This study compares people who are taking interleukin-2 (IL-2) along with their antiretrovirals with those who are not. The intention is to show whether or not the CD4 cells which are 'regained' after stimulating the immune system with IL-2 are actually good, functional CD4 cells capable of assisting in protecting against HIV-related immunodeficiency and AIDS.
This study is looking at the effect that short cycles of interleukin-2 (IL-2) has on viral load and CD4 count when someone is taking antiretrovirals and when someone is not.
Interleukin-2 is a treatment which is administered by injection, twice a day, in treatment 'cycles' lasting for five days.
For the first period of the study, the period between cycles is 6-10 weeks. After that, when and how often people cycle is guided by their CD4 count.
This information was retrieved from the Treataware website (www.treataware.info) on 3 Dec 2008. For further information, please consult the website or call the NAPWA office on 02 8568 0300.