The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) launched the ACACIA study, a Phase 2 trial investigating the use of two long-acting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), 3BNC117-LS and 10-1074-LS, in adults with HIV initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in four African countries. This study, conducted in conjunction with ACTG’s PAUSE study, aims to determine if these bNAbs can contribute to HIV remission or a functional cure. The trial will employ analytic treatment interruptions (ATIs) to assess the ability of the immune system to control HIV after a period off ART.
This research is crucial because it explores a novel therapeutic strategy for HIV, focusing on bolstering the immune system’s ability to control the virus, potentially reducing dependence on lifelong ART. Conducting this trial in Africa directly addresses the need for HIV cure research in diverse global populations, where access to healthcare and treatment options may vary. Understanding the effectiveness of these bNAbs in different populations and healthcare settings is essential for developing widely applicable HIV treatment strategies.
ACACIA will enroll 135 participants who will receive ART alongside either the two bNAbs or a placebo. After 15 months of treatment, once bNAb levels decrease, participants will undergo closely monitored ATIs for up to 72 weeks to assess viral suppression in the absence of ART. This specific timing allows researchers to evaluate the long-term impact of the bNAbs on the immune response without interference from the antibodies’ direct antiviral activity.
The ACACIA study represents a significant step towards achieving long-term HIV remission or a functional cure. The results could pave the way for new treatment approaches involving bNAbs, especially for individuals initiating ART. The study’s focus on an African population contributes valuable data on the efficacy and safety of these treatments in diverse settings, potentially leading to more equitable and accessible HIV care globally.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
