AIDS 347: IL-6 Blockade in Treated HIV Infection

Sponsor
Case Western Reserve University (Other)
Overall Status
Completed
CT.gov ID
NCT02049437
Collaborator
(none)
34
1
2
37.4
0.9

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

The study is a phase I/II, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over clinical trial of tocilizumab (TCZ) or placebo in HIV-infected subjects receiving antiretroviral therapy with suppressed viral replication and CD4+ T cell count ≥350 and ≤1,000 cells/mm3)

Condition or Disease Intervention/Treatment Phase
Phase 1/Phase 2

Detailed Description

DESIGN The study is a phase I/II, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over clinical trial of tocilizumab (TCZ) or placebo in HIV-infected subjects receiving antiretroviral therapy with suppressed viral replication and CD4+ T cell count ≥350 and ≤1,000 cells/mm3)

DURATION 40 weeks during cross-over treatment periods total per subject.

SAMPLE SIZE 30 subjects with complete data up to week 30. Up to 36 subjects may be enrolled in order to achieve an estimated final sample size of 30 participants with complete data up to week 30.

POPULATION HIV-infected male and female subjects from 18 through 60 years of age receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) without changes in the 24 weeks prior to enrollment (changes for reasons other than virologic failure allowed up to 8 weeks prior to enrollment), with a suppressed plasma HIV RNA (<200 copies/mL, one blip up to <1,000 copies/mL permitted) for at least 96 weeks and a CD4+ T-cell count ≥350 and ≤1,000 cells/mm3 at the time of study enrollment.

REGIMEN Subjects will be randomized 1:1 to one of the following arms:

ARM A: TCZ, 4 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 400 mg) once at study entry, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 800 mg) at weeks 4, and 8 and THEN placebo by IV infusion at weeks 20, 24, and 28.

ARM B: Placebo by IV infusion at study entry followed by placebo by IV infusion at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN TCZ, 4 mg/Kg (not to exceed 400 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes once at week 24, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg (not to exceed 800 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes at weeks 24 and 28.

Study Design

Study Type:
Interventional
Actual Enrollment :
34 participants
Allocation:
Randomized
Intervention Model:
Crossover Assignment
Masking:
Double (Participant, Investigator)
Primary Purpose:
Basic Science
Official Title:
AIDS 347: IL-6 Blockade in Treated HIV Infection
Study Start Date :
Aug 1, 2014
Actual Primary Completion Date :
Sep 11, 2017
Actual Study Completion Date :
Sep 11, 2017

Arms and Interventions

Arm Intervention/Treatment
Active Comparator: Arm A: TCZ, then placebo

ARM A: TCZ, 4 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 400 mg) once at study entry, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 800 mg) at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN placebo by IV infusion at weeks 20, 24, and 28.

Drug: tocilizumab
Subjects will be randomized 1:1 to one of the following arms: ARM A: TCZ, 4 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 400 mg) once at study entry, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 800 mg) at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN placebo by IV infusion at weeks 20, 24, and 28. ARM B: Placebo by IV infusion at study entry followed by placebo by IV infusion at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN TCZ, 4 mg/Kg (not to exceed 400 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes once at week 20, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg (not to exceed 800 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes at weeks 24 and 28.
Other Names:
  • TCZ
  • Drug: Placebo
    Subjects will be randomized 1:1 to one of the following arms: ARM A: TCZ, 4 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 400 mg) once at study entry, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 800 mg) at weeks 4 aned 8, and THEN placebo by IV infusion at weeks 20, 24, and 28. ARM B: Placebo by IV infusion at study entry followed by placebo by IV infusion at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN TCZ, 4 mg/Kg (not to exceed 400 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes once at week 20, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg (not to exceed 800 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes at weeks 24 and 28.
    Other Names:
  • Normal saline for infusion
  • Placebo Comparator: Arm B: Placebo, then TCZ

    ARM B: Placebo by IV infusion at study entry followed by placebo by IV infusion at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN TCZ, 4 mg/Kg (not to exceed 400 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes once at week 20, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg (not to exceed 800 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes at weeks 24 and 28.

    Drug: tocilizumab
    Subjects will be randomized 1:1 to one of the following arms: ARM A: TCZ, 4 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 400 mg) once at study entry, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 800 mg) at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN placebo by IV infusion at weeks 20, 24, and 28. ARM B: Placebo by IV infusion at study entry followed by placebo by IV infusion at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN TCZ, 4 mg/Kg (not to exceed 400 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes once at week 20, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg (not to exceed 800 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes at weeks 24 and 28.
    Other Names:
  • TCZ
  • Drug: Placebo
    Subjects will be randomized 1:1 to one of the following arms: ARM A: TCZ, 4 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 400 mg) once at study entry, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 800 mg) at weeks 4 aned 8, and THEN placebo by IV infusion at weeks 20, 24, and 28. ARM B: Placebo by IV infusion at study entry followed by placebo by IV infusion at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN TCZ, 4 mg/Kg (not to exceed 400 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes once at week 20, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg (not to exceed 800 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes at weeks 24 and 28.
    Other Names:
  • Normal saline for infusion
  • Outcome Measures

    Primary Outcome Measures

    1. Number of Grade 2 or Greater AEs [30 weeks]

      The number and percentage of participants experiencing at least one grade ≥2 clinical or laboratory adverse event related to study treatment during each period (0 to 10 weeks for Period 1 or 20 to 30 weeks for Period 2).

    Secondary Outcome Measures

    1. Serum C-reactive Protein Change Between Beginning and End of Treatment Period [study entry - 10 weeks; 20 weeks - 30 weeks]

      The primary analysis of the two co-primary (CRP and T cell cycling) endpoints will specifically focus on the changes from study entry to week 10 and from week 20 to week 30.

    2. Change in Proportion of Central Memory T Cells Expressing Ki67 Between Beginning and End of Treatment Period [study entry - 10 weeks; 20 weeks - 30 weeks]

      The primary analysis of the two co-primary (CRP and T cell cycling) endpoints will specifically focus on the changes from study entry to week 10 and from week 20 to week 30.

    Eligibility Criteria

    Criteria

    Ages Eligible for Study:
    18 Years to 60 Years
    Sexes Eligible for Study:
    All
    Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
    No

    Inclusion Criteria

    4.1.1 Men and women age 18-60 years.

    4.1.2 Ability and willingness to communicate in English or Spanish

    4.1.3 Ability and willingness of subject to provide informed consent.

    4.1.4 Ability and willingness to provide adequate locator information.

    4.1.5 HIV-1 infection, documented by any licensed rapid HIV test or HIV enzyme or chemiluminescence immunoassay (E/CIA) test at any time before study entry and confirmed by a licensed Western blot, a second antibody test by a method other than rapid HIV or E/CIA; HIV-1 antigen; or plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load.

    4.1.6 Receiving a stable antiretroviral regimen consisting of 3 or more drugs belonging to two or more classes, one of which must be a protease inhibitor, an integrase inhibitor, or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, without any changes due to virologic failure in the past 24 weeks, and with no plans to change antiretroviral regimen in the 40 weeks following enrollment. If the regimen includes a protease inhibitor, ritonavir or an approved boosting agent known to increase trough levels of the protease inhibitor by at least 50% must also be a part of the regimen.

    NOTE A: Changes to the antiretroviral regimen 8 weeks or more prior to enrollment are allowed if the plasma HIV RNA was <50 copies/mL at the time of the change, the reason for the change was not suspicion or documentation of virologic failure, and all other criteria for virologic control, as outlined in criterion 4.1.9 below, are met.

    NOTE B: For the purposes of this protocol, "a change due to virologic failure" is defined as any of the following events or combinations thereof happening in a patient who is receiving uninterrupted combination antiretroviral therapy including at least three agents belonging to at least two classes: a) plasma HIV RNA is >200 copies/mL on two or more consecutive occasions; b) the treating physician determines that any given plasma HIV RNA value is indicative or suggestive of virologic failure, and recommends that the patient's regimen be modified as a result; c) a genotypic or phenotypic antiretroviral resistance test identifies the presence of resistance to any component of a patient's regimen that was not present before, and a physician recommends that the patient's regimen be modified as a result.

    4.1.7 For subjects who have a positive HBcAb only:

    • An antiretroviral regimen containing one or more of the following medications: lamivudine, emtricitabine, or tenofovir.

    4.1.8 Screening CD4+ T-cell count ≥350 cells/mm3 but ≤1,000 cells/mm3 performed in a laboratory that has a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification or its equivalent.

    4.1.9 HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/mL at every time a plasma HIV RNA has been obtained, but no fewer than twice, in the 96 weeks prior to enrollment.

    NOTE: One plasma HIV RNA above 200 copies/mL but lower than 1,000 copies in the 96 weeks prior to enrollment is permissible if flanked by two measurements that are both below 200 copies. The HIV-1 RNA at screening must be <50 copies/mL.

    4.1.10 The following laboratory values obtained within 60 days prior to entry:

    • Hgb ≥10 g/dL

    • Platelet count >100,000/mm3

    • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥2,000 cells/mm3

    • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT)] <1.5x ULN

    • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) [serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT)] <1.5x ULN

    • For subjects who consent to undergo rectal tissue sampling only: International normalized ratio (INR) < 1.7

    • Total bilirubin <3.0 mg/dL, EXCEPT for subjects receiving atazanavir

    • For subjects receiving atazanavir: Direct bilirubin ≤1.0 mg/dL

    • Calculated GFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m2

    4.1.11 Female subjects of reproductive potential must have a negative serum or urine pregnancy test at study entry and must affirm that they do not intend to become pregnant for the duration of the study.

    NOTE: For the purposes of this protocol, a female subject of reproductive potential is defined as one who has reached menarche, has not been post-menopausal for at least 24 consecutive months (i.e., has had menses within the preceding 24 months), and has not undergone surgical sterilization (e.g., hysterectomy, tubal ligation, or bilateral oophorectomy).

    4.1.12 Female subjects of reproductive potential participating in sexual activity that could lead to pregnancy must agree to use at least one of the following forms of birth control for at least 30 days prior to study entry through 30 days after the final study visit:

    • Condoms (male or female) with or without a spermicidal agent

    • Diaphragm or cervical cap with spermicide

    PLUS at least one of the following:
    • An FDA-approved copper intrauterine device (IUD), e.g. ParaGard®, or an FDA-approved hormone-releasing IUD, e.g. Mirena®

    • An FDA-approved transdermal hormonal contraceptive, e.g. Ortho-Evra®

    • An FDA-approved injectable hormonal contraceptive, e.g. Depo-Provera®

    • An FDA-approved hormonal contraceptive in vaginal ring form, e.g. NuvaRing®

    • An FDA-approved implantable hormonal contraceptive, e.g. Implanon® or Jadelle®

    NOTE A: Oral hormonal contraceptives, either combined or progestin-only, are not acceptable as a second contraceptive method.

    NOTE B: Women of reproductive potential who are using a hormonal contraceptive not included above may consider switching their contraceptive to one of the approved forms, but will be required to do so in consultation with their primary healthcare providers. Study investigators will not prescribe or recommend a specific form of contraception to study participants. The study will not cover the costs of contraceptives.

    4.1.13 Female subjects who are not of reproductive potential [i.e., women who have been post-menopausal for at least 24 consecutive months or women who have undergone surgical sterilization (e.g., hysterectomy, tubal ligation, or bilateral oophorectomy)] are eligible without requiring the use of a contraceptive. Acceptable documentation of sterilization, other contraception methods, menopause and reproductive potential is patient-reported history at any time prior to screening.

    4.1.14 Subjects must be determined by the investigators to have at least one fully active regimen available to them other than the regimen they are receiving at study entry. The determination of whether or not an alternative regimen is available must take into account both the subject's antiretroviral history and any previously obtained resistance testing. A valid alternative regimen must meet the recommendations for an active regimen outlined in the current DHHS guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents (93).

    Exclusion Criteria

    4.2.1 History of one of the following opportunistic infections at any time in the past, as demonstrated by either a patient-reported or physician-documented diagnosis AND the initiation of specific treatment if applicable:

    • Tuberculosis, pulmonary or extrapulmonary

    • Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection, disseminated or extrapulmonary

    • Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia

    • Coccidioidomycosis, disseminated or extrapulmonary

    • Cryptococcosis, extrapulmonary

    • Cryptosporidiosis or isosporiasis, chronic intestinal (greater than 1 month's duration)

    • Cytomegalovirus disease (other than liver, spleen, or lymph nodes) and including retinitis with loss of vision

    • Histoplasmosis, disseminated or extrapulmonary

    • Kaposi's sarcoma

    • Lymphoma, Burkitt's or immunoblastic, regardless of anatomical location

    • Lymphoma, primary of brain

    • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

    • Toxoplasmosis of brain

    4.2.2 Latent tuberculosis infection, defined as a positive or borderline FDA-approved interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA).

    4.2.3 Pregnant or breastfeeding.

    4.2.4 Active local or systemic infection (defined as requiring systemic antibiotics or other medical or surgical treatment) at the time of enrollment.

    4.2.5 Use of systemic cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy, immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapy (e.g., interferons, tumor necrosis factor antagonists, interleukins) or any investigational therapy within 90 days prior to study entry or continued indication for such medications. A list of prohibited study medications is provided in appendix 1 of the Manual of Operations (MOPS).

    NOTE A: Use of inhaled or nasal steroids, the equivalent of 10 mg of prednisone or less per day or a less than 2-week course of steroids are not exclusionary.

    NOTE B: A single course of 1% hydrocortisone cream or equivalent applied up to 3 times a day to <10 square inches area for <2 weeks is permitted. The investigators will determine if other forms of limited, short-term topical steroid use are expected to interfere significantly with the study objectives and are therefore exclusionary.

    4.2.6 Receipt of a live attenuated vaccine within 30 days prior to study entry or expected need for such vaccines at any time during and for 30 days after the study.

    4.2.7 Known allergy/sensitivity or any hypersensitivity to components of the study drug or its formulation.

    4.2.8 Active drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements.

    4.2.9 Serious illness requiring systemic treatment and/or hospitalization within 45 days prior to study entry.

    4.2.11 Known cirrhosis or severe liver disease (e.g., ascites, encephalopathy, history of variceal bleeding).

    4.2.12 Active hepatitis B (positive HBsAg, HBV DNA, or HBeAg) or hepatitis C (positive HCV antibody and positive HCV RNA in plasma) documented at the screening visit.

    NOTE A: For purposes of documenting hepatitis B status, an HBsAg or HBV DNA obtained in the 6 months prior to and up to the date of the screening visit is acceptable EXCEPT for subjects with a positive HBcAb at screening (see Note B). A negative HBeAg during the same period in the absence of an HBsAg or HBV DNA is not sufficient evidence of HBV-negative status. If a clinically obtained test is not available at screening, an HBsAg will be drawn together with other evaluations at this visit.

    NOTE B: For subjects with a positive HBcAb at screening, an HBV DNA below the limit of quantification at any time from screening to study entry is required.

    NOTE C: For purposes of documenting HCV status, a negative HCV antibody obtained in the 6 months prior to and up to the date of the screening visit is sufficient. For any subject with a positive HCV antibody, an HCV RNA measurement is required.

    4.2.13 History of diverticulitis, intestinal perforation, distal intestinal obstruction, or lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

    4.2.14 An antiretroviral regimen containing maraviroc at study entry. 4.215 History of a demyelinating disorder such as multiple sclerosis or chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy at any time in the past.

    4.2.16 A trough level of any protease inhibitor (other than a boosting dose of ritonavir) or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor included in the subject's antiretroviral regimen at screening that is below the lower limit of the steady-state trough level range observed in published studies, according to Table 2, below.

    Table 2: Cutoffs of selected antiretroviral trough levels Drug Lower limit of range (levels below this at screening are exclusionary) Efavirenz(94) 1 µg/mL Nevirapine(94) 3 µg/mL Etravirine(95) 75 ng/mL Rilpivirine(96) 4 ng/mL Atazanavir/r(94) 0.15 µg/mL Darunavir/r(96) 1036 ng/mL Lopinavir/r(94)

    1 µg/mL Amprenavir(94) 0.4 µg/mL Fosamprenavir/r(94) 0.4 µg/mL Indinavir/r(94) 0.1 µg/mL Saquinavir SGC/r(94) 0.1 µg/mL Nelfinavir(94) 0.8 µg/mL

    4.2.17 Active malignant disease, other than a resected basal cell carcinoma of the skin.

    4.2.18 For subjects who consent to undergo rectal tissue sampling only:

    • History of a bleeding diathesis of any kind, or contraindication for lower GI endoscopy

    • Major GI tract surgery within 45 days prior to study entry. Minor procedures involving only the anal canal such as condyloma ablations, hemorrhoidectomy, and anoscopy are permitted if cleared by the responsible surgeon.

    • Continued need for, or use during the 7 days prior to the scheduled flex-sig procedure, of the following medications:

    • Aspirin, systemic antiplatelet agents, or more than 4 doses of NSAIDs

    • Warfarin, heparin, thrombin inhibitors, factor Xa inhibitors, and systemic thromobolytics and fibrinolytics. A list of prohibited medications for the flex-sig procedure can be found in the appendix of the MOPS. A bridge course of short-acting low-molecular weight heparin within the 7-day pre-procedure window in patients receiving a chronic systemic anticoagulant who can be safely maintained off anticoagulation for several days is permitted if cleared by the subject's primary healthcare provider and the UHCMC Digestive Health Institute.

    • Abnormalities of the colorectal mucosa, or significant colorectal symptoms, which in the opinion of the clinician represent a contraindication to biopsy (including but not limited to presence of any unresolved injury, infectious or inflammatory condition of the local mucosa)

    Contacts and Locations

    Locations

    Site City State Country Postal Code
    1 Case Clinical Research Site Cleveland Ohio United States 44106

    Sponsors and Collaborators

    • Case Western Reserve University

    Investigators

    • Study Chair: Benigno Rodriguez, MD, Case Western Reserve University
    • Study Chair: Michael Lederman, MD, Case Western Reserve University

    Study Documents (Full-Text)

    More Information

    Publications

    None provided.
    Responsible Party:
    Cheryl Smith, Principal Investigator, Case Western Reserve University
    ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
    NCT02049437
    Other Study ID Numbers:
    • AIDS 347
    • IL-6
    First Posted:
    Jan 30, 2014
    Last Update Posted:
    Jan 7, 2021
    Last Verified:
    Dec 1, 2020
    Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product:
    Yes
    Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product:
    No
    Keywords provided by Cheryl Smith, Principal Investigator, Case Western Reserve University
    Additional relevant MeSH terms:

    Study Results

    Participant Flow

    Recruitment Details
    Pre-assignment Detail
    Arm/Group Title Arm A: TCZ, Then Placebo Arm B: Placebo, Then TCZ
    Arm/Group Description ARM A: TCZ, 4 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 400 mg) once at study entry, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 800 mg) at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN placebo by IV infusion at weeks 20, 24, and 28. ARM B: Placebo by IV infusion at study entry, followed by placebo by IV infusion at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN TCZ, 4 mg/Kg (not to exceed 400 mg) by IV infusion over 60 min once at week 20, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg (not to exceed 800 mg) by IV infusion over 60 min at weeks 24 and 28.
    Period Title: Period 1
    STARTED 17 17
    COMPLETED 15 16
    NOT COMPLETED 2 1
    Period Title: Period 1
    STARTED 15 16
    COMPLETED 15 16
    NOT COMPLETED 0 0
    Period Title: Period 1
    STARTED 15 16
    COMPLETED 15 16
    NOT COMPLETED 0 0
    Period Title: Period 1
    STARTED 15 16
    COMPLETED 15 16
    NOT COMPLETED 0 0

    Baseline Characteristics

    Arm/Group Title Arm A: TCZ, Then Placebo Arm B: Placebo, Then TCZ Total
    Arm/Group Description ARM A: TCZ, 4 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 400 mg) once at study entry, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg by IV infusion over 60 minutes (not to exceed 800 mg) at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN placebo by IV infusion at weeks 20, 24, and 28. ARM B: Placebo by IV infusion at study entry followed by placebo by IV infusion at weeks 4 and 8, and THEN TCZ, 4 mg/Kg (not to exceed 400 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes once at week 20, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/Kg (not to exceed 800 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes at weeks 24 and 28. Total of all reporting groups
    Overall Participants 17 17 34
    Age (years) [Median (Inter-Quartile Range) ]
    Median (Inter-Quartile Range) [years]
    47
    49
    48
    Sex: Female, Male (Count of Participants)
    Female
    4
    23.5%
    3
    17.6%
    7
    20.6%
    Male
    13
    76.5%
    14
    82.4%
    27
    79.4%
    Race/Ethnicity, Customized (Count of Participants)
    White
    7
    41.2%
    10
    58.8%
    17
    50%
    Black or African American
    10
    58.8%
    6
    35.3%
    16
    47.1%
    Other
    0
    0%
    1
    5.9%
    1
    2.9%
    Region of Enrollment (participants) [Number]
    United States
    17
    100%
    17
    100%
    34
    100%

    Outcome Measures

    1. Primary Outcome
    Title Number of Grade 2 or Greater AEs
    Description The number and percentage of participants experiencing at least one grade ≥2 clinical or laboratory adverse event related to study treatment during each period (0 to 10 weeks for Period 1 or 20 to 30 weeks for Period 2).
    Time Frame 30 weeks

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Tocilizumab Placebo
    Arm/Group Description Patients from Arm A that obtained TCZ, 4 mg/kg by IV infusion over 60 min (not to exceed 400 mg) once at study entry, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/kg by IV infusion over 60 min (not to exceed 800 mg) at weeks 4, and 8. Patients from Arm B that obtained TCZ, 4 mg/kg by IV infusion over 60 min (not to exceed 400 mg) once at week 20, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/kg (not to exceed 800 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes at weeks 24 and 28 after the first (placebo) interventional period and washout period Patients from Arm A that, after washout period 1, obtained placebo by IV infusion at weeks 20, 24 and 28. Patients from Arm B that obtained placebo by IV infusion at study entry followed by placebo by IV infusion at weeks 4 and 8.
    Measure Participants 31 31
    Count of Participants [Participants]
    10
    58.8%
    2
    11.8%
    Statistical Analysis 1
    Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Tocilizumab, Placebo
    Comments
    Type of Statistical Test Superiority
    Comments
    Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.07
    Comments
    Method Mixed Models Analysis
    Comments
    Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Risk Ratio (RR)
    Estimated Value 4.43
    Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
    0.90 to 21.83
    Parameter Dispersion Type:
    Value:
    Estimation Comments
    2. Secondary Outcome
    Title Serum C-reactive Protein Change Between Beginning and End of Treatment Period
    Description The primary analysis of the two co-primary (CRP and T cell cycling) endpoints will specifically focus on the changes from study entry to week 10 and from week 20 to week 30.
    Time Frame study entry - 10 weeks; 20 weeks - 30 weeks

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Tocilizumab Placebo
    Arm/Group Description Patients from Arm A that obtained TCZ, 4 mg/kg by IV infusion over 60 min (not to exceed 400 mg) once at study entry, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/kg by IV infusion over 60 min (not to exceed 800 mg) at weeks 4, and 8. Patients from Arm B that obtained TCZ, 4 mg/kg by IV infusion over 60 min (not to exceed 400 mg) once at week 20, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/kg (not to exceed 800 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes at weeks 24 and 28 after the first (placebo) interventional period and washout period Patients from Arm A that, after washout period 1, obtained placebo by IV infusion at weeks 20, 24 and 28. Patients from Arm B that obtained placebo by IV infusion at study entry followed by placebo by IV infusion at weeks 4 and 8.
    Measure Participants 31 31
    Serum C-reactive protein at either study entry or week 20
    4316
    (6907)
    3320
    (4149)
    Serum C-reactive protein at either 10 weeks or 30 weeks
    157
    (183)
    2256
    (1928)
    Statistical Analysis 1
    Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Tocilizumab, Placebo
    Comments
    Type of Statistical Test Superiority
    Comments
    Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
    Comments
    Method Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
    Comments
    Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Mean Difference (Final Values)
    Estimated Value -2036.8
    Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
    -3490.32 to -900.62
    Parameter Dispersion Type:
    Value:
    Estimation Comments
    3. Secondary Outcome
    Title Change in Proportion of Central Memory T Cells Expressing Ki67 Between Beginning and End of Treatment Period
    Description The primary analysis of the two co-primary (CRP and T cell cycling) endpoints will specifically focus on the changes from study entry to week 10 and from week 20 to week 30.
    Time Frame study entry - 10 weeks; 20 weeks - 30 weeks

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Tocilizumab Placebo
    Arm/Group Description Patients from Arm A that obtained TCZ, 4 mg/kg by IV infusion over 60 min (not to exceed 400 mg) once at study entry, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/kg by IV infusion over 60 min (not to exceed 800 mg) at weeks 4, and 8. Patients from Arm B that obtained TCZ, 4 mg/kg by IV infusion over 60 min (not to exceed 400 mg) once at week 20, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/kg (not to exceed 800 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes at weeks 24 and 28 after the first (placebo) interventional period and washout period Patients from Arm A that, after washout period 1, obtained placebo by IV infusion at weeks 20, 24 and 28. Patients from Arm B that obtained placebo by IV infusion at study entry followed by placebo by IV infusion at weeks 4 and 8.
    Measure Participants 31 31
    proportion of central memory T cells expressing Ki67 at either study entry or 20 weeks
    0.0689
    (0.0222)
    0.0721
    (0.0293)
    proportion of central memory T cells expressing Ki67 at either 10 weeks or 30 weeks
    0.0685
    (0.0192)
    0.0708
    (0.0222)
    Statistical Analysis 1
    Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Tocilizumab, Placebo
    Comments
    Type of Statistical Test Superiority
    Comments
    Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.77
    Comments
    Method Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
    Comments
    Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Mean Difference (Final Values)
    Estimated Value 0.1
    Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
    -0.79 to 0.65
    Parameter Dispersion Type:
    Value:
    Estimation Comments

    Adverse Events

    Time Frame Adverse event data were collected over the total length of the trial, 40 weeks.
    Adverse Event Reporting Description 33 patients were at risk for adverse events during the Toculizumab treatment: 17 patients in arm A that started Toculizumab in period 1 + 16 patients in arm B that started Toculizumab in period 2 32 patients were at risk for adverse events during the placebo treatment: 17 patients in arm B that started placebo in period 1 + 15 patients in arm A that started placebo treatment in period 2
    Arm/Group Title Tocilizumab Placebo
    Arm/Group Description Patients from Arm A that obtained TCZ, 4 mg/kg by IV infusion over 60 min (not to exceed 400 mg) once at study entry, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/kg by IV infusion over 60 min (not to exceed 800 mg) at weeks 4, and 8. Patients from Arm B that obtained TCZ, 4 mg/kg by IV infusion over 60 min (not to exceed 400 mg) once at week 20, followed by TCZ, 8 mg/kg (not to exceed 800 mg) by IV infusion over 60 minutes at weeks 24 and 28 after the first (placebo) interventional period and washout period Patients from Arm A that, after washout period 1, obtained placebo by IV infusion at weeks 20, 24 and 28. Patients from Arm B that obtained placebo by IV infusion at study entry followed by placebo by IV infusion at weeks 4 and 8.
    All Cause Mortality
    Tocilizumab Placebo
    Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
    Total 0/33 (0%) 0/32 (0%)
    Serious Adverse Events
    Tocilizumab Placebo
    Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
    Total 1/33 (3%) 0/32 (0%)
    Blood and lymphatic system disorders
    Severe neutropenia 1/33 (3%) 1 0/32 (0%) 0
    Other (Not Including Serious) Adverse Events
    Tocilizumab Placebo
    Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
    Total 23/33 (69.7%) 17/32 (53.1%)
    Gastrointestinal disorders
    Viral gastroenteritis 0/33 (0%) 0 1/32 (3.1%) 1
    General disorders
    Abnormal blood test 21/33 (63.6%) 45 15/32 (46.9%) 29
    Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
    radius fracture 1/33 (3%) 1 0/32 (0%) 0
    Ankle fracture 0/33 (0%) 0 1/32 (3.1%) 1
    Metabolism and nutrition disorders
    Weight loss 1/33 (3%) 1 0/32 (0%) 0
    Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
    Acute gout flare 0/33 (0%) 0 1/32 (3.1%) 1
    Renal and urinary disorders
    Urinary tract infection 0/33 (0%) 0 1/32 (3.1%) 2
    Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
    Sinus Infection 1/33 (3%) 1 0/32 (0%) 0
    Respiratory tract infection 0/33 (0%) 0 1/32 (3.1%) 1
    Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
    Hidradentitis Suppurativa 1/33 (3%) 1 0/32 (0%) 0
    Cellulitis 0/33 (0%) 0 1/32 (3.1%) 1

    Limitations/Caveats

    [Not Specified]

    More Information

    Certain Agreements

    All Principal Investigators ARE employed by the organization sponsoring the study.

    There is NOT an agreement between Principal Investigators and the Sponsor (or its agents) that restricts the PI's rights to discuss or publish trial results after the trial is completed.

    Results Point of Contact

    Name/Title Marijke Frederix, PhD
    Organization University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
    Phone (216) 844-0383
    Email marijke.frederix@UHhospitals.org
    Responsible Party:
    Cheryl Smith, Principal Investigator, Case Western Reserve University
    ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
    NCT02049437
    Other Study ID Numbers:
    • AIDS 347
    • IL-6
    First Posted:
    Jan 30, 2014
    Last Update Posted:
    Jan 7, 2021
    Last Verified:
    Dec 1, 2020