Evidence indicates that a long period with no symptoms follows infection with HIV. Individuals who are infected with the virus could benefit from therapy with a drug that acts to kill the virus or to stimulate the immune system of the individual or both. The immune system is the means the human body has for fighting infections. Ampligen is a suitable drug for clinical trials against HIV because it has been shown to stimulate the immune system and to inhibit HIV in vitro (test tube) at drug levels that can be achieved without noticeable clinical side effects.
Individuals entered in the study are given ampligen by intravenous infusion once during the first week of the trial and twice a week during the following 8 weeks. The dose each individual receives is determined by the responses of earlier individuals. Each is followed for 12 weeks after the last dose of ampligen is given. Each individual maintains a daily diary listing any symptoms or problems that occur, such as headache, nausea, or change in appetite. Other anti-HIV drugs cannot be taken during the trial, and aspirin or acetaminophen should not be taken for more than 2 hours without consulting the research staff. Blood is drawn at intervals during the trial and follow-up and used to determine the effect of ampligen on the HIV and the immune system as well as to monitor any toxicity and side effects.
