Using adalimumab to improve survival in HIV patients with tuberculosis meningitis

ANRS 12404 TIMPANI: Tnf Inhibitors to Reduce Mortality in HIV-1 Infected PAtients With Tuberculosis meNIngitis: a Phase II, Multicenter, Randomized Clinical Trial

Phase 2 Interventional ANRS, Emerging Infectious Diseases · NCT05590455

This study is testing if adding a medication called adalimumab to the usual treatment can help HIV patients with tuberculosis meningitis live longer and stay safe.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorANRS, Emerging Infectious Diseases Government
Drugs / interventionsadalimumab
Locations3 sites (Rio de Janeiro and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05590455 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II clinical trial evaluates the effect of adding adalimumab, a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, to the standard treatment regimen for HIV-infected adults diagnosed with tuberculosis meningitis. Participants will be randomized to receive either standard treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs and corticosteroids or the same treatment plus adalimumab. The trial aims to assess the impact on 3-month mortality and safety across three countries: Brazil, Mozambique, and Zambia. The study will also monitor the initial severity of the condition using the British Medical Research Council score to stratify randomization.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include HIV-1 infected adults aged 18 and older who are ART-naïve or have discontinued ART for at least 6 months and have been diagnosed with tuberculosis meningitis.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological infections, HIV-2 infection, or those who have contraindications to the study drugs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce mortality rates in HIV patients suffering from tuberculosis meningitis.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of TNF inhibitors in other contexts has shown promise, this specific approach in HIV patients with tuberculosis meningitis is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years
* HIV-1 infection
* Definite or probable tuberculosis meningitis
* Standard tuberculosis meningitis treatment ≤3 days: anti TB drugs at standard doses and high-dose dexamethasone as per WHO guidelines
* Signed informed consent form by patient or relative.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other concomitant neurological infection, i.e. toxoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, bacterial meningitis, neuro-syphilis
* Asymptomatic positive cryptococcal antigen in serum
* HBsAg positive or anti hepatitis C virus antibodies positive
* Alanine transaminase (ALT)\>5 ULN
* Rifampicin-resistant TB detected by GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra
* History of previous TB treatment in patients with GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra negative or unavailable
* Current use of drugs contraindicated with study drugs and that cannot be safely stopped
* Allergy to study drugs or any of their components
* Uncontrolled opportunistic infection
* Moderate to severe cardiac insufficiency (NYHA classes III / IV)
* Any condition which might, in the investigator's opinion, compromise the safety of treatment and/or patient's adherence to study procedures
* For women of childbearing age: 1) Pregnancy or breastfeeding; 2) Refusal to use effective contraception to be discussed with the investigator
* Subjects participating in another clinical trial evaluating therapies and including an exclusion period that is still in force during the screening phase
* Person under guardianship, or deprived of freedom by a judicial or administrative decision

Where this trial is running

Rio de Janeiro and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Tuberculous MeningitisHIV I Infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.