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Effect of Interferon Alpha 2b Intensification on HIV-1 Residual Viremia in Individuals Suppressed on Antiretroviral Therapy


Phase 1/Phase 2
18 Years
N/A
Open (Enrolling)
Both
HIV Infection

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Trial Information

Effect of Interferon Alpha 2b Intensification on HIV-1 Residual Viremia in Individuals Suppressed on Antiretroviral Therapy


As a result of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), morbidity and mortality from
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has declined significantly in the past 12 years, at least
in developed countries. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infected individuals now
live longer, but must undergo continuous therapy that has substantial consequences on
quality of life.

ART suppresses HIV-1 viremia below the limits of detection in current commercial assays (50
copies/mL plasma). Although therapy is not immediately curative, previous studies were
optimistic, suggesting prolonged duration of suppressive therapy could result in eventual
viral eradication. More recent data suggest, however, that HIV-1 RNA persists even after
prolonged suppressive therapy. The origin of this residual viremia is yet not defined but
data from several sources, including our own, indicate that persistent viremia may be the
product of viral genome production from chronically infected long-lived reservoirs, and not
from new ongoing cycles of HIV-1 infection.

Antiretrovirals are extremely active against replicating cells, and can thus successfully
stop viral replication, but have no effect on long-lived viral reservoirs of cells already
infected with HIV-1 at the time antiretroviral therapy is initiated. As a result, new
strategies may be necessary to reduce or eradicate long-lived reservoirs.

Interferon alpha is a natural cytokine with antiviral activity. Prior to the introduction of
antiretroviral therapy, several studies demonstrated modest effect of interferon alpha in
HIV-1 viremia in active cycles of infection in infected individuals. Interferon alpha was
also effective in vitro in decreasing virus production from cells chronically infected with
HIV-1. With the introduction of potent antiretroviral therapy, interferon was not developed
as a direct anti-HIV drug. Interferon alpha is relatively effective in therapy of hepatitis
C virus (HCV) infection, and has been used in HIV-1/HCV coinfected individuals. Recently,
Kottilil and coworkers in the Laboratory of Immunoregulation NIAID have shown a decrease in
HIV-1 RNA levels in HCV coinfected participants treated with pegylated interferon alpha and
ribavirin. In stored samples from that study, we conducted a retrospective trial on samples
from participants with HIV-1 RNA levels of < 50 copies/mL, showing a further reduction in
residual viremia using an ultrasensitive Single Copy Assay (SCA) developed in our
laboratory.

In this protocol we will conduct a prospective, non-randomized, single arm, pilot study to
investigate the effect of pegylated interferon alpha 2b on HIV-1 RNA levels as an additional
drug in participants undergoing suppressive antiretroviral therapy with viral RNA levels
suppressed to less than 50 copies/mL plasma. We will determine whether interferon alpha
therapy will reduce residual viremia in participants on suppressive ART, which will expand
our understanding of persistent low-level viremia in HIV-1 infected individuals.

Inclusion Criteria


- INCLUSION CRITERIA:

To be eligible for study participation, a volunteer must satisfy all of the following
inclusion criteria:

1. Age greater than or equal to 18 years.

2. Documentation of HIV-1 infection by any licensed ELISA test and confirmed by a
Western Blot.

3. Receiving a DHHS-approved ARV regimen.

4. HIV-1 RNA levels less than detectable by current commercial means (e.g., Roche
Amplicor, b-DNA test) for a minimum of 12 months prior to screening at all time
points, and with at least 2 measurements in this 12 month window.

5. HIV-1 RNA levels greater than or equal to 0.6 copies/mL by SCA at screening visit.

6. CD4 greater than or equal to 300 cells/mm(3) at pre-entry visit within 14 days prior
to enrollment.

7. Ability to sign informed consent and willingness to comply with the study
requirements and clinic policies.

8. No evidence of viral hepatitis co-infection as assessed by Hepatitis C antibody, HCV
RNA, and hepatitis B surface antigen; determinations at pre-entry visit within 28
days prior to enrollment.

9. No history of or evidence of autoimmune hepatitis or other autoimmune disorders at
screening, or Antinuclear antibody (ANA > 3 times upper limit of normal.

10. Laboratory values at pre-entry visit within 14 days prior to enrollment:

- Alkaline phosphatase < 2.0 times upper limit of normal

- Alanine transaminase (ALT) < 2.0 times upper limit of normal

- Total bilirubin < 2.5 mg/dL (< 40 mg/dL if on Atazanavir)

- Creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 60 mL/min as estimated by the
Cockcroft-Gault equation

- Neutrophil count greater than or equal 1500 cells/mm(3)

- Platelets greater than or equal to 150,000/ mm(3)

- Hemoglobin greater than or equal to 12.0 mg/dL for men and > 11.0 g/dL for women

- Fasting glucose < 126 mg/dL

11. No history or evidence of significant clinical depression at screening that in the
opinion of the investigator would affect the ability of the patient to participate in
the study, or which would constitute a threat for his/her health in case of relapse
upon INF treatment. The Beck Depression Inventory score must be less than or equal to
13 at pre-entry visit.

12. No history of INF/PEG-INF therapy.

13. If capable of pregnancy: use of effective contraception during study: effective
contraception methods include abstinence, surgical sterilization of either partner,
barrier methods such as diaphragm, condom, cap or sponge, or use of hormonal
contraception with an anti-HIV regimen that will not alter metabolism of hormonal
contraception.

14. Participants must have primary medical care outside this protocol: participants will
have to provide Primary Care Doctor's contact information.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

A volunteer will be ineligible to participate in this study if any of the following
criteria are met:

1. History of neoplastic disease requiring cytotoxic therapy including hydroxyurea.

2. Use of long-term systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, or cytotoxic
agents within 60 days prior to enrollment.

3. Any vaccination within 30 days prior to enrollment. Individuals interested in
participating who require vaccination will delay screening until 30 day period is
completed.

4. Concurrent therapy with investigational cytokines including IL-2 or IL-12 during the
course of the study. Prior administration of cytokines is not an exclusion criterion;
at least 4 months from most recent cycle of IL-2 or IL-12 is required.

5. Any febrile illness (> 38 degrees C) in the 3 weeks prior to enrollment or any acute
therapy for a serious infection completed within 30 days prior to enrollment.

6. Current pregnancy or lactation, history of pregnancy in the last 4 months.

7. Preexisting autoimmune disorders including inflammatory bowel diseases, psoriasis,
idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, lupus erythematous, autoimmune hemolytic anemia,
scleroderma, severe psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and optic neuritis.

8. History of severe retinopathy or evidence of severe retinopathy judged by pre-entry
ophthalmologic examination.

9. Known allergy/sensitivity to study drug or its formulation.

10. History of seizure disorders or current anticonvulsant use.

11. Any history of medical conditions associated with chronic liver disease (genetic
hemochromatosis, alcoholic liver disease, toxin exposures, and autoimmune hepatitis)
or documented cirrhosis due to any cause.

12. History of pulmonary disease associated with functional limitation.

13. Documented history of thyroid disease.

14. Active drug or alcohol use or dependence, which in the opinion of the investigator,
would interfere with complying with the study requirements.

15. Known hypersensitivity to Escherichia coli-derived products such as filgrastim.

16. Any systemic illness that will make it unlikely that the subject will be able to
return for the required study visits.

17. History of, or any condition that in the opinion of the investigator would interfere
with the conduct of the study, or it would not be in the best interest of the subject
to enroll in this study.

Type of Study:

Interventional

Study Design:

Allocation: Non-Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment

Outcome Measure:

We will compare viral RNA levels in blood drawn before, during, and after intensification with interferon.

Outcome Time Frame:

week 4

Safety Issue:

No

Principal Investigator

Frank Maldarelli, M.D.

Investigator Role:

Principal Investigator

Investigator Affiliation:

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Authority:

United States: Federal Government

Study ID:

110057

NCT ID:

NCT01295515

Start Date:

January 2011

Completion Date:

January 2014

Related Keywords:

  • HIV Infection
  • HIV Infection
  • Replication
  • Antiretroviral
  • Interferon
  • Reservoirs
  • HIV
  • HIV Infections
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Name

Location

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland  20892
University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  15261