New drug trial targets deadly inflammation in HIV patients

This study tests a drug called pacritinib in people with HIV who have two rare conditions caused by the Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV): KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) and KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS). These conditions cause severe, life-threatening inflammation. The drug is taken as a capsule twice daily for up to 24 weeks. The goal is to see if pacritinib can reduce symptoms and control the disease. About 75 adults with at least one symptom (like fever or fatigue) will participate.