no change in primary endpoint at week 48

This is a multi-centre, open-label, 96 week study to evaluate the safety, tolerability and extent and duration of improvement in HIV-1 infected subjects with antiretroviral induced facial lipoatrophy, randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive immediate or deferred deep subcutaneous injections of poly-L-lactic acid (PLA). Subjects will receive 4 treatments of PLA approximately every 2nd week, either at trial entry or following a delay period of 24 weeks.

HIV lipodystrophy can be distressing and result in suboptimal antiretroviral (ART) adherence. Physical changes may stigmatise subjects while the negative psychological and social impact has become a major concern. To date, as there is no proven therapy for lipoatrophy, cosmetic interventions for facial lipoatrophy are being studied. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) has been shown to be both safe and effective when administered by injection to facial areas.

Study aims are:

1. to evaluate the extent and duration of improvement in HIV facial lipoatrophy of PLA injections;
2. to evaluate the impact of PLA injections on quality of life and ART adherence in subjects with HIV facial lipoatrophy;
3. to evaluate the safety and tolerability of polylactic acid.

100 HIV-infected ART-experienced subjects with facial lipoatrophy will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio at study entry to receive either immediate or deferred treatment (delayed 24 weeks) treatment with PLA. Randomisation will be stratified by age, severity of facial lipoatrophy, current ART (PI or non-PI containing and thymidine- or non-thymidine-containing) and surgeon.

The study has clinical end points monitoring CD4 cell counts, viral loads and adverse events. The study also has psychosocial end points monitoring quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 years or more with laboratory evidence of HIV-1 infection
• Received combination antiretroviral therapy (minimum of 2 agents)
• Antiretroviral regimen should be stable for at least 12 weeks prior to entry with no changes planned during the first 48 weeks. For subjects not on antiretroviral therapy at entry there should be no intent to commence therapy in first 24 weeks.
• Moderate or severe facial lipoatrophy and lipodystrophy at one or more other sites
• Provide written, informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active AIDS-defining illness including active HIV wasting
• Active herpes labialis or any acute or currently present chronic skin disease (infection/inflammation) on/near area to be treated
• Currently on anticoagulants or any coagulopathy that would preclude safe deep subcutaneous injections
• Women: pregnant, breastfeeding or have positive pregnancy test or not willing to use adequate contraception if of child-bearing potential
• Concomitant therapy with anabolic steroids (except testosterone replacement), corticosteroids at greater than replacement doses, growth hormone or any currently available or experimental agent to improve appetite or weight
• Testosterone replacement for less than 6 months or at greater than replacement doses
• Subjects who have discontinued any prohibited concomitant agent/s must cease this therapy at least 30 days prior to screening.
• Prior use of any facial dermal filling/tissue expansion agent/s
• Any condition which may interfere with ability to comply with study requirements.