In a new chapter of global HIV cure science, Cindy Gay, MD, MPH, a researcher at the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases and the UNC HIV Cure Center, has launched one clinical trial, and plans to start the second in the next few months, designed to make infected cells visible to targeted immune clearing strategies.
The first trial, Deliver-02, focuses on applying innovative latency‑reversal strategies with engineered antibodies to target the latent HIV reservoirs or cells that remain infected despite antiretroviral therapy. Specifically, the study will utilize highly engineered DART® (Dual Affinity Re-Targeting) molecules— called MGD014 and MGD020—created by biotechnology partner MacroGenics designed to attach to cells expressing HIV and simultaneously attach to a T-cell (the immune system’s soldier). In effect, the two are brought together so that the T-cell can kill the infected cell—targeting the persistent reservoir of HIV infection while leaving healthy cells alone. The trial is led by Dr. David Margolis and Dr. Fredrick Sawe, MBChB, MMED at the Kenya Medical Research Institute/Walter Reed Project.
The second trial will be the first‑in‑human study of IAP 086, a new latency‑reversing agent. The new drug could provide a safer, more potent way to more effectively activate hidden HIV. The study will include participants with well-controlled HIV, monitored in an inpatient clinical research unit after receiving the novel drug, to carefully monitor participant safety.
Read more about Dr. Gay’s work here.