Maraviroc and NeuroAIDS Pathogenesis

We hypothesize that maraviroc (MVC) will lead to improved cognition as assessed by improvement in neuropsychological (NP) performance. We hypothesize that MVC therapy leads to (1) decrease in HIV infection of monocytes (MO), particularly of CD16-expressing MO and (2) phenotypic and functional secretory changes suggestive of decrease in MO immune activation, and that these changes will lead to less HIV infected activated MO trafficking to the CNS, less CNS inflammation and neuronal damage, and ultimately improved cognition. We will test this in a 48 week trial in 42 HIV infected individuals on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) with mild to moderate cognitive dysfunction. These individuals will be randomized to intensify their ART in double-blind fashion to MVC vs placebo. The primary endpoint will be change in NPZglobal. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)/magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) will be conducted to assess potential alterations in inflammatory and neuronal brain chemicals.

Inclusion criteria

• Documentation of HIV-1 infection by an FDA approved test at any time prior to study entry.
• Receipt of ARV medication uninterrupted for > 1 year leading up to the screening period; brief interruptions for toxicity purposes will be evaluated on a case by case basis and may be allowed
• Screening plasma HIV RNA < 50 copies/ml within 3 months of entry
• Willingness for both males and females of childbearing potential to utilize 2 effective contraception methods (2 separate forms, one of which must be an effective barrier method), be non-heterosexually active or have a an exclusive vasectomized partner from screening throughout the duration of the study treatment and for 30 days following the last dose of study drugs.
• Age between 18 to 70 years.
• Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent Mild to moderate cognitive impairment with global neuropsychological (NP) test (NPZglobal) score of < -0.5 OR a neurocognitive abnormality (< -0.5) in at least one cognitive domain known to be typically affected by HIV

Exclusion criteria

• Currently receiving or having used a CCR5 antagonist as part of an antiretroviral regimen within 6 months of study entry
• Plasma HIV RNA > 100 copies/ml at any time within 6 months of study entry
• History of HIV-2
• Diagnosis of cirrhosis
• Active or inadequately treated tuberculosis (TB) infection, or inadequate treatment for a positive purified protein derivative (PPD) test. Adequate treatment is defined as meeting the current recommendations of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines33 or other CDC recommendations if the patient was treated before the current recommendations or before coinfection with HIV.
• Uncontrolled seizure disorder
• Current malignancy or history of past malignancies excluding basal cell CA and Kaposi's sarcoma restricted to the skin, unless subject considered cured.
• Any immunomodulator, HIV vaccine, any other vaccine, or investigational therapy within 30 days of study entry.
• Requirement for acute therapy for any AIDS-defining illness or other serious medical illnesses (in the opinion of the site investigator) within 14 days prior to entry.
• Chronic illnesses including hematologic, pulmonary, and autoimmune diseases and endocrinopathies, except for stable controlled diabetes or cardiovascular disease in the view of the investigator and stable testosterone or thyroid medication use
• Known hypersensitivity to MVC or its excipients
• Anticipated need for specific prescription medications. Unwillingness to stop from eating grapefruit or using St. John's wort.
• Chronic use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications unless approved by Study Investigator
• Hemoglobin < 9.0; Absolute neutrophil count < 500/μL; Platelet count < 40,000/μL; AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) > 5x ULN; Lipase > 2.0 x ULN
• Estimated creatinine clearance < 30 cc/min using Cockcroft and Gault method
• Abnormal EKG unless determined by the Investigator to be not clinically significant.
• Presence of any condition that would interfere with the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of the drug
• Current illicit substance or alcohol use or abuse which, in the judgment of the Investigator, will interfere with the patient's ability to comply with the protocol requirements
• Pregnancy or breast-feeding, intent to become pregnant during the study
• Patients, who, in the opinion of the Investigator, are unable to comply with the dosing schedule and protocol evaluation or for whom the study may not be advisable
• Any factor that precludes MRI scan including presence of metal or exposure to metal work (e.g. metal grinder/worker) and claustrophobia
• Any CNS pathology which, in the judgment of the investigator, will interfere with the ability to assess study change in MRSI
• Learning disability, history of head injury with prolonged loss of consciousness or cognitive sequelae, history of opportunistic infection of the brain or other non-HIV etiologies that, in the judgment of the investigator, can explain the subjects's mild to moderate cognitive performance.
• Serum B12 or folate below the lower limits of normal
• Abnormal TSH, except when free T4 is within normal limits
• History of untreated or inadequately treated positive RPR