Can a cancer drug wake up immune cells to beat HIV-Related infections?

NCT ID NCT07579247

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a drug called Sintilimab, which is normally used for cancer, to see if it can help people with HIV who have infections that won't go away with standard treatment. The drug works by 'waking up' exhausted immune cells. Fifty adults with HIV and a hard-to-treat infection will receive three doses of Sintilimab alongside their usual care. Researchers will check if the infection clears and monitor for side effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Sintilimab (a drug that blocks PD-1 to revive tired immune cells)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to treat hard-to-clear infections in people with advanced HIV, potentially reducing deaths from these infections.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with only 50 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug can cause immune-related side effects, and it's not yet proven to work for infections.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

AIDS Cryptococcal meningitis cytomegalovirus infection erythema infectiosum HIV infectious disease invasive aspergillosis monkeypox Opportunistic Infections opportunistic infectious penicilliosis pneumocystosis progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection tuberculosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AIDS HIV IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITORS REFRACTORY OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 201508, China

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