HIV-1 patients will be asked to participate in a pilot study to see whether the use of Zemaira increases blood levels of alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor and consequently increase CD4 counts.~HIV-1 patients will receive weekly treatment with Zemaira for 8 weeks by intravenous infusion. Blood will be collected immediately prior to each infusion. Blood will be collected at each visit. Exploratory assessments and not pre-specified outcome measurements will include complete blood count, lymphocyte phenotype, HIV-1 viral load, lipid levels, blood chemistry, and markers of inflammation from patient medical records. Exploratory and not pre-specified outcome measures will include extended lymphocyte phenotype and lymphocyte function using residual blood collected.
For more than 20 years, alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor therapy has been the standard treatment for patients who have inherited alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency. Adult patients with this condition eventually develop emphysema. Most HIV-1 patients who have low viral load also have alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency. The number of CD4 cells in blood increases when alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor increases. Patients will be asked to participate in a pilot study to see whether the use of Zemaira® (alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor) can increase blood levels of alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor and consequently increase CD4 counts.