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HIV InfectionsPhase 2VIPNCT00530777

HSV-2 Suppression to Reduce Maternal HIV-1 RNA Levels During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

A Phase 2 study testing valacyclovir in people with HIV Infections and Herpes Simplex, run by University of Washington at 1 site in Kenya.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

In this study, we will determine whether treating pregnant and breastfeeding women co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) with daily valacyclovir will reduce HIV-1 levels in plasma, genital, and breast milk and will decrease the risk of mother-to-child… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older, women only
Conditions the study is for
HIV Infections, Herpes Simplex
What is being tested?
valacyclovir
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
148 participants
Where
1 siteKenya
Study dates
Apr 2008to Aug 2010
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • HIV-1 seropositive
  • HSV-2 seropositive
  • Plans to deliver in Nairobi
  • Resides and plans to remain in Nairobi for 12 months postpartum
  • 18 years of age or older
  • CD4 count>250 cells/μl

Who cannot join

  • indication for highly active antiretroviral therapy (e.g., WHO stage III or IV)
  • hypersensitivity to valacyclovir or acyclovir

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Kenya1 site
  • Mathare North City Clinic

    Nairobi

Other trials in Kenya

About this study

In this study, we will determine whether treating pregnant and breastfeeding women co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) with daily valacyclovir will reduce HIV-1 levels in plasma, genital, and breast milk and will decrease the risk of mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission (MTCT).

Read the detailed description

Each year over 500,000 children become HIV-1-infected in sub-Saharan Africa after exposure to maternal virus in blood, genital secretions, and breast milk. Identifying feasible, safe, and affordable interventions that prevent mother-to-child transmission remains a priority for HIV-1 prevention research. Interventions to reduce breast milk HIV-1 transmission are lacking and most urgently needed.

We propose a randomized clinical trial to determine whether incorporating HSV-2 suppression with valacyclovir into standard prevention of mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission regimens will reduce plasma, cervical, and breast milk HIV-1 RNA levels and risk of transmission among HIV-1-infected and HSV-2-seropositive women. We plan to enroll a total of 148 HIV-1 and HSV-2 co-infected pregnant women with CD4>200 cells/μl who seek antenatal care prior to 32 weeks gestation at a clinic in Nairobi, Kenya. Women will be randomized to receive either valacyclovir suppressive therapy or placebo at 34 weeks gestation and mother-infant pairs will be followed for 12 months postpartum. Follow-up visits will be scheduled at 38 weeks gestation; birth; 2, 6, 10 and 14 weeks; and 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum. Maternal blood, genital, and breast milk specimens obtained at follow-up visits will be used to determine the effect of valacyclovir suppressive therapy on plasma and breast milk HIV-1 RNA levels. Infant filter paper specimens for HIV-1 DNA assays will be collected at birth; 2, 6, 10 and 14 weeks; and 6, 9, and 12 months in order to compare the proportion of infants acquiring HIV-1 by 12 months in the two study arms and determine the timing of HIV-1 infection. In addition, we will monitor maternal and infant renal function in preparation for a larger randomized clinical trial in Africa. The results of this study will help guide the design of a multi-site clinical trial with adequate power to determine the effect of HSV-2 suppression on vertical (MTCT) transmission of HIV-1 infection.

Being tested
valacyclovir, placebo
Keywords
Disease Transmission, Vertical, valacyclovir, Randomized Controlled Trials, HIV, herpes, Herpesvirus 2, Human, HIV Seronegativity
Medical subject headings
HIV Infections, Herpes Simplex

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • valacyclovirDrug

    Also called Valtrex

    500 mg oral valacyclovir twice daily from 34 weeks gestation to 1 year postpartum

  • placeboDrug

    oral placebo twice daily from 34 weeks gestation to 1 year postpartum

Study groups in NCT00530777
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
1Experimental500 mg oral valacyclovir twice daily from 34 weeks gestation to 1 year postpartum
Receives: Drug: valacyclovir
2Placebo comparatororal placebo twice daily from 34 weeks gestation to 1 year postpartum
Receives: Drug: placebo

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Mean Change in HIV-1 Levels in Plasma Between 34 and 38 Weeks Gestation

    Calculated as log10 plasma viral load at 34 weeks gestation - log10 plasma viral load at 38 weeks gestation

    Measured: 4 weeks

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Vertical HIV-1 Transmission

    Mother-to-child HIV transmission

    Measured: 1 year postpartum

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted17 Sep 2007 (estimated)
  2. Study startApr 2008
  3. Primary completionAug 2010
  4. Study completionAug 2010

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
148 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT00530777
Sponsor's protocol ID
32462
Other IDs
07-7306-A01, R03HD057773
Acronym
VIP
Status last verified
Nov 2018
First submitted
13 Sep 2007
Last updated
19 Dec 2018
Data monitoring committee
Yes

Publications

  • Dabis F, Msellati P, Meda N, Welffens-Ekra C, You B, Manigart O, Leroy V, Simonon A, Cartoux M, Combe P, Ouangre A, Ramon R, Ky-Zerbo O, Montcho C, Salamon R, Rouzioux C, Van de Perre P, Mandelbrot L. 6-month efficacy, tolerance, and acceptability of a short regimen of oral zidovudine to reduce vertical transmission of HIV in breastfed children in Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso: a double-blind placebo-controlled multicentre trial. DITRAME Study Group. DIminution de la Transmission Mere-Enfant. Lancet. 1999 Mar 6;353(9155):786-92. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(98)11046-2.

    PubMed 10459959
  • Iliff PJ, Piwoz EG, Tavengwa NV, Zunguza CD, Marinda ET, Nathoo KJ, Moulton LH, Ward BJ, Humphrey JH; ZVITAMBO study group. Early exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of postnatal HIV-1 transmission and increases HIV-free survival. AIDS. 2005 Apr 29;19(7):699-708. doi: 10.1097/01.aids.0000166093.16446.c9.

    PubMed 15821396
  • Drake AL, John-Stewart GC, Wald A, Mbori-Ngacha DA, Bosire R, Wamalwa DC, Lohman-Payne BL, Ashley-Morrow R, Corey L, Farquhar C. Herpes simplex virus type 2 and risk of intrapartum human immunodeficiency virus transmission. Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Feb;109(2 Pt 1):403-9. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000251511.27725.5c.

    PubMed 17267842
  • Chen KT, Segu M, Lumey LH, Kuhn L, Carter RJ, Bulterys M, Abrams EJ; New York City Perinatal AIDS Collaborative Transmission Study (PACTS) Group. Genital herpes simplex virus infection and perinatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Dec;106(6):1341-8. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000185917.90004.7c.

    PubMed 16319261
  • Whitehead S, Bollen L, Leelawiwat W, et al. Maternal HSV-2 Cervicovaginal Shedding Increases the Risk of Intra-partum HIV-1 Transmission. 14th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections. Los Angeles, 2007.

  • Duffus WA, Mermin J, Bunnell R, Byers RH, Odongo G, Ekwaru P, Downing R. Chronic herpes simplex virus type-2 infection and HIV viral load. Int J STD AIDS. 2005 Nov;16(11):733-5. doi: 10.1258/095646205774763298.

    PubMed 16303067
  • Mole L, Ripich S, Margolis D, Holodniy M. The impact of active herpes simplex virus infection on human immunodeficiency virus load. J Infect Dis. 1997 Sep;176(3):766-70. doi: 10.1086/517297.

    PubMed 9291329
  • Mofenson LM, Lambert JS, Stiehm ER, Bethel J, Meyer WA 3rd, Whitehouse J, Moye J Jr, Reichelderfer P, Harris DR, Fowler MG, Mathieson BJ, Nemo GJ. Risk factors for perinatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in women treated with zidovudine. Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group Study 185 Team. N Engl J Med. 1999 Aug 5;341(6):385-93. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199908053410601.

    PubMed 10432323
  • Garcia PM, Kalish LA, Pitt J, Minkoff H, Quinn TC, Burchett SK, Kornegay J, Jackson B, Moye J, Hanson C, Zorrilla C, Lew JF. Maternal levels of plasma human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA and the risk of perinatal transmission. Women and Infants Transmission Study Group. N Engl J Med. 1999 Aug 5;341(6):394-402. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199908053410602.

    PubMed 10432324
  • Shaffer N, Roongpisuthipong A, Siriwasin W, Chotpitayasunondh T, Chearskul S, Young NL, Parekh B, Mock PA, Bhadrakom C, Chinayon P, Kalish ML, Phillips SK, Granade TC, Subbarao S, Weniger BG, Mastro TD. Maternal virus load and perinatal human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype E transmission, Thailand. Bangkok Collaborative Perinatal HIV Transmission Study Group. J Infect Dis. 1999 Mar;179(3):590-9. doi: 10.1086/314641.

    PubMed 9952365
  • Chuachoowong R, Shaffer N, Siriwasin W, Chaisilwattana P, Young NL, Mock PA, Chearskul S, Waranawat N, Chaowanachan T, Karon J, Simonds RJ, Mastro TD. Short-course antenatal zidovudine reduces both cervicovaginal human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA levels and risk of perinatal transmission. Bangkok Collaborative Perinatal HIV Transmission Study Group. J Infect Dis. 2000 Jan;181(1):99-106. doi: 10.1086/315179.

    PubMed 10608756
  • Newell ML. Mechanisms and timing of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1. AIDS. 1998 May 28;12(8):831-7. doi: 10.1097/00002030-199808000-00004. No abstract available.

    PubMed 9631135
  • Nagot N, Ouedraogo A, Foulongne V, Konate I, Weiss HA, Vergne L, Defer MC, Djagbare D, Sanon A, Andonaba JB, Becquart P, Segondy M, Vallo R, Sawadogo A, Van de Perre P, Mayaud P; ANRS 1285 Study Group. Reduction of HIV-1 RNA levels with therapy to suppress herpes simplex virus. N Engl J Med. 2007 Feb 22;356(8):790-9. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa062607.

    PubMed 17314338
  • Ozouaki F, Ndjoyi-Mbiguino A, Legoff J, Onas IN, Kendjo E, Si-Mohamed A, Mbopi-Keou FX, Malkin JE, Belec L. Genital shedding of herpes simplex virus type 2 in childbearing-aged and pregnant women living in Gabon. Int J STD AIDS. 2006 Feb;17(2):124-7. doi: 10.1258/095646206775455711.

    PubMed 16464276
  • Conant MA, Schacker TW, Murphy RL, Gold J, Crutchfield LT, Crooks RJ; International Valaciclovir HSV Study Group. Valaciclovir versus aciclovir for herpes simplex virus infection in HIV-infected individuals: two randomized trials. Int J STD AIDS. 2002 Jan;13(1):12-21. doi: 10.1258/0956462021924550.

    PubMed 11802924

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing valacyclovir in people with HIV Infections and Herpes Simplex, run by University of Washington at 1 site in Kenya.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Dec 2018. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Kenya. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 18 Apr 2012). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Mean Change in HIV-1 Levels in Plasma Between 34 and 38 Weeks Gestation (time frame: 4 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT00530777, which also lists 25 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 Dec 2018.

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