AIDS-Related Human Papillomavirus InfectionPhase 3COVENANTNCT03284866
HPV Vaccine Therapy in Reducing High-Grade Cervical Lesions in Patients With HIV and HPV
A Phase 3 study testing Laboratory Biomarker Analysis, Recombinant Human Papillomavirus Nonavalent Vaccine and Saline in people with AIDS-Related Human Papillomavirus Infection and High Grade Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Neoplasia, run by AIDS Malignancy Consortium at 6 sites in 5 countries.
Trial summary
This randomized phase III trial studies how well human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine therapy works in reducing high-grade cervical lesions in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HPV. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 years and older, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- AIDS-Related Human Papillomavirus Infection, High Grade Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Neoplasia, HIV Infection
- What is being tested?
- Laboratory Biomarker Analysis, Recombinant Human Papillomavirus Nonavalent Vaccine and Saline
- Type of treatment
- Vaccines
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 535 participants
- Where
- 6 sitesin 5 countries
- Study dates
- 31 Jul 2019to 5 Aug 2025
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 years and older
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- HIV-1 infection, documented by any licensed rapid HIV test or HIV enzyme or chemiluminescence immunoassay (E/CIA) test kit at any time prior to study entry and confirmed by a licensed western blot or a second antibody test by a method other than the initial rapid HIV and/or E/CIA, or by HIV-1 antigen, plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load, or documentation of receipt of antiretroviral therapy; Note: the term "licensed" refers to a kit that has been certified or licensed by an oversight body within the participating country and validated internally; WHO (World Health Organization) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines mandate that confirmation of the initial test result must use a test that is different from the one used for the initial assessment; a reactive initial rapid test should be confirmed by either another type of rapid assay or an E/CIA that is based on a different antigen preparation and/or different test principle (e.g., indirect versus competitive), or a western blot or a plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load
- HPV positive by the GeneXpert hrHPV assay with HPV16, HPV 18/45, or HPV31/33/35/52/58 detected; Note: participants who are hrHPV positive with only HPV51/59 or HPV 39/68/56/66 detected are not eligible
- Receipt of ART for at least 180 days prior to randomization
- Participants of childbearing potential, defined as a sexually mature woman who: (1) has not undergone a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy or (2) has not been naturally postmenopausal for at least 24 consecutive months (i.e., has had menses at any time in the preceding 24 consecutive months), must have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test within 3 weeks prior to enrollment and agree to use an effective form of contraception (e.g., barrier contraception or hormonal contraception), delaying pregnancy for at least 12 months and ideally for the duration of the study; Note: those willing to participate delay pregnancy for at least 6 months, while receiving the recombinant human papillomavirus nonavalent (9vHPV) vaccine (or placebo)
- If the participant is of childbearing potential, she should be at least 3 months postpartum
- Karnofsky score >= 70%
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document
Who cannot join
- Current sexually transmitted infection (STI) requiring treatment (women may participate after adequate treatment, at the discretion of the treating provider)
- History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to Gardasil or Gardasil 9
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness that would limit compliance with study requirements
- Prior hysterectomy with removal of the cervix
- Prior treatment for cervical HSIL
- Prior history of cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer
Show all 10Show fewer
- Cervical, vulvar, or vaginal lesions suspicious for cancer based on clinical appearance (e.g. necrotic, ulcerated, and/or fungating masses), unless biopsies show no invasive cancer
- Known bleeding diathesis
- Prior HPV vaccination
- Current or planned use of anticoagulants other than aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents
Trial locations and contacts
6 sites in 5 countries.
6 sites in 5 countries
South Africa2 sites
African Cancer Institute at Stellenbosch
Cape Town
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg
About this study
Official title: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of HPV Vaccination to Reduce Cervical High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions Among HIV-Infected Women Participating in an HPV Test-and-Treat Program (COVENANT)
This randomized phase III trial studies how well human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine therapy works in reducing high-grade cervical lesions in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HPV. Vaccines made from HPV peptides or antigens may help the body build an effective immune response to kill the HPV virus and prevent cervical lesions from developing or coming back after being removed.
Read the detailed description
At screening, potential participants will be tested for cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (GeneXpert hrHPV assay and HPV DNA PCR) and undergo cervical colposcopy to confirm the absence of cervical cancer. If eligible, the participant will be randomized to receive either the 9-valent HPV vaccine or saline placebo.
Participants will return 4 and 26 weeks later for the second dose of vaccine or placebo. At week 4, participants will have cervical colposcopy and undergo cryotherapy or loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP) as appropriate. Participants undergoing cervical cryotherapy will have cervical biopsies before the treatment. Participants will be followed with HPV testing (Gene Xpert and HPV DNA PCR) at weeks 26, 52, 78, and 104, and will have cervical cytology and colposcopy with biopsies at weeks 26, 52, and 104.
- Conditions
- AIDS-Related Human Papillomavirus Infection, High Grade Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Neoplasia, HIV Infection
- Being tested
- Laboratory Biomarker Analysis, Recombinant Human Papillomavirus Nonavalent Vaccine, Saline
- Medical subject headings
- HIV Infections
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Laboratory Biomarker AnalysisOther
Correlative studies
Recombinant Human Papillomavirus Nonavalent VaccineBiological
Also called Gardasil 9, Nonavalent HPV VLP Vaccine, Recombinant HPV Nonavalent Vaccine, Recombinant Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine
Given IM
SalineOther
Also called Sodium Chloride 0.9%
Given IM
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Arm I, recombinant HPV 9-valent vaccine | Experimental | Patients receive Recombinant Human Papillomavirus Nonavalent Vaccine (Gardasil 9) IM at baseline, 4, and 26 weeks in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, with sample collection for Laboratory Biomarker Analysis. Receives: Other: Laboratory Biomarker Analysis; Biological: Recombinant Human Papillomavirus Nonavalent Vaccine |
| Arm II, saline | Placebo comparator | Patients receive saline placebo vaccine IM at baseline, 4, and 26 weeks, with sample collection for Laboratory Biomarker Analysis. Receives: Other: Laboratory Biomarker Analysis; Other: Saline |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Occurrence of Cervical High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL) or Cervical Cancer
For each arm (vaccine and placebo), the HSIL or cancer event rate will be estimated using its point estimate and 95% Poisson confidence intervals. Poisson regression analyses will be used to compare the two arms with respect to event rate. In addition, time to event from week 4 to 52 will be described using the Kaplan-Meier method for each arm, and the two arms will be compared with respect to time to event using the log-rank test.
Measured: After week 4 study visit to week 52 post-randomization
Secondary outcomes (7)
Occurrence of Cervical HSIL or Invasive Cancer From Weeks 52-104
The event rate for each arm from week 52 to week 104 for women who are event-free at 52 weeks will be estimated using its point estimate and 95% Poisson confidence interval.
Poisson regression will be used to compare the two groups with respect to the event rate from week 52 to 104.
Measured: After week 52 to week 104
Predictors of Sustained Absence of Cervical HSIL Through Week 104 and HPV Clearance
Role of baseline types and quantity of HPV, presence of HSIL at baseline, cryotherapy vs. LEEP, CD4+ cell count, plasma HIV-1 RNA, ART use, age, sexual behavior, and vaccination use will be investigated.
Poisson regression analyses will be used to determine if these factors are associated with of sustained absence of cervical HSIL and clearance of HPV infections after cryotherapy or LEEP. These analyses will also control for use of LEEP or cryotherapy.
Measured: At baseline through week 104
Incident Cervical Vaccine Type HPV Infections
Incident cervical vaccine type HPV infections are defined as HPV infections detected at 2 consecutive timepoints and assessed using type specific HPV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Vaccine and placebo participants will be compared with respect to these proportions using the chi-square test corrected for continuity.
Measured: Up to week 104
Abnormal Cervical Cytology
The proportion of women with abnormal cervical cytology at baseline, week 26, 52, and 104 will be reported and compared between arms.
Measured: Baseline, week 26, 52, and 104
Prevalent Vulvar HSIL or Cancer
The prevalence of vulvar HSIL or cancer at baseline will be estimated using the binomial proportion and its 95% confidence interval.
Measured: Up to week 4
Incident Vulvar HSIL or Cancer
The proportion of women who acquire vulvar HSIL or cancer among those negative for vulvar HSIL or cancer at baseline for both intervention arms will be estimated as a binomial proportion for both groups. The chi-square test corrected for continuity will be used to compare arms with respect to the proportions who acquire vulvar HSIL during the study.
Measured: Up to week 104
Number of Participants Stratified by the Presence or Absence of Incident Vulvar HSIL/Cancers.
Due to insufficient number of participants with outcome assessments, association (Logistic regression) analysis with clinical and demographic factors was not performed
Measured: Up to week 104
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Sep 2017
- Study start31 Jul 2019
- Primary completion26 Nov 2024
- Study completion5 Aug 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Other trials for AIDS-Related Human Papillomavirus InfectionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 535 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- AIDS Malignancy Consortium
- Sponsor type
- Research network
- Collaborators
- National Cancer Institute (NCI), University of Arkansas, AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, The Emmes Company, LLC, University of California, Los Angeles
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Carla Chibwesha, Principal investigator, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03284866
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AMC-099
- Other IDs
- NCI-2016-00841, AMC-099, AMC-099, UM1CA121947
- Acronym
- COVENANT
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 4 May 2017
- Last updated
- 28 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- Yes
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of HPV Vaccination to Reduce Cervical High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions Among HIV-Infected Women Participating in an HPV Test-and-Treat Program (COVENANT)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03284866
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- COVENANT / AMC-099
- Conditions
- AIDS-Related Human Papillomavirus Infection, High Grade Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Neoplasia, HIV Infection
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 535 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- AIDS Malignancy ConsortiumResearch network
- Collaborators
- National Cancer Institute (NCI), University of Arkansas, AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, The Emmes Company, LLC, University of California, Los Angeles
- Study start
- 31 Jul 2019 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 26 Nov 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 5 Aug 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Sep 2017 (actual)
- Results
- Posted 28 Oct 2026
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized phase III trial studies how well human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine therapy works in reducing high-grade cervical lesions in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HPV. Vaccines made from HPV peptides or antigens may help the body build an effective immune response to kill the HPV virus and prevent cervical lesions from developing or coming back after being removed.
Detailed description
At screening, potential participants will be tested for cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (GeneXpert hrHPV assay and HPV DNA PCR) and undergo cervical colposcopy to confirm the absence of cervical cancer. If eligible, the participant will be randomized to receive either the 9-valent HPV vaccine or saline placebo.
Participants will return 4 and 26 weeks later for the second dose of vaccine or placebo. At week 4, participants will have cervical colposcopy and undergo cryotherapy or loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP) as appropriate. Participants undergoing cervical cryotherapy will have cervical biopsies before the treatment. Participants will be followed with HPV testing (Gene Xpert and HPV DNA PCR) at weeks 26, 52, 78, and 104, and will have cervical cytology and colposcopy with biopsies at weeks 26, 52, and 104.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Arm I, recombinant HPV 9-valent vaccine | Experimental | Other: Laboratory Biomarker Analysis, Biological: Recombinant Human Papillomavirus Nonavalent VaccinePatients receive Recombinant Human Papillomavirus Nonavalent Vaccine (Gardasil 9) IM at baseline, 4, and 26 weeks in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, with sample collection for Laboratory Biomarker Analysis. |
| Arm II, saline | Placebo comparator | Other: Laboratory Biomarker Analysis, Other: SalinePatients receive saline placebo vaccine IM at baseline, 4, and 26 weeks, with sample collection for Laboratory Biomarker Analysis. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- HIV-1 infection, documented by any licensed rapid HIV test or HIV enzyme or chemiluminescence immunoassay (E/CIA) test kit at any time prior to study entry and confirmed by a licensed western blot or a second antibody test by a method other than the initial rapid HIV and/or E/CIA, or by HIV-1 antigen, plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load, or documentation of receipt of antiretroviral therapy; Note: the term "licensed" refers to a kit that has been certified or licensed by an oversight body within the participating country and validated internally; WHO (World Health Organization) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines mandate that confirmation of the initial test result must use a test that is different from the one used for the initial assessment; a reactive initial rapid test should be confirmed by either another type of rapid assay or an E/CIA that is based on a different antigen preparation and/or different test principle (e.g., indirect versus competitive), or a western blot or a plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load
- HPV positive by the GeneXpert hrHPV assay with HPV16, HPV 18/45, or HPV31/33/35/52/58 detected; Note: participants who are hrHPV positive with only HPV51/59 or HPV 39/68/56/66 detected are not eligible
- Receipt of ART for at least 180 days prior to randomization
- Participants of childbearing potential, defined as a sexually mature woman who: (1) has not undergone a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy or (2) has not been naturally postmenopausal for at least 24 consecutive months (i.e., has had menses at any time in the preceding 24 consecutive months), must have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test within 3 weeks prior to enrollment and agree to use an effective form of contraception (e.g., barrier contraception or hormonal contraception), delaying pregnancy for at least 12 months and ideally for the duration of the study; Note: those willing to participate delay pregnancy for at least 6 months, while receiving the recombinant human papillomavirus nonavalent (9vHPV) vaccine (or placebo)
- If the participant is of childbearing potential, she should be at least 3 months postpartum
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Current sexually transmitted infection (STI) requiring treatment (women may participate after adequate treatment, at the discretion of the treating provider)
- History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to Gardasil or Gardasil 9
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness that would limit compliance with study requirements
- Prior hysterectomy with removal of the cervix
- Prior treatment for cervical HSIL
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Biomarker AnalysisCorrelative studies | Other | Arm I, recombinant HPV 9-valent vaccine, Arm II, saline |
| Recombinant Human Papillomavirus Nonavalent VaccineAlso: Gardasil 9, Nonavalent HPV VLP Vaccine, Recombinant HPV Nonavalent Vaccine, Recombinant Human Papillomavirus 9-valent VaccineGiven IM | Biological | Arm I, recombinant HPV 9-valent vaccine |
| SalineAlso: Sodium Chloride 0.9%Given IM | Other | Arm II, saline |
Primary outcome
Occurrence of Cervical High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL) or Cervical Cancer
Time frame: After week 4 study visit to week 52 post-randomization
For each arm (vaccine and placebo), the HSIL or cancer event rate will be estimated using its point estimate and 95% Poisson confidence intervals. Poisson regression analyses will be used to compare the two arms with respect to event rate. In addition, time to event from week 4 to 52 will be described using the Kaplan-Meier method for each arm, and the two arms will be compared with respect to time to event using the log-rank test.
7 secondary outcomes
Occurrence of Cervical HSIL or Invasive Cancer From Weeks 52-104
Time frame: After week 52 to week 104
Predictors of Sustained Absence of Cervical HSIL Through Week 104 and HPV Clearance
Time frame: At baseline through week 104
Incident Cervical Vaccine Type HPV Infections
Time frame: Up to week 104
Abnormal Cervical Cytology
Time frame: Baseline, week 26, 52, and 104
Prevalent Vulvar HSIL or Cancer
Time frame: Up to week 4
Incident Vulvar HSIL or Cancer
Time frame: Up to week 104
Number of Participants Stratified by the Presence or Absence of Incident Vulvar HSIL/Cancers.
Time frame: Up to week 104
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Oct 2026.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for AIDS-Related Human Papillomavirus Infection
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Enhancing Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment in Women Living With HIV in Kenya, the ENHANCE LINKAge Trial
HIV Infection, Human Papillomavirus-Related Cervical Carcinoma
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Anal High-risk HPV, HSIL, and Microbiome Among Hispanic Peoples Living With HIV (PLWH)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Human Papillomavirus-Related Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Recruiting
The Women's Screening and Self-Testing Program (PROMETA) Study
Human Papilloma Virus Related Cervical Carcinoma
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Carla Chibwesha principal investigator
University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
6 sites in 5 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 3 study testing Laboratory Biomarker Analysis, Recombinant Human Papillomavirus Nonavalent Vaccine and Saline in people with AIDS-Related Human Papillomavirus Infection and High Grade Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Neoplasia, run by AIDS Malignancy Consortium at 6 sites in 5 countries.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 6 sites in South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zimbabwe. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 28 Oct 2026). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Occurrence of Cervical High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL) or Cervical Cancer (time frame: After week 4 study visit to week 52 post-randomization). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Oct 2026.