Effect of IL--1β Inhibition on Inflammation and Cardiovascular Risk

Inclusion criteria

• HIV infection,
• Age ≥ 40 years < 60 years
• On continuous ART for at least 12 months with no change in regimen in 12 weeks prior to study entry
• CD4+ T cell count ≥ 400 cells/mm3
• HIV RNA level below the standard limit of quantification for 52 weeks prior to entry
• High risk for CAD as defined by either documented CVD (including prior MI) or diabetes mellitus or 1 CVD risk factor (current smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or hsCRP≥2mg/L.)
• Individuals on stable doses of lipid lowering therapy and/or anti-hypertensive medication will be allowed in the study.
• Appropriate documentation from medical records of prior receipt of pneumococcal vaccinations

Exclusion criteria

• Women of childbearing potential or pregnant/nursing women
• CABG surgery in the past 3 years
• Class IV heart failure
• Uncontrolled HTN
• History of tuberculosis or latent TB that is not treated
• Nephrotic syndrome or eGFR< 30 ml/min/1.73m2
• Active hepatic disease or active/chronic hepatitis B or C
• Any prior malignancy including KS
• Serious illness requiring hospitalization or active infection requiring antibiotics within 90 days
• Requirement for live active vaccination 3 months prior to, during, and 3 months after study
• Concurrent immune modulating therapy
• Diabetes Mellitus
• History of multiple imaging studies associated with radiation exposure
• Neutropenia defined as ANC<1500/mm
• Triglycerides>400 mg/dL
• History of hypersensitivity to study drug
• History of EBV-related lymphoproliferative disorders
• Active or untreated latent TB infection