The CASBAH Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Central Nervous System Health of Broadly Neutralising Antibodies and Interruption of Antiretroviral Therapy in Persons with HIV
IRAS ID
361365
Contact name
Alan Winston
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) keeps HIV levels in the blood undetectable, preventing immune system damage and illness. However, ART cannot cure HIV because the virus can remain dormant in certain cells and reactivate if treatment stops. As a result, ART is a lifelong treatment.
Researchers are exploring new ways to control HIV without daily ART. One approach involves using antibodies against HIV. These are proteins made by the immune system to fight infections and are often given through intravenous (IV) infusions.
Broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) can target HIV in multiple ways. Early studies suggest a single infusion can suppress the virus in the blood for several months. However, it’s unclear if this effect extends to other parts of the body, especially the fluid around the brain (spinal fluid).
Modern ART usually prevents HIV from multiplying in the brain and spinal fluid, protecting against brain damage. It’s unknown whether bNAbs offer the same protection. This study aims to find out if bNAbs can stop HIV from replicating in the brain and spinal fluid, potentially offering a new treatment option.
This research, funded by the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, will take place at St Mary’s Hospital in London. It involves people with HIV already in studies where they are stopping daily ART and may be receiving bNAbs.
Including screening, participants will attend four visits over a year. Two will be at their regular research department, involving questions about brain health, cognitive (brain function) tests, a questionnaire, and blood samples. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) will also be done. Another visit will take place at an imaging facility for a brain MRI scan. The final end of study visit will be either in person or by phone.REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0367
Date of REC Opinion
16 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion