Live Zoster Vaccine in HIV-Infected Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy

HIV Infections Clinical Trial

Official title: A Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of ZOSTAVAX® (Zoster Vaccine Live) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1-Infected Adults on Potent Combination ART With Conserved Immune Function

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Herpes zoster, or shingles, is the result of a viral infection that causes a painful skin rash, usually in older people or people with suppressed immune systems like those infected with HIV. The ZOSTAVAX vaccine has been shown to reduce the number of infections and symptoms of herpes zoster infection in people over the age of 60. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of two doses of ZOSTAVAX in HIV-1-infected adults with conserved immune function (Cd4+ T cell counts >=200 cells/uL) virologically suppressed on potent combination antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Clinical Trial Description

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) which causes herpes zoster (HZ), or shingles, is associated with a painful skin rash and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The incidence and severity of HZ and PHN increase as immune function decreases, as in elderly or HIV-infected people. The live VZV vaccine, ZOSTAVAX, has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of HZ and PHN in people over the age of 60. The main purpose of this study is to determine whether a two-dose regimen of ZOSTAVAX is safe and well-tolerated in HIV-infected individuals with conserved immune function.

This study has two stages and two arms. It may last up to 24 weeks per subject. In Stage 1, 48 participants with CD4 cell counts of 200 or more cells/uL will be enrolled (24 participants with a CD4 count between 200 and 349 cells/uL and 24 participants with a CD4 count equaling 350 or more cells/uL). These participants will be randomized 3:1 to receive two doses of ZOSTAVAX or placebo at least six weeks apart. If certain safety criteria are met for Stage 1, enrollment will be opened to Stage 2. Stage 2 will enroll approximately 352 subjects with CD4+ T cell counts >= 200 cells/uL. In Stage 2, participants will be stratified using the same parameters as Stage 1 and will then be randomized 3:1 to receive either two doses of vaccine or placebo according to the same schedule. Participants will be followed for at least 42 days after each vaccination. Temperatures will be collected daily for 42 days following each vaccination. Telephone contact will also be made 2 to 3 days after each vaccination and at 24 weeks following the initial vaccination to obtain information regarding vaccination-related symptoms.

All participants will have between 6 and 8 study visits. At the screening visit, documentation of HIV status is required, and blood and urine collection, a physical exam, medical history, and clinical assessment will occur. At each visit, a targeted physical exam will occur. At some visits, blood and urine collection, and a clinical assessment will occur. Antiretroviral medications are not provided by this study. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Herpes Zoster
• HIV Infections

• NCT number: NCT00851786
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Start date: April 29, 2009
• Completion date: January 3, 2012