Efprezimod Alfa (CD24Fc, MK-7110) Administration to Decrease Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and Inflammation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Patients (CALIBER) (MK-7110-003)

This study is a phase 2, randomized, placebo-control, double-blinded clinical trial to assess the effect of efprezimod alfa on reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) among patients with HIV. The effect of efprezimod alfa on total cholesterol and triglycerides, markers of immune activation (T cell activation, sCD14, and inflammatory cytokines), size of HIV reservoirs, hemoglobin (HbA1c) and leptin, and hepatic steatosis will be evaluated. It is hypothesized that therapy with efprezimod alfa will result in significant decreases in LDL in HIV patients. In addition, efprezimod alfa may reduce leptin and cholesterol, HbA1c, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, and markers of inflammation in patients with chronic HIV who are virally suppressed on ART. In this phase 2 study, a cohort of 64 HIV patients virally suppressed on ART will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive an intravenous infusion of 240 mg of efprezimod alfa vs. placebo administered every 2 weeks during a 4-week treatment window, followed by a 24- week follow-up period. Patients will be followed for safety and adverse events as well as changes in lipid metabolism and inflammatory markers during a 24-week follow-up period. This investigation will take place at the University of Maryland.