Nairobi

Researchers are looking for new medicines to prevent HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1) infection. The goals of this study are to learn: * If taking MK-8527 once a month works to prevent HIV-1 infection as well as or better than a standard (usual) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) taken once a day * About the safety of MK-8527 and if people tolerate it

The trial investigates the safety, tolerability, effectiveness, and how the body processes and responds to osivelotor in people with sickle cell disease (SCD). This Phase 2/3, multicenter study involves adults and adolescents with SCD, aiming to find the best dose and compare osivelotor to a placebo. The study also includes a long-term extension to assess ongoing safety and blood-related effects. Osivelotor is given orally as tablets. The study has three parts: Part A focuses on determining a safe and effective dose in adults; Part B compares osivelotor to placebo in adults and adolescents over 48 weeks; and the Open Label Extension (OLE) offers continued treatment to those who completed Part B to monitor long-term safety and responses. Participants will be monitored throughout the study periods with assessments of safety, tolerability, and treatment effects. These include evaluations at 12 weeks (Part A), 48 weeks (Part B), and approximately 24 months after the last participant joins (OLE). Researchers will track blood values, side effects, and disease-related events to understand how the drug works and its impact on SCD over time.

Researchers are evaluating the long-term safety and effectiveness of etavopivat, a new oral medicine being developed to treat inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia. These disorders affect hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the body. This phase 3 study aims to monitor how well etavopivat works and its safety profile over an extended period. Participants will receive one of three forms of etavopivat (A, B, or C) as oral doses. The study is open-label and multicenter, involving adults, adolescents, and children who have previously completed treatment in an etavopivat parent study and continue to benefit clinically. The treatment period can last up to 264 weeks but may end earlier if etavopivat is approved in the participant's country. During the study, researchers will track the number of treatment-emergent adverse events and adverse reactions for each participant by indication and age group from baseline through the end of the study, which can last up to 316 weeks. Participants' safety and response to long-term treatment will be closely monitored throughout this period.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of astegolimab compared to a placebo in adults aged 40 to 80 years who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study focuses on participants who are former or current smokers with a history of frequent COPD flare-ups. This phase III trial aims to determine how well astegolimab reduces moderate and severe COPD exacerbations over one year. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either subcutaneous astegolimab every two or four weeks or a placebo every two weeks. All participants will continue their optimized COPD maintenance treatments, which may include combinations of inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists, and long-acting muscarinic antagonists. Study treatments will be administered over a 52-week period. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor the annual rate of moderate and severe COPD exacerbations. Participants will undergo lung function tests, chest imaging, and assessments of breathlessness and lung health. The study will also carefully track the safety of the treatments, including any infections or heart-related problems. The total participation time is 52 weeks, during which the effectiveness and safety of astegolimab will be evaluated.

This is a Phase III, randomized, open-label multicenter study that will evaluate the efficacy and safety of giredestrant compared with fulvestrant, both in combination with the investigator's choice of a CDK4/6 inhibitor (palbociclib, ribociclib or abemaciclib), in participants with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer who have developed resistance to adjuvant endocrine therapy.

Researchers are evaluating how well etavopivat works to reduce the number of vaso-occlusive crises (painful blood vessel blockages) in adolescents and adults living with sickle cell disease. The study also aims to assess if etavopivat can decrease organ damage, improve exercise tolerance, and reduce fatigue. This is a global Phase 3 study involving participants aged 12 years and older with confirmed sickle cell disease. The study is randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled to ensure accurate evaluation of the treatment effects. Participants will receive either etavopivat or a matching placebo by mouth. Which treatment they receive is determined randomly. The study will last about two years, during which participants will take the assigned medication and be monitored closely. Etavopivat is an investigational drug currently under evaluation in multiple studies for sickle cell disease. During the study, participants will have regular assessments including documentation of vaso-occlusive crisis events, blood tests, and physical evaluations. Researchers will track the number of crises that require medical attention over a 52-week period, as well as measures of organ health, exercise ability, and fatigue. Safety and overall health will be monitored throughout the study, with the total participation time lasting approximately two years.

Researchers are evaluating the efficacy and safety of inavolisib combined with Phesgo compared to placebo with Phesgo as maintenance therapy in participants who have previously untreated HER2-positive advanced breast cancer with PIK3CA mutations. This Phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study focuses on participants with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, aiming to understand the treatment impact after initial induction therapy. Participants will receive inavolisib orally once daily on Days 1 to 21 of each 21-day cycle, starting on Day 1 of Cycle 1 during maintenance treatment. Phesgo will be administered subcutaneously every three weeks on Day 1 of each cycle. The study includes an induction therapy phase where taxane-based chemotherapy is given after Phesgo. Optional endocrine therapy such as tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, or fulvestrant may be used based on the investigator's choice, with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists administered according to local guidelines. During the study, participants will be monitored for progression-free survival for up to approximately 40 months. Assessments include evaluation of heart function, organ function, and overall health status. Researchers will track the safety and effectiveness of the treatment combination through regular clinical evaluations and laboratory tests. The total duration includes maintenance treatment cycles and follow-up to measure outcomes and monitor safety.

Researchers are evaluating the safety, immune response, and effectiveness of a new tuberculosis vaccine called MTBVAC in healthy adolescents and adults aged 14 to 45 years who live in areas where TB is common. This Phase 2b study is randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, involving participants with different immune responses to TB exposure as determined by IGRA testing. The study aims to protect against TB disease confirmed by multiple tests and focuses on those who are HIV-negative. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a single intradermal dose of the MTBVAC vaccine or a placebo. The vaccine dose contains approximately 5x10^5 colony-forming units, and the placebo is saline solution, both given as 0.1 mL injections. The study includes two groups based on IGRA status: one with prior immune response to TB and one without, with different randomization ratios. Some participants will be part of safety and immune response sub-cohorts for more detailed monitoring. Throughout the 36-month follow-up, participants will attend regular visits or be contacted to check for signs of TB. They will be trained to recognize TB symptoms and report them for further evaluation, including sputum testing using advanced molecular and culture methods. HIV testing will occur yearly and at times of suspected TB. Safety monitoring includes tracking adverse events and laboratory tests in selected subgroups. Participants diagnosed with TB will be referred for treatment according to local guidelines.

This research aims to evaluate the long-term safety and explore the effectiveness of astegolimab in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have already completed a 52-week treatment in previous studies GB43311 or GB44332. The study focuses on participants aged 40 to 90 years and is a Phase III open-label extension trial designed to continue monitoring patients after their initial treatment period. Participants will receive astegolimab as a subcutaneous injection every two weeks during this extension study. This treatment continues from the prior placebo-controlled phase, allowing researchers to observe any ongoing effects and safety concerns over a longer period. The study does not include a placebo group during this extension phase, and all participants receive the active treatment. Throughout the study, researchers will closely monitor participants for any adverse events up to 12 weeks after the last dose of astegolimab. Participants will be assessed regularly to ensure their safety and to gather data on the treatment's long-term impact. The total duration of participant involvement depends on when they completed the parent studies but involves continued monitoring during and after the treatment period.

This research aims to improve cervical cancer screening and treatment in Nairobi, Kenya, where cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women. The study focuses on women aged 25 to 49 and evaluates a multi-component care strategy called DADA LINK designed to address barriers at the patient, provider, and clinic levels. This approach was developed using local clinic mapping and qualitative research to fit the specific needs of primary care clinics in the area. The intervention includes providing HPV self-sampling kits to eligible patients, assigning trained care navigators to support clinic staff, and using the WEMA mHealth platform to monitor screening, follow-up, and treatment. Care navigators encourage staff adherence to care guidelines and help coordinate services through this digital system, which also sends text reminders to patients. Clinics are randomized to receive this intervention or continue usual care, with a 12-month trial period and an additional 6-month follow-up to assess costs and long-term maintenance. Participants will have their screening and treatment data collected from medical records by study staff. Researchers will track cervical cancer screening uptake on the day of clinic visits and monitor if participants receive follow-up triage or treatment within 12 months. Patient exit surveys at intervention clinics will assess how well the care strategies are followed, and the WEMA system will help with ongoing communication and data management throughout the study.