Studying Topiramate for Re-Activating the HIV-1 Reservoir
Status: Not yet recruiting

Even with current HIV treatments, HIV is still a lifelong disease because it hides in some long-lasting cells in the body. One of the strategies to find a cure for HIV works by finding the virus in these cells, making it visible, and then getting rid of it. This is called the 'shock and kill' approach.

So far, the drugs tested can find the virus, but they don't get rid of it completely. That's why there need to be new drugs that can do this more effectively. The Erasmus MC HIV Eradication Group (EHEG) has been testing new drugs in the lab and found a drug called topiramate can wake up the virus without harming the cells. The aim of this study is to test topiramate in people living with HIV.

Most of the people that participate in HIV cure studies are men, even though most people living with HIV around the world are women. Previous research has shown that men and women might respond differently to these treatments. So, in this study, topiramate will be investigated in both men and women. This could help us find a cure that works for everyone.

Eligibility:
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Documented HIV-1, subtype B or C Aged 18 or over On ART for a minimum of 2 consecutive years and a maximum of 12 consecutive years HIV-1 RNA plasma level <30 copies/mL for at least two consecutive measurements prior to inclusion (viral blips with a detectable HIVRNA 30-200 c/mL preceded and followed by HIV-RNA <30 are allowed) CD4+ T cell count ≥200 cells/mm^3 at screening Able to understand the information and give informed consent  Exclusion Criteria:  Any major acute medical condition requiring hospitalisation within the past 4 weeks. Presence of an active opportunistic infection that defines Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Any medical condition deemed by the investigator to hinder compliance with the study treatment. The following laboratory values at the screening phase (available before baseline (T0)): hepatic transaminases (AST or ALT) ≥3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), serum total bilirubin ≥3 times the ULN, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤60 mL/min based on CKD-EPI, haemoglobin <6.5 mmol/L (males) or <6.0 mmol/L (females), leucocytes <2.5 x10^9/L, absolute neutrophil count <1000 cells/mm^3, thrombocytes <100 x10^9/L Active malignancy during the past year except for basal carcinoma of the skin, stage 0 cervical carcinoma, Kaposi Sarcoma treated with ART alone, or other indolent malignancies. Participants who are unwilling or unable to use barrier contraception during sexual intercourse during the study. History of suicide or suicidal ideation. History of ophthalmological medical problems leading to glaucoma or visual field disturbances (e.g. macula oedema). Refraction abnormalities that can be corrected by lenses are acceptable. History of any medical condition with a causal relationship with hyperammonemia. Participants using phenytoin, carbamazepine, digoxin, lithium, or valproic acid throughout the trial period. Any concurrent medicine use associated with hyperammonemia (e.g. valproic acid). Participants with active substance abuse. Participants who have registered allergies to the investigational medical product. - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 18 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult