RecruitingObservational

The CASBAH Study

The CASBAH Study is exploring new ways to manage HIV without daily tablets. Current HIV medicines work well but must be taken every day because the virus can hide in the body. This study wants to see if special proteins called 'broadly neutralising antibodies' (bNAbs) can keep HIV under control, especially in the brain and spinal fluid, which could prevent damage and offer a new treatment option. This study is for people living with HIV who are already participating in other research where they have stopped their daily medication and might be receiving bNAbs. It involves a few hospital visits over a year for tests like brain health checks, memory tasks, blood samples, a 'spinal tap', and an MRI scan.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

Start

16 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2027

Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease

What is this study about?

The CASBAH Study is exploring new ways to manage HIV without needing to take daily tablets. Currently, people living with HIV take antiretroviral therapy (ART) every day, which keeps the virus under control. However, ART doesn't completely get rid of HIV because the virus can hide in certain cells and will come back if treatment stops. Researchers are trying to find new methods to keep HIV in check that don't involve daily medication.

One promising idea involves using special proteins called 'broadly neutralising antibodies' (bNAbs). These antibodies are like the body's own defence mechanisms and can fight HIV in different ways. Early research suggests that a single dose of these antibodies can keep HIV levels low in the blood for several months. However, scientists don't yet know if these bNAbs also protect the brain and spinal fluid from HIV.

This study aims to find out if bNAbs can stop HIV from multiplying in these sensitive areas. Understanding this could be very important, as it might help prevent brain damage caused by HIV and could lead to brand new treatment approaches for people living with HIV.

Key takeaways

Exploring new HIV treatments without daily medication.
Focuses on special antibodies (bNAbs) and their effect on HIV in the brain.
Requires participation in another ongoing HIV research study.
Involves a few visits over a year for tests like MRI and spinal tap.
Helps researchers learn, but direct personal benefit is unlikely.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are already taking part in other research studies related to HIV. Specifically, you need to be living with HIV and have already paused your daily HIV medication (ART) as part of that other research.

In that other study, you would also need to have received at least one dose of the special antibodies (bNAbs) that this study is interested in, or a dummy treatment (placebo). You should feel well enough and be able to understand and follow the study's instructions.

You cannot join if you have certain brain infections, have medical reasons why you can't have an MRI scan (like metal implants or severe claustrophobia), or if a doctor advises against a 'spinal tap' for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you living with HIV?
Are you currently in another research study where you've stopped daily HIV medication?
Have you received special antibodies (bNAbs) or a dummy treatment in that other study?
Are you able to visit St. Mary's Hospital, London, for study appointments?
Do you have any medical reasons that might stop you from having an MRI scan or a 'spinal tap'?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the CASBAH Study, you'll have about four visits over roughly one year. Two of these visits will be at your usual research centre. During these visits, you'll answer questions about your brain health, do some memory and thinking tests, complete a questionnaire, give blood samples, and have a 'spinal tap' (lumbar puncture). Another visit will be to a special scanning centre for a brain MRI scan. Your final visit will either be in person or over the phone.

Potential risks and benefits

While this study helps researchers learn more about new HIV treatments, it's unlikely to directly benefit you. However, you would be contributing valuable information that could help others in the future. As with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks. These include discomfort or side effects from blood tests, the 'spinal tap' (lumbar puncture), and the MRI scan. The study team will explain all these procedures and their potential risks and side effects in detail before you decide to join. Remember, taking part is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The Clinical Imaging Facility (CIF) at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
City only
London, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if new antibody treatments can stop HIV from growing in the brain and spinal fluid, potentially offering a new way to treat HIV without daily pills.

Who is funding this research?

The study is funded by the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity.

Where is this study taking place?

The study is being run from St Mary’s Hospital, London, UK.

What is a 'spinal tap'?

A 'spinal tap', also known as a lumbar puncture, is a procedure where a small amount of fluid is taken from your lower back to be tested.

Can I stop participating in the study at any time?

Yes, taking part is voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

How to find out more

Nicki Doyle

n.doyle@imperial.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7594 3351 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.