A Phase II, Double-Blind Trial of Recombinant Human Nerve Growth Factor for Treatment of HIV-Associated Sensory Neuropathy

Summary

To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of recombinant human nerve growth factor ( rhNGF ) in the treatment of HIV-associated sensory neuropathy. AS PER AMENDMENT 5/6/97: To compare the change in viral load between the double-blind phase baseline and week 4 in placebo and active rhNGF recipients. To ensure that rhNGF does not induce an increase in viral load compared with viral load changes seen with placebo. Up to now, treatments for HIV-associated sensory neuropathy have been symptomatic, relying on pain-modifying agents or membrane-stabilizing drugs. Because nerve growth factor is important in the development and maintenance of sympathetic and sensory neurons and their outgrowths, it is proposed that recombinant human nerve growth factor may provide a specific restorative treatment for HIV-associated painful sensory neuropathy.

Timeline

Start

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Primary completion

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Completion

1999-02

Publications

• Background Nerve growth factor study opens. GMHC Treat Issues. 1996 Nov;10(11):9.
• Background Gilden D. Hyperthermia study finds little effect. GMHC Treat Issues. 1995 Nov;9(11):5-7.
• Background James JS. Nerve growth factor: major trial canceled, revived after protest. AIDS Treat News. 1995 Apr 21;(no 221):5.
• Background Simpson DM, Haidich AB, Schifitto G, Yiannoutsos CT, Geraci AP, McArthur JC, Katzenstein DA; ACTG 291 study team. Severity of HIV-associated neuropathy is associated with plasma HIV-1 RNA levels. AIDS. 2002 Feb 15;16(3):407-12. doi: 10.1097/00002030-200202150-00012.
• Background Lein B. Potential therapy for painful neuropathy. PI Perspect. 1995 May;(no 16):11.
• Background McArthur JC, Yiannoutsos C, Simpson DM, Adornato BT, Singer EJ, Hollander H, Marra C, Rubin M, Cohen BA, Tucker T, Navia BA, Schifitto G, Katzenstein D, Rask C, Zaborski L, Smith ME, Shriver S, Millar L, Clifford DB, Karalnik IJ. A phase II trial of nerve growth factor for sensory neuropathy associated with HIV infection. AIDS Clinical Trials Group Team 291. Neurology. 2000 Mar 14;54(5):1080-8. doi: 10.1212/wnl.54.5.1080.

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