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A Single Dose of Pembrolizumab in HIV-Infected People

Primary Purpose

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Status
Recruiting
Phase
Phase 1
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Placebo
Pembrolizumab
Sponsored by
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Human Immunodeficiency Virus focused on measuring Immunotherapy, Immunologic Non-Responder, Immunologic Response, Randomized, PD-1

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - 99 Years (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers
  • INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for study participation:

Greater than or equal to 18 years of age.

Documented HIV-1 infection (eg, positive standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or rapid HIV-1/HIV-2

antibody test with a confirmatory test such as western blot, or documentation of repeated HIV RNA of > 1000 copies/mL). Outside documentation will be acceptable.

Absolute neutrophil count > 1000/microliter.

Platelet count > 125,000/microliter.

Hemoglobin > 10 g/dL.

Aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) less than or equal to 1.1 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Total bilirubin < 1.1 x ULN (unless participant is taking atazanavir or has Gilbert syndrome).

Calculated creatinine clearance (estimated glomerular filtration rate) greater than or equal to 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) within normal limits. If TSH is not within normal limits then the participant may be eligible if thyroxine (T4) is within normal limits. Participants will not be excluded if they are on a stable dose of replacement thyroid medication; dose may be adjusted as needed.

No significant underlying pulmonary, cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease, as defined by a need for drug treatment or ongoing physician care.

Under the care of a primary care physician.

Willing to comply with study requirements and procedures including storage of biological specimens for future use in medical research.

Willing to allow genetic testing.

Able to provide informed consent.

Participants of reproductive potential must agree to not become pregnant or to impregnate a partner beginning 30 days before the dose of pembrolizumab through 120 days post dose.

Participants must meet criteria for INR, defined as follows:

  1. Has been on a cART regimen for at least 12 months and on a stable regimen for at least 4 weeks.
  2. Has HIV suppression, defined as viral load < 40 copies/mL, and documented suppression (below

    detection limits of the utilized assay) for at least 12 months. A viral load of < 500 copies/mL once in the

    year preceding screening will be allowed if there is documentation of a viral load < 40 copies/mL on

    subsequent testing and at screening.

  3. CD4+ T-cell count > 100 cells/mm3 and less than or equal to 350 cells/mm3.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Females who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Has used an investigational drug agent or investigational device within 12 weeks of baseline.

Has received prior therapy with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-PD-L2 agent.

Known allergy to any component of the pembrolizumab formulation.

Systemic steroid therapy or other immunosuppressive therapy in the 3 months prior to enrollment. (Inhaled or topical corticosteroids are permitted.)

Has used an immunotherapeutic agent within 6 months of baseline.

Plans to receive any vaccine within 16 weeks of receiving pembrolizumab.

Has active autoimmune disease or a history of autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment (eg, with use of disease-modifying agents, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (eg, T4) is not considered a form of systemic treatment.

Has known history of, or any evidence of active, non-infectious pneumonitis.

Malignancy requiring systemic therapy, or a history of malignancy that required systemic therapy within the past 5 years. However, cutaneous basal cell carcinoma or cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma not requiring systemic therapy will not be exclusionary.

Has known active hepatitis B (HBV) or potential for HBV reactivation (eg, hepatitis B surface antigen [HBS] reactive, HBV DNA positive, or isolated anti-core antibody positive; individuals who are anti-HBS antibody positive with or without anti-core Ab are eligible).

Has known active hepatitis C (HCV; eg, HCV RNA [qualitative] is detected). Patients who have sustained virologic response (SVR) to anti-HCV treatment are eligible if at least 24 weeks have passed since achieving SVR.

Has known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements

of the study.

History or other clinical evidence of:

  1. Significant or unstable cardiac disease
  2. Significant pulmonary disease
  3. Severe illness, chronic liver disease, malignancy, immunodeficiency other than HIV, active systemic infection (other than HIV) requiring therapy.

Opportunistic infection requiring maintenance therapy, including toxoplasmosis, fungal infections other than candida (eg, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis), atypical mycobacterial infection. Secondary Pneumocystis, candida, and HSV prophylaxis will be permitted.

Active or history of tuberculosis (TB), or positive TB QuantiFERON Gold test.

Known osteoporosis or diabetes mellitus.

Hemoglobin A1c > 6%.

Fasting triglyceride > 300 mg/dL.

Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make the participant unsuitable for the study.

Co-enrollment in other trials is restricted, other than enrollment on observational studies or expanded access studies for

antiretroviral agents, during the first 48 weeks of the study.

Sites / Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical CenterRecruiting

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm Type

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Arm Label

1

2

Arm Description

single dose of 200 mg (IV) infusion

single dose (IV infusion)

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

The occurrence of Grade 3 or higher AEs.
Assessing Safety Issue
Grade 2 or higher autoimmune events requiring corticosteroid therapy.
Assessing Safety Issue

Secondary Outcome Measures

Magnitude and duration of decreased expression of PD-1 relative to baseline levels on lymphocytes

Full Information

First Posted
December 8, 2017
Last Updated
June 2, 2023
Sponsor
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT03367754
Brief Title
A Single Dose of Pembrolizumab in HIV-Infected People
Official Title
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Single Dose of Pembrolizumab in HIV-Infected Patients
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
June 1, 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Recruiting
Study Start Date
August 6, 2018 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
May 30, 2024 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
November 20, 2024 (Anticipated)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
Yes
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system. Some people with HIV have a low CD4+ T-cell count despite taking antiviral medicines that control HIV replication. These cells fight disease, so a low count makes it easier for people to become sick. Researchers want to see if a new drug can improve the immune system, including T cells. The drug is called pembrolizumab Objective: To see if pembrolizumab is safe to use in people with HIV who have a low CD4+ T cell count despite taking medcines that control HIV replication, and to see if it strengthens the immune system. Eligibility: People age 18 years or older with HIV who are taking antiretroviral drugs as treatment, have blood HIV levels below detection limits of commercial assays, and have a low CD4+ T-cell count (below 350 cells/mm3). Design: Participants will be screened with: Medical history Physical exam Heart, blood, and urine tests Sexually active participants must use 2 kinds of birth control. Participants will have leukapheresis. Blood will be removed through a needle in one arm. A machine will remove white blood cells. The rest of the blood will be returned into the other arm. Participants will have a baseline visit. They will have blood tests. They may have a pregnancy test. A needle will insert a thin plastic tube (IV) into an arm vein. The participants will get the study drug or a placebo through the IV for 30 minutes. They will be watched for a couple hours after. Participants will have 11 follow-up visits over the next 48 weeks. They will have a physical exam, vital signs, medical review, and blood tests. Participants may have another leukapheresis. Participants will be called every 12 weeks after their last follow-up visit to talk about how they feel and their health. Participation ends after the week 96 phone call. ...
Detailed Description
A subset of HIV-infected patients, those with poor immunologic response to combined antiretroviral therapy (CD4+ T-cell count of less than 300-350 cells/mm^3) despite control of viremia, are at increased risk for both HIV-related and non-HIV-related complications compared to immunologic responders. Thus, novel approaches for treating HIV infection are needed to facilitate management of this patient population. One potential drug target for HIV treatment is the T-cell receptor PD-1. Binding of PD-1 to its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, inhibits proliferation of T cells and production of cytokines. This naturally serves to dampen potentially harmful excessive immune responses. Upregulation of PD-1 and/or its ligands can be observed in tumors and people with chronic viral infection, including HIV. This upregulation can inhibit T-cell immune surveillance, which may result in tumor growth or poor control of infection. Pembrolizumab is an IgG4 kappa monoclonal antibody that binds to PD-1, thus blocking the receptor from binding with its ligands. In cancer indications, inhibition of PD-1 induces an antitumor immune response, which in turn reduces tumor growth. The Food and Drug Administration has approved pembrolizumab for treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and other cancers. Similarly, in animal models of HIV and in vitro studies, PD-1 blockade was associated with a decrease in viral load and an increase in CD8+ T cells. A clinical trial to examine the effects of PD-1 inhibition by pembrolizumab on HIV infection is thus supported by the data. The purpose of this study is to evaluate, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the safety and tolerability of a single dose of pembrolizumab in HIV-infected participants who have controlled viremia with a low T-cell count (> 100 cells/mm3 and less than or equal to 350 cells/mm^3). Study participants will be followed for 96 weeks after receiving the study drug and will be assessed for adverse events, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts, PD-1 expression, CD8+ T-cell anti-HIV activity, and viral load. If a single dose of pembrolizumab appears to be safe and tolerable, then larger multi-dose and efficacy studies can be planned.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Keywords
Immunotherapy, Immunologic Non-Responder, Immunologic Response, Randomized, PD-1

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Phase 1
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Masking
ParticipantCare ProviderInvestigator
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
60 (Anticipated)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
1
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
single dose of 200 mg (IV) infusion
Arm Title
2
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
single dose (IV infusion)
Intervention Type
Other
Intervention Name(s)
Placebo
Intervention Description
Placebo
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Pembrolizumab
Intervention Description
Pembrolizumab, 200 mg, or placebo via intravenous (IV) infusion, single dose.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
The occurrence of Grade 3 or higher AEs.
Description
Assessing Safety Issue
Time Frame
96 weeks after receiving the study drug
Title
Grade 2 or higher autoimmune events requiring corticosteroid therapy.
Description
Assessing Safety Issue
Time Frame
96 weeks after receiving the study drug.
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Magnitude and duration of decreased expression of PD-1 relative to baseline levels on lymphocytes
Time Frame
96 weeks after receiving the study drug.

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
99 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA: Individuals must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for study participation: Greater than or equal to 18 years of age. Documented HIV-1 infection (eg, positive standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or rapid HIV-1/HIV-2 antibody test with a confirmatory test such as western blot, or documentation of repeated HIV RNA of > 1000 copies/mL). Outside documentation will be acceptable. Absolute neutrophil count > 1000/microliter. Platelet count > 125,000/microliter. Hemoglobin > 10 g/dL. Aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) less than or equal to 1.1 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Total bilirubin < 1.1 x ULN (unless participant is taking atazanavir or has Gilbert syndrome). Calculated creatinine clearance (estimated glomerular filtration rate) greater than or equal to 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) within normal limits. If TSH is not within normal limits then the participant may be eligible if thyroxine (T4) is within normal limits. Participants will not be excluded if they are on a stable dose of replacement thyroid medication; dose may be adjusted as needed. No significant underlying pulmonary, cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease, as defined by a need for drug treatment or ongoing physician care. Under the care of a primary care physician. Willing to comply with study requirements and procedures including storage of biological specimens for future use in medical research. Willing to allow genetic testing. Able to provide informed consent. Participants of reproductive potential must agree to not become pregnant or to impregnate a partner beginning 30 days before the dose of pembrolizumab through 120 days post dose. Participants must meet criteria for INR, defined as follows: Has been on a cART regimen for at least 12 months and on a stable regimen for at least 4 weeks. Has HIV suppression, defined as viral load < 40 copies/mL, and documented suppression (below detection limits of the utilized assay) for at least 12 months. A viral load of < 500 copies/mL once in the year preceding screening will be allowed if there is documentation of a viral load < 40 copies/mL on subsequent testing and at screening. CD4+ T-cell count > 100 cells/mm3 and less than or equal to 350 cells/mm3. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Females who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Has used an investigational drug agent or investigational device within 12 weeks of baseline. Has received prior therapy with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-PD-L2 agent. Known allergy to any component of the pembrolizumab formulation. Systemic steroid therapy or other immunosuppressive therapy in the 3 months prior to enrollment. (Inhaled or topical corticosteroids are permitted.) Has used an immunotherapeutic agent within 6 months of baseline. Plans to receive any vaccine within 16 weeks of receiving pembrolizumab. Has active autoimmune disease or a history of autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment (eg, with use of disease-modifying agents, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (eg, T4) is not considered a form of systemic treatment. Has known history of, or any evidence of active, non-infectious pneumonitis. Malignancy requiring systemic therapy, or a history of malignancy that required systemic therapy within the past 5 years. However, cutaneous basal cell carcinoma or cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma not requiring systemic therapy will not be exclusionary. Has known active hepatitis B (HBV) or potential for HBV reactivation (eg, hepatitis B surface antigen [HBS] reactive, HBV DNA positive, or isolated anti-core antibody positive; individuals who are anti-HBS antibody positive with or without anti-core Ab are eligible). Has known active hepatitis C (HCV; eg, HCV RNA [qualitative] is detected). Patients who have sustained virologic response (SVR) to anti-HCV treatment are eligible if at least 24 weeks have passed since achieving SVR. Has known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the study. History or other clinical evidence of: Significant or unstable cardiac disease Significant pulmonary disease Severe illness, chronic liver disease, malignancy, immunodeficiency other than HIV, active systemic infection (other than HIV) requiring therapy. Opportunistic infection requiring maintenance therapy, including toxoplasmosis, fungal infections other than candida (eg, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis), atypical mycobacterial infection. Secondary Pneumocystis, candida, and HSV prophylaxis will be permitted. Active or history of tuberculosis (TB), or positive TB QuantiFERON Gold test. Known osteoporosis or diabetes mellitus. Hemoglobin A1c > 6%. Fasting triglyceride > 300 mg/dL. Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make the participant unsuitable for the study. Co-enrollment in other trials is restricted, other than enrollment on observational studies or expanded access studies for antiretroviral agents, during the first 48 weeks of the study.
Central Contact Person:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Julia B Purdy, C.R.N.P.
Phone
(301) 451-9109
Email
purdyj@mail.nih.gov
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Joseph A Kovacs, M.D.
Phone
(301) 496-9907
Email
jkovacs@mail.nih.gov
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Joseph A Kovacs, M.D.
Organizational Affiliation
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
City
Bethesda
State/Province
Maryland
ZIP/Postal Code
20892
Country
United States
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
For more information at the NIH Clinical Center contact Office of Patient Recruitment (OPR)
Phone
800-411-1222
Ext
TTY8664111010
Email
prpl@cc.nih.gov

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
Undecided
IPD Sharing Plan Description
.This study is still collecting data so a determination has not yet been decided.
Citations:
PubMed Identifier
28431010
Citation
Gay CL, Bosch RJ, Ritz J, Hataye JM, Aga E, Tressler RL, Mason SW, Hwang CK, Grasela DM, Ray N, Cyktor JC, Coffin JM, Acosta EP, Koup RA, Mellors JW, Eron JJ; AIDS Clinical Trials 5326 Study Team. Clinical Trial of the Anti-PD-L1 Antibody BMS-936559 in HIV-1 Infected Participants on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy. J Infect Dis. 2017 Jun 1;215(11):1725-1733. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jix191.
Results Reference
background
PubMed Identifier
16921384
Citation
Day CL, Kaufmann DE, Kiepiela P, Brown JA, Moodley ES, Reddy S, Mackey EW, Miller JD, Leslie AJ, DePierres C, Mncube Z, Duraiswamy J, Zhu B, Eichbaum Q, Altfeld M, Wherry EJ, Coovadia HM, Goulder PJ, Klenerman P, Ahmed R, Freeman GJ, Walker BD. PD-1 expression on HIV-specific T cells is associated with T-cell exhaustion and disease progression. Nature. 2006 Sep 21;443(7109):350-4. doi: 10.1038/nature05115. Epub 2006 Aug 20.
Results Reference
background
PubMed Identifier
31694954
Citation
Henderson LJ, Reoma LB, Kovacs JA, Nath A. Advances toward Curing HIV-1 Infection in Tissue Reservoirs. J Virol. 2020 Jan 17;94(3):e00375-19. doi: 10.1128/JVI.00375-19. Print 2020 Jan 17.
Results Reference
derived
Links:
URL
https://clinicalstudies.info.nih.gov/cgi/detail.cgi?A_2018-CC-0013.html
Description
NIH Clinical Center Detailed Web Page

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A Single Dose of Pembrolizumab in HIV-Infected People

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