Study to Evaluate Safety and Toxicity of Polyphenon E (EGCG) in HIV-1-Infected Individuals

Inclusion Criteria

• HIV-infected individual as having at least two of the following in any combination obtained from 2 different samples: Positive HIV rapid test or ELISA and Western Blot; HIV RNA PCR>10,000 copies/ml; positive HIV DNA PCR; neutralizable HIV p 24 antigen
• Asymptomatic HIV-1 infected individuals who are either antiretroviral-naive or treatment-experienced. Subjects must have not been on ARV treatment for at least 12 weeks prior to enrollment and not have plans to start ARV treatment within 8 weeks of study initiation.
• Male or female 18 to 65 years of age. Males must use barrier methods of contraception Females must be willing to abide by protocol specified methods to avoid becoming pregnant. Women of childbearing potential must use an adequate form of birth control determined by the investigator (e.g., oral contraceptives, double-barrier methods, hormonal injectable or implanted contraceptives, tubal ligation, or vasectomy).
• HIV-1 RNA >1,000 copies/mL at Screening.
• In the opinion of the investigator, subject has a stable CD4+ T lymphocyte count while off ARV and 250 cells/mm3 at Screening.
• Participants should have no clinically significant findings on screening evaluations (clinical, laboratory, or EKG).
• Be able to comprehend and willing to sign an ICF.
• Be able to comply with the protocol requirements.
• Have life expectancy > 6 months.
• Laboratory values obtained during screening must be within normal limits or meet the following requirements (Safety Labs):
• ANC 1000/mm3
• Hemoglobin 9.0 g/dL
• Glucose (nonfasting) <116 mg/dL
• Bilirubin 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN)
• Liver function tests (AST & ALT) 1.25 x ULN at screening and baseline
• GGT < 5.0 x ULN
• Negative hepatitis panel obtained less than or equal to 6 months prior to Study Entry
• Creatinine 1.3 x ULN
• Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) 5 x ULN unless further evaluation determines it to be due to exercise
• Urine protein 2+
• Prothrombin time (PT)1.25 x ULN
• Lipase 1.2 x ULN

Exclusion Criteria

• Current or recent (<3 months) history of opportunistic infection that,
• Acute illness within 1 week of the baseline visit.
• Participant is not able to comply with the dosing schedule and protocol evaluations.
• Participant is anticipated to begin ARV treatment during participation in the study.
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding or postpartum (less than 3 months).
• Diagnosis of diabetes.
• Any condition which could compromise participant safety or adherence to the protocol.
• Documented positive test for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody (with the exception of participants who received hepatitis B vaccination and have hepatitis B surface antibody), hepatitis B core antibody, and hepatitis C antibody.
• Any grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormality noted at screening according to the DAIDS grading scale (Appendix A), except for the following:
• Grade 3 or 4 triglyceride elevations.
• Grade 3 cholesterol elevation.
• Grade 3 non-fasting glucose elevation.
• Participant has a malabsorption syndrome possibly affecting drug absorption (e.g. Crohn's disease or chronic pancreatitis).
• Participant has received an HIV prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination within 6 months prior to the first dose of study medication.
• Investigational therapy within 30 days prior to the Baseline visit.
• Radiation therapy or systemic cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents within 12 weeks prior to the baseline visit or have not recovered from side effects from such therapy prior to the first dose of study medication.
• Positive urine screen for drugs of abuse at Screening, unless the investigator deems that the result is associated with a prescribed medication or inhaled use of THC.
• Inability to avoid all tea/tea products (including herbal, caffeinated, decaffeinated, iced tea), apples, chocolate, broad beans (fava beans), plums, prunes, cherries, fruit juices containing apples, cherries, or plums, dietary supplements, and herbal products for 1 week p