Department of Research & Evaluation News

A first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center marks an important milestone for the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation and demonstrates what is possible when research, clinical care and operational teams work together as one.

“This is the first time we’ve hosted a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial, and we did it successfully because of the enthusiasm and expertise of our care teams,” said William Towner, MD, FACP, FIDSA. physician director for the Division of Clinical Trials.

“Our inpatient nurses and pharmacists didn’t just agree to support the study. They embraced the opportunity and were genuinely excited to be part of it.”

The study is evaluating an investigational HIV therapy designed to target the latent HIV reservoir where the virus remains hidden in the body despite effective antiretroviral treatment and represents one of the major barriers to an HIV cure. This early-stage study is focused primarily on safety and tolerability that may help advance future combination strategies aimed at achieving a cure.

Kaiser Permanente Southern California is one of several institutions participating in the trial, along with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Georgetown University, Emory University, The Ohio State University, Wake Forest University and Indiana University.

The trial required extensive coordination because the participant remained at Los Angeles Medical Center for 4 days of inpatient safety monitoring, closely timed clinical procedures and laboratory testing. Clinical trials staff partnered with hospital administration, nurses and nurse educators, pharmacists, laboratory professionals, physicians, and other supporting teams at the medical center. Each group adapted clinical workflows to meet rigorous study protocol requirements while maintaining safe, coordinated care.

The participant completed the hospital stay and was discharged in excellent condition, grateful to have been a part of this groundbreaking research.

“He did really well,” Dr. Towner said. “He was feeling great when he was discharged and left in excellent condition.”

The achievement reflects the expertise, dedication and enthusiasm of the Los Angeles Medical Center and Department of Research & Evaluation teams that brought the study to life, Dr. Towner said.

“It illustrates why strong clinical partnerships and reliable research infrastructure — including trained staff, pharmacy and laboratory capabilities, inpatient workflows, and operational coordination — is essential to expanding access to high-impact clinical trials,” Dr. Towner said.

Photo: From left, Helen Abad, Project Manager; Alesya Sumantri, Clinical Research Coordinator IV;  and Dr. Towner, who all breath a sigh of relief in the elevator after patient receives investigational medication with no issues.