Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators to Enhance the Efficacy of Viral Reactivation With Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors

The selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) tamoxifen may enhance the ability of the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) vorinostat to reverse HIV-1 latency. This study evaluated the safety of tamoxifen therapy combined with vorinostat and the effectiveness of this combination on latent virus reactivation in HIV-1 infected post-menopausal women with virologic suppression on antiretroviral therapy, when compared to vorinostat alone. The study was conducted in two steps. During Step 1, the study enrolled women with HIV into two groups. Arm A received tamoxifen daily for 38 days, plus a single dose of vorinostat on Days 35 and 38. Arm B had a 38-day observation period with no tamoxifen, plus a single dose of vorinostat on Days 35 and 38. All participants continued to take ART drugs prescribed by their doctors. ART drugs were not be provided by the study. Study visits during Step 1 occurred at Days 0, 28, 35, 38, 45, and 65. Study visits could include physical examinations, blood collection, electrocardiograms, and adherence assessments. During Step 2, all participants were followed for 240 additional weeks for annual long-term safety follow-up. These visits were conducted by phone and collected information from participants on vital status and any new cancer diagnoses. Step 1 and Step 2 have been completed and this results submission pertains to both.