Start – The RoCHaCHa Study, a Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Trillium Health (TH) is a FQHC in Rochester, NY providing primary and specialty care, including HIV prevention and treatment. Rapid Start ART (RSA) has been shown to decrease time to virologic suppression while increasing linkage to and retention in care. However, data on BFTAF with these benefits is limited. We aim to prove RSA with BFTAF is advantageous in time to viral load suppression, linkage to and retention in care, and patient satisfaction and acceptance. METHODS: We included data from ART-naive newly diagnosed PLWH enrolled between October 2018 and March 2020 with baseline assessment and started BFTAF. Follow up visits were done per protocol though 48 weeks. The primary study endpoints include median times from: diagnosis to clinic presentation, clinic presentation to ART, and ART to undetectable viral load (VL), < 200 copies/mL and < 50 copies/mL. Linkage to and retention in care were measured at 3 months. Study results were compared with non-RSA historical control data. Patient reported outcomes were evaluated at study completion. RESULTS: Of the 27 eligible, 25 participants enrolled. Thirteen received their diagnosis at TH: screening for PrEP (6), community-based HIV/STI/HCV testing (3), community outreach (1), or routine patient screening in primary care (3). Twelve were diagnosed externally: university health centers (2), other health clinic (9), or at-home rapid HIV test (1). All accepted the RSA treatment with BFTAF; two eligible patients declined the study, but accepted RSA. 73.9% of participants were seen within 14 days of Day 84, compared with 50% of historical control group. 12 of 25 completed the primary endpoint of which 100% were highly satisfied with RSA. There were no regimen changes or virologic failures through 48 weeks. RoCHaCHa Study Results [Image: see text] CONCLUSION: RSA with BFTAF reduced time to virologic suppression in all participants newly diagnosed with HIV-1 compared with historical non-RSA model. DISCLOSURES: Ashley R. Zuppelli, PHARMD, BCACP, AAHIVP, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support) Michael Mancenido, DO, AAHIVS, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Grant/Research Support) Jacob Scutaru, MD, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Grant/Research Support) Alexandra Danforth, PHARMD, BCACP, AAHIVP, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Grant/Research Support) Robert Biernbaum, DO, MS, FAAEM, AAHIVS, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Grant/Research Support, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau) Roberto Corales, DO, AAHIVS, Gilead Sciences (Employee) William M. Valenti, MD, FIDSA, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Grant/Research Support, Speaker’s Bureau)