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A number of clinical trials are underway to study therapies that can help reduce inflammation and have other beneficial effects in people on HIV treatment (ART). Here are some in Canada:
Pitavastatin is approved in the U.S. but not in Canada for the management of cholesterol levels. Small clinical trials suggest that pitavastatin not only helps to normalize cholesterol levels but can also reduce some measures of inflammation. Also, pitavastatin does not increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a problem with some other statins.
The main purpose of the Reprieve study is to find out if the use of pitavastatin can reduce deaths from heart attack, stroke or other complications of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers are seeking volunteers with the following basic profile:
To find out more about Reprieve and consider participation, readers can contact study centres in Canada: http://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/clinical-trials/ctn-293-reprieve-trial/
Researchers at McGill University in Montreal are studying the safety of two compounds found in marijuana on the immune systems of people with HIV. For further information about this study, visit:
This study, taking place in Toronto, involves the use of friendly bacteria (probiotics) that researchers hope to show will reduce inflammation in the gut and possibly general inflammation in HIV-positive men with the following profile:
For further information about enrolment contact Bryan Boyachuk, or with questions about the study in general contact Rodney Rousseau. For more information about this study, visit: http://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/clinical-trials/ctnpt022b/
—Sean R. Hosein