CTNPT 014: Kaletra®/Celsentri® combination therapy for HIV in the setting of HCV

About the Study

This CTN study examined the efficacy and feasibility of managing HIV infection in the setting of hepatitis C (HCV) using a combination therapy of lopinavir/ ritonavir (Kaletra) and maraviroc (Celsentri). Kaletra is a single tablet protease inhibitor, designed to prevent infected HIV cells from producing more virus. Celsentri is an HIV medication that may have an anti-fibrotic, or anti-scarring, effect on the liver. The study was designed to respond to concerns about the potential toxicity of standard combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in conjunction with therapies used to treat HCV. Study researchers sought evidence that combination therapy with Kaletra and Celsentri will effectively suppress viral loads and increase the efficacy and decrease the toxicity of subsequent HCV therapy for people living with HIV/HCV co-infections. The intention was to inform a larger Phase II trial that would investigate HCV treatment in addition to managing HIV disease progression.

Background

Approximately 30% of HIV+ patients are co-infected with hepatitis C. Increasing numbers of people living with both HIV and HCV require treatment for both infections, yet there are increasing concerns that standard HIV combination therapies for treating HIV can intensify risks of toxicitiy and impact negatively on the treatment of HCV. A large number of co-infected patients are at risk of progressing to severe liver disease that could lead to death. The PROGRESS (PROtease/InteGRasE Simplification Study) study suggests that the combination of Kaletra and Isentress is as effective as conventional cART in managing HIV over 48 weeks.

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