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Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibition and Immune Function in HIV

A Blinded Randomized Controlled Pilot Immunologic and Virologic Safety Trial of an FDA-approved DPPIV-inhibitor in HIV+ Men and Women

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 2Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01093651
Acronym
DPPIVinHIV
Enrollment
20
Registered
2010-03-26
Start date
2010-06-30
Completion date
2012-06-30
Last updated
2014-02-17

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Diabetes, Insulin Resistance

Brief summary

We will test the safety of a new class of anti-diabetes compounds (DPPIV-inhibitors) in people living with HIV. Future trials will examine efficacy for treating diabetes and reducing cardiovascular disease risk in people living with HIV.

Detailed description

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection and treatment with antiretroviral therapies are associated with several cardiometabolic risk factors; insulin resistance, diabetes, dyslipidemia, central adiposity, that increase risk for MI and stroke. A new class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes has been introduced; Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPPIV)-inhibitors (Januvia®, Onglyza®, alogliptin). Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPPIV)-inhibition could be a safe and effective therapy for HIV-associated insulin resistance and diabetes. However, no safety data exist. The research question is: If HIV+ adults with stable immunologic (CD4+ T-cell count \>350 cells/μL) and virologic (plasma HIV RNA \<50 copies/mL) function are given a DPPIV-inhibitor would their CD4+ T-cell count and plasma HIV RNA level increase, decrease, or stay the same? Theoretically, DPPIV-inhibition could enhance their immune system by increasing SDF-1α levels; a potent inhibitor of HIV-entry into T-cells, or harm the HIV+ immune system by inactivating CD26 on immune cells. We hypothesize that DPPIV-inhibition will not harm the immune system in HIV+ people. We propose a blinded randomized controlled pilot safety trial of an FDA-approved DPPIV-inhibitor in virologically- and immunologically-stable HIV+ men and women. We will monitor CD4+ T-cell count, plasma HIV RNA levels, immune activation markers, and safety outcomes (lipid/lipoprotein profiles, blood pressure, kidney and liver function) during 4-6 months of DPPIV-inhibitor exposure vs placebo in 20 HIV+ adults. If safety is confirmed, the efficacy of DPPIV-inhibition in HIV+ with insulin resistance will be tested in future trials that examine potential glucoregulatory and cardiovascular benefits.

Interventions

DRUGSitagliptin

100 mg sitagliptin daily for 4-6 months

DRUGPlacebo

Daily placebo for 4-6 months

Sponsors

The Campbell Foundation
CollaboratorOTHER
Washington University School of Medicine
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Thirty 18-65 yr old HIV-infected men and women (with source documentation of HIV status) who are stable on any antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimen 2. Have stable (at least the past 12-months) immunologic (\>350 CD4+ T-cells/µL) and virologic (\<50 copies HIV RNA/mL) status. 3. BMI 18-42kg/m2; 4. Normal blood chemistry for at least 1 month prior to enrollment; 5. Platelet count \> 30,000/mm3, absolute neutrophil count \>750/mm3, transaminases \< 2.5x the upper limit of normal (ULN). 6. Long-term non-progressors (not on ART) are not eligible.

Exclusion criteria

1. CD4+ T-cell count \<350 cells/µL or detectable plasma HIV RNA (\>50 copies HIV RNA/mL) within the past 12-months. During the study, if CD4+ T-cell count declines by \>100 cells/µL, or if plasma HIV RNA becomes detectable (\>50 copies HIV RNA/mL after repeat analysis 2wks apart), and the participant denies any lapse in their anti-HIV medication regimen, the study medication will be stopped and an adverse event documented. If at any time during the study, two participants experience a reduction in T-cell count \>100 cells/µL, or their plasma HIV RNA levels become detectable (\>50 copies HIV RNA/mL after repeat analysis 2wks apart), and they are confirmed (by unblinding) to have received sitagliptin, the study will be stopped for serious safety concerns. 2. Systemic, secondary or opportunistic infection within past 12-months. 3. Fasting glucose intolerance (FBG \>100mg/dL), fasting hyperinsulinemia (\>15µU/mL), or fasting insulin resistance (Homeostasis model for insulin resistance (HOMA) \>3.0). Any agents that might alter glucose metabolism (insulin, TZDs, metformin, glucocorticoids, sulfonylurea, corticosteroids, megace, rhGH, GH-secretagogue) during the 3 months prior to enrollment or at any time during enrollment. Volunteers with T2DM, IDDM or diabetic ketoacidosis will not be enrolled. 4. History of serious CV disease or NYHA Functional Class III or IV, (e.g., recent MI, unstable angina, edema, CHF, CAD, CABG, valve disease (murmur), stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure (resting \>160/95 mmHg), irregular heart rhythm, resting ST-segment depression \>1mm). Treatment with medications for a CV condition (cardiac glycosides α- or ß-blockers). Some antihypertensive medications (calcium-channel blocker, diuretic, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE)) will be permitted. 5. Moderate to severe renal insufficiency. Serum creatinine \>1.7 mg/dL (men) \>1.5 mg/dL (women). 6. Known allergy or hypersensitivity to DPPIV-inhibitors. 7. Plan to change anti-HIV medication regimen or prophylaxis for opportunistic infection within 6-months of starting study.Transitions among efavirenz-based regimens will be allowed (e.g., Efavirenz + lamivudine + zidovudine (combivir) to Efavirenz + emtricitabine + tenofovir (Atripla)). 8. Lipid-lowering medications are permitted (fibrate or statin or niacin), but must be stable on that agent for at least 3 months prior to enrollment. Lipid-lowering agents cannot be started during the treatment period. 9. Chronic hepatitis B infection (HB surface antigen positive). Active hepatitis C infection (detectable Hep C RNA). Those who have cleared hepatitis B or C infection are eligible. 10. Hematocrit \<34% in men or \<25% in women with symptoms (fatigue, tired-legs, shortness of breath). Hemoglobin \<10 gm/100ml with symptoms. 11. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (\>4 loose stools/day) that are unresponsive to treatment. History of eating disorder or significant GI-disease. 12. Pregnant or nursing mothers. Women must agree to use an acceptable form of birth control during the study. If birth control pills are used, the woman must be stable on these medications for at least 6 months prior to enrollment. 13. Active malignancy or treatment with chemotherapeutic agents or radiation therapy (within past 12 months). 14. \>10% unintentional body weight loss during the 12 months prior to enrollment. 15. Blinded investigational drugs/medications during the 3 months prior to enrollment that will not be unblinded before enrollment. Open-label investigational drugs are permitted (within past 3 months, no plan to stop during enrollment and not known to affect glucose, lipid, adipose tissue or liver metabolism). 16. Over the counter agents that might alter glucose, lipid, or adipose tissue metabolism (e.g., creatine monohydrate, chromium picolinate, amino acid/protein supplements, medium- or long-chain fatty acids) within 1 month of enrollment. These supplements are not permitted during the treatment period. 17. Reduced cognitive function/unable to provide voluntary informed consent. Prisoners are excluded. 18. Active substance abuse that the physician-scientist believes may compromise safety, compliance, or interfere with study drug or data interpretation. 19. Any cytokine or anti-cytokine therapy during 3 months prior to enrollment.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
CD4+ T-cell CountMonthly for 4 months
Plasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Monthly for 6 monthsPercentage of participants with plasma HIV RNA copy number less than 48 copies/mL

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
RANTES; Serum Biomarkers of Immune ActivationBaseline, week 8, week 16serum Regulated on Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted concentration
Soluble TNFR2; Serum Biomarkers of Immune ActivationBaseline, week 8, week 16serum soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 concentration
Self-reported SymptomsMonthly for 4 monthsCumulative number of self-reported symptoms based on the Division of AIDS Grading Scale for the Severity of Adult Adverse Events (0-4 scale where 0 is no new symptoms, 4 is serious adverse event or toxicity)
Oral Glucose ToleranceBaseline, week 8, week 16Area under the 75-gr oral glucose tolerance curve (AUCg) based on plasma glucose values measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 mins post-glucose challenge.
SDF1α; Serum Biomarkers of Immune ActivationBaseline, week 8, week 16serum stromal cell-derived factor-1α concentration

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

HIV-infected adults (18 - 65 years old) were recruited from the AIDS Clinical Trials Unit and the Infectious Diseases Clinic at Washington University School of Medicine. Thirty-one candidates were screened and 20 were enrolled; all participants were HIV positive but were otherwise healthy with stable immunologic and virologic status on HAART.

Pre-assignment details

Twenty participants were randomized to n=10 placebo or n=10 sitagliptin (Januvia(R)). Eleven volunteers were screened and found ineligible (see eligibility criteria), or did not choose to participate in the study.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Placebo
Four months of placebo to people living with HIV-1 who have well-controlled immunologic (CD4+ T-cell count \>350 cells/µL) and virologic (plasma HIV RNA \<50 copies/mL) status. Placebo : Daily placebo for 4 months
10
DPPIV Inhibition
Four months of sitagliptin administration (100mg/d) to people living with HIV-1 who have well-controlled immunologic (CD4+ T-cell count \>350 cells/µL) and virologic (plasma HIV RNA \<50 copies/mL) status. Sitagliptin : 100 mg sitagliptin daily for 4 months
10
Total20

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicDPPIV InhibitionPlaceboTotal
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
10 Participants10 Participants20 Participants
Age, Continuous36 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9
40 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15
38 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12
Region of Enrollment
United States
10 participants10 participants20 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
1 Participants2 Participants3 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
9 Participants8 Participants17 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
7 / 106 / 10
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 100 / 10

Outcome results

Primary

CD4+ T-cell Count

Time frame: Monthly for 4 months

Population: CD4+ T-cell count

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboCD4+ T-cell CountWeek 4689 cells/µLStandard Deviation 153
PlaceboCD4+ T-cell CountWeek 12686 cells/µLStandard Deviation 167
PlaceboCD4+ T-cell CountWeek 8696 cells/µLStandard Deviation 194
PlaceboCD4+ T-cell CountWeek 16681 cells/µLStandard Deviation 151
PlaceboCD4+ T-cell CountBaseline602 cells/µLStandard Deviation 91
DPPIV InhibitionCD4+ T-cell CountWeek 16636 cells/µLStandard Deviation 173
DPPIV InhibitionCD4+ T-cell CountBaseline648 cells/µLStandard Deviation 185
DPPIV InhibitionCD4+ T-cell CountWeek 4750 cells/µLStandard Deviation 225
DPPIV InhibitionCD4+ T-cell CountWeek 8656 cells/µLStandard Deviation 207
DPPIV InhibitionCD4+ T-cell CountWeek 12706 cells/µLStandard Deviation 168
Comparison: The main effect analysis was applied to both rows (timepoint) and categories (groups). It used linear mixed models to simultaneously assess differences in CD4+ T-cell count between the DPP4 inhibitor and placebo groups (categories) over time (rows). Pairwise post-hoc contrasts were performed to assess the between and within group differences in outcome measures at each time point.p-value: >0.05Mixed Models Analysis
Primary

Plasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)

Percentage of participants with plasma HIV RNA copy number less than 48 copies/mL

Time frame: Monthly for 6 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
PlaceboPlasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Baseline100 percentage of participants below 48 c/mL
PlaceboPlasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Week 4100 percentage of participants below 48 c/mL
PlaceboPlasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Week 8100 percentage of participants below 48 c/mL
PlaceboPlasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Week 12100 percentage of participants below 48 c/mL
PlaceboPlasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Week 16100 percentage of participants below 48 c/mL
PlaceboPlasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Week 24100 percentage of participants below 48 c/mL
DPPIV InhibitionPlasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Week 16100 percentage of participants below 48 c/mL
DPPIV InhibitionPlasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Baseline100 percentage of participants below 48 c/mL
DPPIV InhibitionPlasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Week 12100 percentage of participants below 48 c/mL
DPPIV InhibitionPlasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Week 4100 percentage of participants below 48 c/mL
DPPIV InhibitionPlasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Week 24100 percentage of participants below 48 c/mL
DPPIV InhibitionPlasma HIV Viremia (Viral Load)Week 8100 percentage of participants below 48 c/mL
Comparison: The main effect analysis was applied to both rows (timepoint) and categories (groups). It used linear mixed models to simultaneously assess differences in plasma HIV RNA copy number/mL between the DPP4 inhibitor and placebo groups (categories) over time (rows). Pairwise post-hoc contrasts were performed to assess the between and within group differences in outcome measures at each time point.p-value: >0.05Mixed Models Analysis
Secondary

Oral Glucose Tolerance

Area under the 75-gr oral glucose tolerance curve (AUCg) based on plasma glucose values measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 mins post-glucose challenge.

Time frame: Baseline, week 8, week 16

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboOral Glucose ToleranceBaseline AUCg142.5 mg*min/mLStandard Deviation 26.6
PlaceboOral Glucose ToleranceWeek 8 AUCg158.0 mg*min/mLStandard Deviation 26.7
PlaceboOral Glucose ToleranceWeek 16 AUCg157.5 mg*min/mLStandard Deviation 23.2
DPPIV InhibitionOral Glucose ToleranceBaseline AUCg145.6 mg*min/mLStandard Deviation 32.5
DPPIV InhibitionOral Glucose ToleranceWeek 8 AUCg133.6 mg*min/mLStandard Deviation 24.6
DPPIV InhibitionOral Glucose ToleranceWeek 16 AUCg142.5 mg*min/mLStandard Deviation 21.5
Comparison: The main effect analysis was applied to both rows (timepoint) and categories (groups). It used linear mixed models to simultaneously assess differences in area under the glucose tolerance curves between the DPP4 inhibitor and placebo groups (categories) over time (rows). Pairwise post-hoc contrasts were performed to assess the between and within group differences in outcome measures at each time point.p-value: <0.04Mixed Models Analysis
Secondary

RANTES; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activation

serum Regulated on Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted concentration

Time frame: Baseline, week 8, week 16

Population: RANTES

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboRANTES; Serum Biomarkers of Immune ActivationBaseline80.8 ng/mLStandard Deviation 23.2
PlaceboRANTES; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activationweek 885.3 ng/mLStandard Deviation 27.7
PlaceboRANTES; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activationweek 1674.9 ng/mLStandard Deviation 27.8
DPPIV InhibitionRANTES; Serum Biomarkers of Immune ActivationBaseline64.4 ng/mLStandard Deviation 37.2
DPPIV InhibitionRANTES; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activationweek 868.5 ng/mLStandard Deviation 43
DPPIV InhibitionRANTES; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activationweek 1662.8 ng/mLStandard Deviation 32.3
Comparison: The main effect analysis was applied to both rows (timepoint) and categories (groups). It used linear mixed models to simultaneously assess differences in serum RANTES levels between the DPP4 inhibitor and placebo groups (categories) over time (rows). Pairwise post-hoc contrasts were performed to assess the between and within group differences in outcome measures at each time point.p-value: >0.05Mixed Models Analysis
Secondary

SDF1α; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activation

serum stromal cell-derived factor-1α concentration

Time frame: Baseline, week 8, week 16

Population: SDF1α

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboSDF1α; Serum Biomarkers of Immune ActivationBaseline2327 pg/mLStandard Deviation 304
PlaceboSDF1α; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activationweek 82313 pg/mLStandard Deviation 364
PlaceboSDF1α; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activationweek 162309 pg/mLStandard Deviation 400
DPPIV InhibitionSDF1α; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activationweek 161277 pg/mLStandard Deviation 490
DPPIV InhibitionSDF1α; Serum Biomarkers of Immune ActivationBaseline2378 pg/mLStandard Deviation 441
DPPIV InhibitionSDF1α; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activationweek 81208 pg/mLStandard Deviation 605
Comparison: The main effect analysis was applied to both rows (timepoint) and categories (groups). It used linear mixed models to simultaneously assess differences in serum SDF1α levels between the DPP4 inhibitor and placebo groups (categories) over time (rows). Pairwise post-hoc contrasts were performed to assess the between and within group differences in outcome measures at each time point.p-value: <0.0002Mixed Models Analysis
Secondary

Self-reported Symptoms

Cumulative number of self-reported symptoms based on the Division of AIDS Grading Scale for the Severity of Adult Adverse Events (0-4 scale where 0 is no new symptoms, 4 is serious adverse event or toxicity)

Time frame: Monthly for 4 months

Population: Cumulative frequency over 16 weeks of any self-reported symptoms on the DAIDS scale

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
PlaceboSelf-reported SymptomsOther (e.g., rash, muscle pain, mood change)6 total number of self reported symptoms
PlaceboSelf-reported SymptomsHypoglycemia symptoms1 total number of self reported symptoms
PlaceboSelf-reported SymptomsGI symptoms8 total number of self reported symptoms
PlaceboSelf-reported SymptomsUpper respiratory symptoms10 total number of self reported symptoms
PlaceboSelf-reported SymptomsGeneralized fatigue5 total number of self reported symptoms
PlaceboSelf-reported SymptomsHeadache5 total number of self reported symptoms
DPPIV InhibitionSelf-reported SymptomsGeneralized fatigue2 total number of self reported symptoms
DPPIV InhibitionSelf-reported SymptomsOther (e.g., rash, muscle pain, mood change)5 total number of self reported symptoms
DPPIV InhibitionSelf-reported SymptomsUpper respiratory symptoms5 total number of self reported symptoms
DPPIV InhibitionSelf-reported SymptomsHypoglycemia symptoms3 total number of self reported symptoms
DPPIV InhibitionSelf-reported SymptomsHeadache4 total number of self reported symptoms
DPPIV InhibitionSelf-reported SymptomsGI symptoms3 total number of self reported symptoms
Comparison: Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test of cell frequenciesp-value: >0.05Kruskal-Wallis
Secondary

Soluble TNFR2; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activation

serum soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 concentration

Time frame: Baseline, week 8, week 16

Population: sTNFR2

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboSoluble TNFR2; Serum Biomarkers of Immune ActivationBaseline2220 pg/mLStandard Deviation 389
PlaceboSoluble TNFR2; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activationweek 82218 pg/mLStandard Deviation 411
PlaceboSoluble TNFR2; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activationweek 162279 pg/mLStandard Deviation 415
DPPIV InhibitionSoluble TNFR2; Serum Biomarkers of Immune ActivationBaseline2436 pg/mLStandard Deviation 431
DPPIV InhibitionSoluble TNFR2; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activationweek 82617 pg/mLStandard Deviation 638
DPPIV InhibitionSoluble TNFR2; Serum Biomarkers of Immune Activationweek 162388 pg/mLStandard Deviation 449
Comparison: The main effect analysis was applied to both rows (timepoint) and categories (groups). It used linear mixed models to simultaneously assess differences in serum TNFR2 levels between the DPP4 inhibitor and placebo groups (categories) over time (rows). Pairwise post-hoc contrasts were performed to assess the between and within group differences in outcome measures at each time point.p-value: >0.05Mixed Models Analysis

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026