Fostemsavir for HIV Infection
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new HIV treatment called Fostemsavir in children and teens whose HIV no longer responds well to other treatments. The goal is to assess the safety and effectiveness of Fostemsavir when combined with other HIV medications. The trial also examines whether children and teens can easily take the medication and if it helps reduce the virus in their bodies. Potential participants include children and teens with HIV who face drug resistance issues and struggle with their current treatment plan. As a Phase 1, Phase 2 trial, this research aims to understand how the treatment works in people and measure its effectiveness in an initial, smaller group.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that certain medications are prohibited or restricted. You should discuss your current medications with the study team to see if they are allowed.
Is there any evidence suggesting that Fostemsavir is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that fostemsavir is generally safe for people with HIV, including those with drug-resistant strains. Studies indicate that fostemsavir is well-tolerated over extended periods. For instance, in one study, participants took fostemsavir for nearly five years, and it remained safe for them. Most side effects were mild, such as headaches or nausea.
The FDA has approved fostemsavir for treating some adults with HIV, which increases confidence in its safety, even though this trial focuses on children and teens. In summary, early data suggest fostemsavir is a safe option for treating HIV in individuals who have not had success with other drugs.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Fostemsavir is unique because it works by targeting the HIV-1 virus differently than most current treatments. While standard options often aim to inhibit enzymes like reverse transcriptase or protease, fostemsavir blocks the virus from attaching to and entering host cells, thanks to its action as an attachment inhibitor. Researchers are excited about fostemsavir because it is specifically designed for patients, including children and adolescents, who are resistant to multiple classes of antiretroviral drugs, offering hope to those who have limited treatment options.
What evidence suggests that Fostemsavir might be an effective treatment for HIV?
Research has shown that fostemsavir effectively treats HIV-1 infections resistant to many other drugs. In one study, a treatment plan using fostemsavir significantly lowered the viral load in 144 out of 272 patients, reducing the virus in their blood to very low levels. Another study found that fostemsavir brought life-changing results for patients with limited treatment options, greatly improving their immune system health. The BRIGHTE study reported a strong increase in CD4+ cell counts, crucial for a healthy immune system. These findings suggest fostemsavir can be a powerful treatment option for those with resistant forms of HIV. Participants in this trial will receive fostemsavir combined with optimized background therapy (OBT) to evaluate its effectiveness in HIV-1 infected children and adolescents who are failing their current combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and have dual- or triple-class ARV resistance.12567
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for HIV-1 infected children and adolescents aged 6 to less than 18 years, weighing at least 20 kg, who are failing their current antiretroviral therapy with documented resistance to multiple drug classes. Participants must have a viral load ≥1000 c/mL and access to at least one fully active antiviral agent in two or more classes. Girls post-menarche must not be pregnant or breastfeeding and agree to use contraception.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Fostemsavir in combination with optimized background therapy (OBT) to assess safety, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Long-term follow-up
Participants are monitored for long-term efficacy and safety, including changes in CD4+ T cell counts
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Fostemsavir
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
PENTA Foundation
Lead Sponsor
ViiV Healthcare
Industry Sponsor
Dr. Harmony Garges
ViiV Healthcare
Chief Medical Officer
MD
Deborah Waterhouse
ViiV Healthcare
Chief Executive Officer since 2017
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration
PHPT Foundation
Collaborator
Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre
Collaborator
Cromsource
Industry Sponsor