Articles tagged with Antiretrovirals
New research suggests that ADCC responses and strain susceptibility influence HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission during breastfeeding. Enhancing ADCC through a vaccine may not be sufficient to prevent transmission due to chronically infected individuals' ADCC-resistant strains.
PrEP users in Germany experienced infrequent testing, with 26.3% not following recommended frequencies for HIV, STI, and renal function testing. Regular testing is crucial to prevent missed diagnoses and manage asymptomatic STIs, particularly in MSM populations.
A new study by University of Alberta immunologist Shokrollah Elahi reveals that killer T cells have low levels of protein CD73, compromising their ability to eliminate HIV-infected cells. Chronic inflammation also plays a role in reducing CD73 expression, leading to potential new treatments for both HIV and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers found that starting combined antiretroviral therapy against simian immunodeficiency virus two weeks after infection significantly reduced chronic immune activation, SIV replication, and latent TB reactivation. This study contributes to the growing evidence on the complex interaction between HIV and tuberculosis.
Researchers at FAU are developing an affordable, disposable self-testing HIV-1 chip that can detect HIV from whole blood samples and measure viral load without refrigeration or skilled technicians. The technology aims to increase access to HIV testing and improve treatment outcomes in any setting.
A UCLA-led team has improved a method to kill HIV-infected cells, using natural killer cells to target and eliminate them. The approach could lead to reducing or eliminating the virus from infected individuals who rely on medication.
A global trial led by UCL found that a dolutegravir-based regimen reduced treatment failure among young people aged three to 18 by around 40% compared to standard treatments. The study also showed better growth and lipid profiles in children receiving dolutegravir, making it an effective option for treating HIV in children.
Research found marked decreases in orphanhood, especially double orphanhood, among adolescents in Rakai, Uganda, corresponding with the rise of antiretroviral therapy and male medical circumcision. The study suggests that HIV combination prevention reduces mortality among adults and orphanhood among their adolescent children.
Researchers have discovered that HIV drugs may be effective in treating low-grade brain tumours, specifically meningioma and acoustic neuroma. High levels of HERV-K proteins were found to stimulate the growth of these tumours, and targeted drugs have been identified to reduce their growth.
Scientists have identified transcription factor RORC2 as a key player in HIV infection, allowing the virus to persist in immune cells. Inhibiting RORC2 using small molecules can limit viral expansion and prevent replication in healthy individuals and those with HIV.
The US HIV treatment population is projected to increase by 36% by 2030, with older adults making up nearly a quarter of users. The population is expected to shift towards more older age groups, with nearly one in four people with HIV aged 65 or older by 2030.
A large observational cohort study of 134,672 people with HIV found significant disparities in the uptake of dolutegravir, a preferred HIV medication, among women of reproductive age. Only 29% of female patients aged 16-49 years had initiated dolutegravir, compared to 58% of male patients.
According to a new study funded by NIH, adults with HIV are making progress toward the global target of 95% viral suppression, but children and adolescents are not. The researchers estimated that among adults, 79% were virally suppressed after one year of treatment, while among children and adolescents, only 64% reached this milestone.
Early antiretroviral therapy reduces skin and mucosal cancers in HIV patients by preserving tissue-resident memory T cells. Prompt treatment also improves the immune response, reducing the risk of HPV-associated cancers.
Researchers emphasize the need for monitoring drinking water for HIV medications, as they can contaminate rivers and streams through wastewater. The lack of regulation on pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plants poses a significant challenge in ensuring safe drinking water.
A randomized controlled trial found that adding genotypic resistance testing to routine care didn't improve virologic suppression among HIV patients with first-line antiretroviral therapy failure in public-sector clinics in Uganda and South Africa. The findings highlight the need for effective interventions for persons with virologic f...
A randomized trial found that a shorter course of rifapentine-isoniazid therapy resulted in significantly higher treatment completion rates compared to a longer daily course. The findings suggest that this regimens can be more effective for preventing tuberculosis disease in individuals with HIV, particularly in high-transmission areas.
The APPLI study aims to assess the perceptions and preferences of people living with HIV on long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapies. The study will explore how to support adherence and integrate these therapies into Ryan White HIV care settings, potentially improving health outcomes for those struggling with daily oral medicati...
A new strategy to improve viral suppression among people living with HIV in NYC has been awarded a 5-year, $3.3 million grant. The D2S intervention aims to bolster medication adherence by delivering client-level viral suppression status reports and targeted capacity-building.
A new study found that only 7% of patients who switched from Truvada to Descovy had a documented clinical reason for doing so, highlighting the need for cost-effective PrEP options. The significant price difference between the two medications may be a major barrier to broad and equitable PrEP use in the US.
A pilot study published in EBioMedicine found that metformin can improve immune function and reduce viral reservoir size in people living with HIV. The drug, commonly used to treat type-2 diabetes, was well-tolerated by patients and showed beneficial biological effects on colon biopsies.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified novel transcription factors that influence HIV expression and provided insight into cellular networks controlling activation and repression. Understanding these mechanisms may help target the latent reservoir of virus, allowing for potential treatment advancements.
A new study led by Boston Medical Center researchers identified the inability to control HIV RNA production from existing HIV DNA as a potential key driver of chronic inflammation in people living with HIV. This finding highlights the need for novel treatments targeting persistent inflammation to improve outcomes.
A new study by UCLA researchers found that antiretroviral therapy given over two years was unable to completely restore age-appropriate epigenetic patterns in HIV-infected adults. This suggests that even successfully treated HIV-infected individuals are at an increased risk for early development of diseases commonly associated with aging.
A study found that approximately one-third of HIV patients in Malawi's Zomba Hospital had significant levels of HIV in their blood, with over 80% resistant to multiple antiretroviral drugs. Patients with multidrug-resistant HIV were 70% more likely to die within two months.
Researchers report a lower incidence of COVID-19 among HIV-positive patients receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) therapy. Further investigation is warranted to understand the findings' implications for HIV preexposure prophylaxis and randomized trials.
A multinational study of over 640 pregnant women with HIV found that regimens containing dolutegravir were more effective in suppressing HIV than a commonly used regimen containing efavirenz. Nearly 98% of women who received either of the DTG-containing regimens were virally suppressed at delivery, while only 91% of those receiving EFV...
Researchers calculated average initial HIV ART regimen costs from 2012 to 2018, finding a significant decrease in some regions and a steady increase in others. The study highlights the impact of high ART costs on HIV treatment outcomes in the US.
Researchers at Florida State University College of Medicine have discovered the mechanism responsible for how two widely used antiviral drugs inhibit viruses, including HIV and hepatitis B. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more potent and effective treatments for millions of people worldwide.
A single dose of antibody-based treatment can prevent HIV transmission from mother to baby, according to new research. The study found that administering a combination of two antibodies 30 hours after viral exposure prevented SHIV infection in rhesus macaque newborns.
A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that HIV-positive women who received a childhood smallpox vaccine still retained some immunity to the virus, despite receiving antiretroviral therapy. This limited response suggests that while HIV treatment can boost overall immune function, it may not restore specific memor...
A recent NIH-funded study found that children born to mothers on HIV therapy containing the drug efavirenz were 2-2.5 times more likely to have microcephaly and experience developmental delays compared to those on other antiretroviral drugs.
Despite three failed replications, Science is maintaining an Editorial Expression of Concern (EEoC) on the 2016 study by Siddappa N. Byrareddy et al., which reported significant results for SIV virus treatment using an antibody targeting integrin protein α4β7.
Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch developed a new medication that works with the human body to further suppress HIV, potentially leading to HIV remission. The treatment targets dormant HIV genes by programming a protein called BRD4 to silence the virus.
Researchers found a 0.2% increased risk of neural tube defects among children born to mothers on HIV therapy containing dolutegravir since conception compared to those on other regimens. The study tracked birth outcomes in Botswana and suggested that starting dolutegravir around conception may pose a risk.
The USPSTF recommends offering preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with effective antiretroviral therapy to individuals at high risk of acquiring HIV. This recommendation aims to decrease their risk of infection and can help mitigate the significant health consequences associated with untreated HIV.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that community-based adherence clubs for HIV patients resulted in higher losses from care over two years compared to clinic-based care. Despite this, health outcomes were similar between the two groups.
A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology has identified a pathway connecting some antiretroviral (ARV) drugs with liver disease. The research suggests that ARV drugs interact with the pregnane X receptor, stimulating fatty acid uptake and cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
A resource-based approach for targeting opportunistic infections can decrease early mortality after antiretroviral therapy initiation. The approach requires pre-antiretroviral therapy CD4 testing and can be implemented in even the most resource-constrained settings.
The systematic review identified nine themes impacting on adherence and treatment seeking, including external issues such as poverty and stigma. Long-term engagement requires adaptation and incorporation of ART into daily life, facilitated by factors like self-efficacy and emotional support. The review aims to inform service delivery a...
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine aim to create ultra-long-acting antiretroviral formulations for HIV treatment and prevention. The new grant will enable them to continue and expand upon a line of work that showed promise in animal models, where the implant delivered the drug effectively for five months.
A new long-acting injectable implant developed by UNC School of Medicine researchers has shown promising results in animal models, delivering anti-HIV medication over time with minimal toxicity. The implant can be quickly and safely removed if needed, making it a potential game-changer for HIV treatment and prevention.
A novel combination of broadly neutralizing antibodies has shown remarkable results in reducing HIV viral loads in infected individuals, even after treatment interruptions. This groundbreaking study suggests a promising approach to antibody-mediated therapy, paving the way for long-term control of the virus.
A clinical trial is testing infusions of two potent, HIV-specific antibodies to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in suppressing HIV. The study aims to provide a potential alternative to daily antiretroviral therapy.
The HPTN 074 study demonstrates a significant reduction in mortality and increased antiretroviral therapy usage among participants, leading to improved viral suppression. The integrated intervention combining psychosocial counseling and substance use treatment referrals was associated with enhanced uptake of these services.
The ANRS CLEAC study found that early antiretroviral therapy in infants reduces the risk of death in early childhood and decreases the viral reservoir, promoting a healthier immune system. This benefit persists into late childhood and even adulthood, marking a significant milestone in HIV treatment.
The International Antiviral Society-USA Panel has released updated guidelines for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection in adults. The recommendations include new findings, drugs, and approaches, focusing on adult patients 18 years or older with or at risk for HIV infection.
The International Antiviral Society-USA has updated its recommendations for treating, preventing HIV infection, emphasizing advances in prevention and treatment. The new guidelines cover initiating therapy, monitoring individuals starting therapy, changing regimens, and preventing HIV infection for those at risk.
Researchers have found that active HIV in macrophages can cause learning and memory problems in mice, even with suppressed viral levels. The study suggests that macrophages may transport HIV to the brain, leading to cognitive impairment.
A recent study published in Nature Communications presents a proof-of-concept for an oral, once-weekly drug delivery platform for HIV antiretroviral therapy. The platform demonstrates sustained oral delivery of potent anti-HIV therapies, offering a potential solution to non-adherence issues.
A recent study from Monell Center and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found individual differences in the sensory response to Kaletra, a pediatric HIV medication. Genetic sources of taste variation were identified, suggesting potential solutions to improve medicine adherence in infants and young children.
A new study reveals that HIV drug resistance is on the rise, particularly among individuals in low- to middle-income countries, where 11.1% of those starting therapy have resistant virus strains. The research highlights the importance of improving monitoring and response strategies to combat this growing threat.
A US-funded global effort to curb HIV infection in high-risk populations appears to be working, with a 42% decline in new HIV infections. Male circumcision was shown to have a direct risk-lowering effect, while antiretroviral therapy increased the likelihood of viral suppression.
A new Canadian guideline recommends using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) to prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals. The strategies are estimated to be cost-effective and may increase access to care.
A study published in Frontiers in Neuroanatomy found that HIV-positive children who started antiretroviral treatment by 18 months old have ongoing disruptions in white matter development at age 7, even with viral suppression. Uninfected children also show changes in brain development, suggesting long-term effects of HIV exposure
Long-term follow-up confirms that isoniazid prophylaxis reduces both severe morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected individuals. The study provides evidence for the WHO recommendation of isoniazid preventive therapy in HIV-positive patients, even with early antiretroviral treatment.
Researchers are developing a medication adherence intervention to improve antiretroviral therapy coverage among released Indonesian prisoners. The intervention, adapted from an existing program, aims to increase treatment uptake and reduce HIV-related mortality in the country's prison population. With Indonesia's high HIV infection rat...
International panel recommends older alternative medications to reduce risk of premature birth and neonatal death, supporting patient-centered decision-making. The new guidelines take a public health perspective into account, acknowledging operational challenges in low-resource settings.
A new study found that starting HIV treatment early is associated with accelerated bone loss of about 2-4%, which can increase the risk of fragility fractures. Despite this, the benefits of antiretroviral therapy in preventing HIV transmission and adverse health outcomes prevail.
A plant compound, patentiflorin A, has been discovered to be more effective against HIV than the widely used drug AZT. The compound inhibits an enzyme needed for HIV to replicate, making it a promising candidate for development into a new HIV treatment.