Nevirapine Study for the Prevention of Maternal-Infant HIV Transmission in Uganda

There is an urgent need to find safe, effective means of preventing mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV that can be used in developing countries. One of the greatest obstacles to prevention in these areas remains HIV transmission through breast milk. The primary purpose of this trial is to determine if nevirapine (NVP) plus immunoprophylaxis (by intravenous HIV immune globulin [HIVIGLOB]) or extended NVP dosing of the neonate during the perinatal period can safely and effectively reduce the risk of peripartum or early breastfeeding-related HIV MTCT.

This study will last 11-18 weeks for each mother and 18 months for each infant. HIV-infected pregnant women will be randomly assigned to one of three arms. Participants in Arm 1 will receive a single dose of 200 mg NVP orally at the onset of labor. Infants in Arm 1 will receive a single dose of 2 mg/kg NVP orally within the first week after delivery. Arm 2 participants will receive a single dose of 200 mg NVP orally at the onset of labor. Infants in Arm 2 will receive 2 mg/kg NVP orally within the first week after delivery and 5 mg NVP taken orally daily from Day 8 through Week 6. Arm 3 participants will receive a 12 gm intravenous dose of HIVIGLOB at 36-37 weeks gestation and 200 mg NVP orally at the onset of labor. Infants in Arm 3 will receive a single 1.2 gm intravenous dose HIVIGLOB within 18 hours of birth and 2 mg/kg NVP orally within the first week after delivery.

There will be five or six study visits for pregnant participants. A targeted medical history, physical examination, and blood collection will occur at all visits. After birth, there will be 11 study visits for infants in Arms 1 and 2 and 12 study visits for infants in Arm 3. Medical history and a targeted physical exam will occur at all visits. Blood collection will occur at some visits.

Inclusion criteria

• Pregnant between 32-36 weeks estimated gestation
• HIV Infected
• Intent to breastfeed infant
• Certain laboratory criteria. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.

Exclusion criteria

• Sensitivity to immune globulin preparations or any benzodiazepine
• Clinically significant disease, as determined by the investigator, that would compromise the ability of the participant to complete the study requirements
• Currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (other than the intrapartum NVP or other peripartum regimens)
• Participation in any HIV vaccine trials
• History of cytotoxic chemotherapy within one month of study entry
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Chronic alcohol or illicit drug use
• History of non-compliance with visits or medication
• Women who become pregnant again during study follow-up will not be eligible for re-enrollment in the trial