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Antiviral Activity of Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A in Chronic HIV-1 Infection
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified by University of Pennsylvania, January 2009
First Received: January 4, 2008   Last Updated: January 25, 2009   History of Changes
Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania
Collaborators: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Hoffmann-La Roche
Information provided by: University of Pennsylvania
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00594880
  Purpose

The objective of the study is to compare two different doses of Peg-INF-α-2A (90 or 180 ug/wk) for their ability to maintain viral control when initiated 5 weeks before ART (antiretroviral therapy) interruption in HIV positive, ART-suppressed subjects (viral load <50 copies/ml) as determined by observing the percentages of viral load measurements <400 copies/ml between the two arms over a 24-week period, corresponding to the Pegasys monotherapy period (exclusive of dual ART/Pegasys 5-week period). Primary analysis will be an "intent to treat" analysis and will address the hypothesis that two different doses of Peg-INF-α-2A (90 and 180 ug/week) will be similarly effective at inhibiting viral replication.


Condition Intervention Phase
HIV Infections
Drug: Pegasys (ART Replacement Therapy)
Phase II

Study Type: Interventional
Study Design: Treatment, Randomized, Open Label, Parallel Assignment, Safety/Efficacy Study
Official Title: Antiviral Activity of Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A in Chronic HIV-1 Infection

Resource links provided by NLM:


Further study details as provided by University of Pennsylvania:

Primary Outcome Measures:
  • HIV viral suppression [ Time Frame: 29 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Secondary Outcome Measures:
  • Treatment-associated toxicity and tolerance measurement. [ Time Frame: 29 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]

Estimated Enrollment: 52
Study Start Date: January 2008
Estimated Study Completion Date: January 2010
Estimated Primary Completion Date: January 2010 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Arms Assigned Interventions
1: Active Comparator
180 ug/week dose of Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A
Drug: Pegasys (ART Replacement Therapy)
Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A 180 ug/week for 29 weeks
2: Active Comparator
90 ug/week dose of Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A
Drug: Pegasys (ART Replacement Therapy)
Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A 90 ug/week for 29 weeks

Detailed Description:

The high toxicity of current Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) regimens has driven a number of studies investigating therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing drug exposure while maintaining the beneficial effects of immune reconstitution. Preliminary observations in HCV/HIV co-infected individuals already support an antiviral effect by Pegylated Interferon-Alpha-2A (Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A:Pegasys®) on HIV-1 replication; however, the ability of Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A (as a single agent) to maintain long-term suppression of HIV-1 replication in patients who interrupt ART after having achieved immune reconstitution remains undetermined. The rationale for addressing two doses of Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A (180 and 90 ug/week) is based on the antiviral activity reported with both doses and the lower incidence of adverse events associated with doses lower than that approved for HCV therapy (90 versus 180ug/week).

The long-range goal of this proposal is to determine if Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A monotherapy can sustain HIV-1 suppression in the absence of ART in infected individuals. Our short-range goal is to determine the safety, viral suppressive potential and immune correlates of Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A administered upon the cessation of suppressive ART.

Based on the current literature and our preliminary studies, we hypothesize that weekly doses of 90 or 180 ug/wk of Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A administered to pharmacologically-suppressed HIV-infected individuals in the course of antiretroviral therapy (ART) discontinuation will result in equivalent frequency of viral control, with the lower dose resulting in measurably lower rate and intensity of therapy-related adverse events (AE).

We propose to compare two different doses of Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A (90 or 180 ug/wk) as a simplification step to ART, for their ability to maintain viral load suppression when initiated 5 weeks before ART interruption in HIV-infected, ART-suppressed patients (VL<50 copies/ml). Briefly, control will be determined by the the percentages of viral load measurements <400 copies/ml between the two arms over a period of 24 weeks, corresponding to the Pegasys monotherapy period (exclusive of dual ART/Pegasys 5-week period). A threshold of 400 is used based on the known potential for blipping on ART between 50 and 400 copies/ml with no clinical consequence to sustained suppression thereafter (JAMA 2005, 293:817-829). Primary analysis will be an "intent to treat" analysis and will address the hypothesis that two different doses of Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A (90 and 180 ug/week) will be similarly effective at inhibiting viral replication.

The secondary objectives of the research are:

  1. To prospectively evaluate dose-dependent, treatment-associated toxicity, safety and tolerability of 29 weekly doses of Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A at 180 ug or 90 ug/week (in association with ART for the initial 5 weeks, followed by 24 weeks of Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A in the absence of ART).
  2. To determine innate immunity outcomes correlated to Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A dose and antiviral activity by monitoring Natural Killer (NK) and Dendritic cell (DC) subsets changes and the ability to maintain innate immune function (DC secretory responses, NK antiviral cytotoxic responses)
  3. To determine adaptive immunity outcomes correlated to Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A dose and antiviral activity by monitoring T-cell subsets changes and the ability to maintain cell-mediated proliferative and cytokine responses against recall antigens (anti-HIV-1 gag p55).
  Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:   18 Years to 65 Years
Genders Eligible for Study:   Both
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:   No
Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male or female, age ≥ 18 but <65 years
  • Able and willing to provide informed consent.
  • HIV-1 infection documented by any licensed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit and confirmed by Western Blot at any time prior to or at study entry. HIV-1 culture, HIV-1 antigen, plasma HIV-1 RNA, or a second antibody test by a method other than ELISA is acceptable as an alternative confirmatory test
  • HIV RNA < 75 copies/ml on a regimen of a) 2 Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) and 1 non-nucleoside RTI (NNRTI) OR b) 2 NRTIs and Protease Inhibitor (PI) for at least 24 weeks OR c) 3 NRTIs
  • HIV RNA < 75 copies/ml at screening
  • >6months≥ 400 CD4+ T cells/mm3 (CD4 nadir ≥ 200 cells)
  • Female subjects with childbearing potential: negative pregnancy test (Beta HCG). Must agree to use appropriate contraceptive methods (barrier devices such as diaphragms or condoms + spermicidal OR IUD OR oral contraceptives) while on study.
  • Karnofsky performance scale score of 80% or better
  • Willing to adhere to the treatment and schedule approved by the study investigators in conjunction with the patient's primary provider.
  • Willing to abstain from immunomodulatory drugs during the study period, with the exception of the study drug (Pegasys®).
  • PHQ-2 score < 2, OR PHQ-9 score< 10, OR PHQ-9 score 10-14 AND medical provider's favorable opinion. In either case, score for PHQ-9 question # 9 (suicidal ideation) must be 0.
  • TSH within normal range, unless accompanied by thyroid profile consistent with normal thyroid function
  • A negative cardiac stress test if >45yrs men/>55yrs women years of age or if below these years of age but with two added risk factors for coronary artery disease [smoking, hypertension (BP >140/90 or on antihypertensive medications), low HDL (<40 mg/dL), family history of premature CHD (<55 yrs males/<65 females)] or a Framingham score > 15% (men) or 10% (women))

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Currently pregnant or breast feeding.
  • CD4 cell count < 400 or recorded CD4 nadir < 200 cells/mm3
  • History of immunomodulatory therapy for over 2 weeks during the 6 months prior to enrollment, including, but not limited to: IFN-Alpha or Beta (recombinant or pegylated), systemic corticosteroids; systemic cancer chemotherapy/irradiation; cyclosporin; tacrolimus (FK-506); OKT-3; any Interleukin, including IL-2; cyclophosphamide; methotrexate; IVIG (gamma globulin); G/M-CSF; hydroxyurea; thalidomide; pentoxifylline; thymopentin; thymosin; dithiocarbonate; polyribonucleoside.
  • Significant co-existing medical conditions including: Anemia (Hgb <9.1 men, <8.9 women), Neutropenia (ANC < 1000), Thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50K), Liver disease (AST/ALT > 5x, Total Bilirubin > 1.5x upper limits of normal, or Total Bilirubin >3x ULN if receiving indinavir), Renal disease (creatinine > 2x upper normal limits), or other conditions, such as active drug/alcohol abuse or dependence which would interfere with study compliance.
  • Any history of heart attacks, MI/CAD. .
  • Prior history of major depression or other severe psychiatric disorder/condition requiring treatment and/or hospitalization
  • PHQ-9 score >14, OR PHQ-9 score > 10 - 14 AND lack of medical provider's favorable opinion, OR score for PHQ-9 answer # 9 (suicidal ideation) > 0.
  • Evidence of chronic active Hepatitis B infection (Surface Antigen HBsAg) or Hepatitis C PCR positivity at screening (cleared of HCV at entry >6 months).
  • Past evidence of medical conditions associated with chronic liver disease including genetic hemochromatosis, autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, toxin exposures etc.
  • History of neutropenia or other hematological abnormalities
  • Type I diabetes mellitus, or type II diabetes mellitus that is not controlled with oral agents and/or insulin.
  • Ongoing treatment with Isoniazide, Pyrazinamide, Rifabutin, Rifampicin, Diadenosine Ganciclovir, Valganciclovir, Oxymetholone, Thalidomide or Theophylline.
  • History of autoimmune processes including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, severe psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, myositis, hepatitis etc.
  • History of major organ transplantation with an existing functional graft.
  • Active coronary artery disease within 24 weeks prior to study
  • Hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell anemia or Thalassemia major.
  • Hypersensitivity to Pegasys®or any of its components.
  Contacts and Locations
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00594880

Contacts
Contact: Craig R Carty, MSc 215-662-8217 craig.carty@uphs.upenn.edu
Contact: Jay Kostman, MD 215-662-9908 ext 8693 jay.kostman@uphs.upenn.edu

Locations
United States, Pennsylvania
The Wistar Institute Recruiting
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Contact: Luis Montaner, DVM, PhD     215-898-9143     montaner@wistar.org    
Contact: Livio Azzoni, MD, PhD     215-898-1752     azzoni@wistar.org    
Principal Investigator: Luis Montaner, DVM, PhD            
Sub-Investigator: Livio Azzoni, MD, PhD            
Sub-Investigator: Jihed Chehimi, PhD            
Sub-Investigator: Emmanouil Papasavvas, PhD            
Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center Recruiting
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Contact: Craig R Carty, MSc     215-662-8217     craig.carty@uphs.upenn.edu    
Contact: Jay Kostman, MD     215-662-9908 ext 8693     jay.kostman@uphs.upenn.edu    
Principal Investigator: Jay Kostman, MD            
Drexel University College of Medicine Recruiting
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19102
Contact: Sharon Lewis, RN. BSN     215-762-3251     sharon.lewis@drexelmed.edu    
Contact: Jeffrey Jacobson, MD     215-762-1668     jeffrey.jacobson@drexelmed.edu    
Principal Investigator: Jeffrey Jacobson, MD            
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Recruiting
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Contact: Craig R Carty, MSc     215-662-8217     craig.carty@uphs.upenn.edu    
Contact: Joseph Quinn, RN     215-349-8092     joseph.quinn@uphs.upenn.edu    
Principal Investigator: Pablo Tebas, MD            
Jonathan Lax Immune Disorders Clinic Recruiting
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19107
Contact: Angela Kapalko, PA-C     215-985-4448 ext 126     akapalko@fight.org    
Contact: Karam Mounzer, MD     215-985-4448     mounzerk@fight.org    
Principal Investigator: Karam Mounzer, MD            
Sponsors and Collaborators
University of Pennsylvania
Hoffmann-La Roche
Investigators
Study Chair: Luis Montaner, DVM, PhD The Wistar Institute
Principal Investigator: Jay Kostman, MD Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center
Principal Investigator: Pablo Tebas, MD University of Pennsylvania
Principal Investigator: Jeffrey Jacobson, MD Drexel University College of Medicine
Principal Investigator: Karam Mounzer, MD Jonathan Lax Immune Disorders Clinic- Philadelphia FIGHT
  More Information

No publications provided

Responsible Party: The Wistar Institute's Immunopathogenesis Laboratory ( Luis Montaner, DVM, PhD., MSc. Protocol Chair )
Study ID Numbers: DAIDS-ES 10401, R01 AI065279
Study First Received: January 4, 2008
Last Updated: January 25, 2009
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00594880     History of Changes
Health Authority: United States: Food and Drug Administration;   United States: Federal Government;   United States: Institutional Review Board

Keywords provided by University of Pennsylvania:
HIV
HIV-1
Pegasys
Peg-IFN-Alpha-2A
Viral Suppression
ART cessation
Immune function
Innate Immunity
Immune Function
Toxicity
Immune-based therapy
Treatment interruption

Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Communicable Diseases
Anti-Infective Agents
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral
Slow Virus Diseases
Immunologic Factors
Antineoplastic Agents
Physiological Effects of Drugs
Infection
Therapeutic Uses
Angiogenesis Modulating Agents
Growth Inhibitors
Retroviridae Infections
Interferon-alpha
RNA Virus Infections
Immune System Diseases
Growth Substances
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Antiviral Agents
Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes
Pharmacologic Actions
Virus Diseases
HIV Infections
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Lentivirus Infections
Peginterferon alfa-2a
Interferon Alfa-2a

ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on February 08, 2010