Articles tagged with Antiretrovirals
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.
Implementation of community-based testing and treatment programs was associated with increased HIV diagnosis, ART initiation, and viral suppression among HIV-positive adults. After two years, 80% of residents achieved viral suppression, and 96% had been previously diagnosed.
Research finds elevated immune activation during treatment is not driven by low HIV levels in the blood. Pre-treatment immune events may contribute to continued activation despite antiretroviral success.
Researchers at UNC are developing an injectable drug delivery system that forms a long-lasting implant to steadily release anti-HIV medication. The goal is to provide durable, sustained protection from HIV transmission while improving adherence and allowing for easy removal.
A study of 180 HIV-infected patients reveals a prevalence of 20% for AIDS-defining illnesses associated with ART. This investigation aims to educate physicians treating patients with HIV/TB, shedding light on the importance of timely treatment initiation.
A new drug developed at the University of Rochester Medical Center extends HIV therapy effectiveness by unleashing a cell's protective machinery on the virus. When combined with nanoformulated antiretroviral drugs, URMC-099 lifts the brakes on autophagy, allowing cells to digest any remaining virus.
The NIH has launched a Phase 3 clinical trial to test the efficacy and safety of a long-acting injectable drug, cabotegravir, for HIV prevention. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of injectable cabotegravir with daily oral Truvada in protecting against HIV infection.
A new study on simian immunodeficiency virus in macaques suggests that a proposed curative strategy could cause harmful brain inflammation if the virus is present in the brain. The 'shock and kill' treatment approach, which aims to wipe out infected cells, may have unintended consequences.
Researchers found that a new triple regimen of integrase inhibitor Dolutegravir decreases viral load in semen very quickly, reducing the risk of HIV sexual transmission. This treatment approach could potentially shorten previous antiretroviral prophylaxis.
Researchers found HIV in brain, kidney, spleen & other tissues of treated patients with undetectable viral loads, suggesting continued disease progression. The study suggests that strategies to 'cure' HIV infection must consider targeting tissue-based sites of HIV.
Researchers successfully achieved sustained viral remission in rhesus macaques by supplementing antiretroviral drugs with an antibody. The virus remained undetectable for almost two years after withdrawal of treatment, demonstrating a promising potential treatment for HIV.
Researchers at University of Oxford discover 'hitchhiking' effect of anti-HIV drugs on human metalloprotease, causing premature ageing. The mass spectrometry technique reveals unexpected binding of lopinavir, ritonavir and amprenavir to prelamin A protein.
The ANRS 162-4D trial found that patients on a 4-day a week regimen had undetectable viral loads for most of the study period. The innovative strategy aims to improve adherence and reduce drug burden, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
The HPTN 052 study found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) provides durable protection against HIV transmission from infected individuals to their uninfected partners. The trial showed a 93% reduction in HIV transmission when ART was started early, with no observed transmission when viral replication was stably suppressed.
The HPTN 052 study found a significant reduction in HIV transmission when the infected person starts antiretroviral therapy at a higher CD4 cell count. Researchers also discovered that 93% of HIV transmission was prevented with early treatment initiation.
The International Antiviral Society-USA panel recommends starting antiretroviral therapy in all individuals with detectable viremia, regardless of CD4 cell count. Recommended initial regimens include 2 NRTIs plus an InSTI for most patients.
A study in Uganda found that increasing community medical male circumcision and antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage was associated with reduced community HIV incidence. Median community HIV incidence declined from 1.25 to 0.84 per 100 person-years in males, and from 1.25 to 0.99 per 100 person-years in females.
A study of nearly 1,166 HIV serodifferent couples found no documented cases of within-couple HIV transmission during a median follow-up of 1.3 years. The researchers suggest that with eligible couple-years accrued, appreciable levels of risk cannot be excluded, particularly for anal sex.
A new intervention aims to increase engagement with treatment among African-American/black and Hispanic people living with HIV. The study will use a pioneering engineering-inspired framework - the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) -- to identify effective components and build the most cost-effective package.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that recently developed hepatitis C medicines have a wide range of prices globally, with the US having the highest nominal price. The researchers also calculated that treating the entire HCV infected population in some countries could be as expensive as 190% of the total pharmaceutical expenditure.
The article discusses the nephrotoxic effects of newer antiviral therapies, such as HAART and DAAs, in HIV and HCV patients. Organic transporters play a crucial role in explaining potential renal toxicities, and a review highlights the substrates, inhibitors, and distribution of these transporters.
Scientists at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have successfully tested an immunotherapy agent that can push SIV out of its hideouts in infected monkeys. The treatment, which combines PD-1 blockade with antiretroviral therapy, resulted in more rapid viral suppression and active antiviral T cells.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces HIV transmission in the female reproductive tract, regardless of exposure method. This discovery has significant implications for future HIV prevention, vaccine, and cure research.
Researchers found that HIV persists in lymphoid tissue despite potent antiretroviral therapy, and that low-level replication maintains viral reservoirs. The study provides a new perspective on how to deliver drugs to effectively eradicate the virus.
Scientists have developed a novel combination treatment using IL-21 to repair the immune system in HIV-infected individuals. The study found that IL-21 reduced residual inflammation and improved the reconstitution of Th17 and Th22 cells, critical for intestinal immunity.
Researchers found that switching to efavirenz-based therapy did not result in higher rates of viral rebound or failure among children with viral suppression. This study provides evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of this treatment regimen for HIV-infected children over 3 years old.
A study by the University of Virginia found that low-income HIV patients enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans achieved higher viral suppression rates compared to those receiving only medications through direct AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). This approach allows the state to cover more patients in a cost-effective wa...
Scientists at the NIH discovered a link between human endogenous retroviral genes and ALS, suggesting that reactivated viral genes may destroy neurons. Activation of HERV-K genes may be controlled by TDP-43, a gene-regulating protein linked to ALS.
HIV-infected patients are excluded from early-phase clinical trials of new anti-tuberculosis drugs, resulting in slower development and potential drug interactions with antiretroviral therapy. Experts urge including HIV patients in relevant trials to accelerate development and address drug resistance.
The Women's Antiretroviral Efficacy and Safety Study found that women receiving Stribild had a higher rate of HIV suppression compared to those on ritonavir-boosted atazanavir plus Truvada. No one on Stribild developed resistant mutations, in contrast to three women in the comparator group.
A new study suggests Ontario is close to meeting United Nations targets to end the AIDS epidemic by 2020. The study found that 87.3% of people in Ontario with HIV were receiving care, and 76% had a suppressed viral load. However, there are still gaps in healthcare access for younger adults, especially gay men and those with substance u...
A US study found that most participants in an NIH-funded study took anti-HIV medication for PrEP, a strategy for HIV prevention. The study enrolled 557 men who have sex with men and transgender women at high risk for HIV infection, and showed moderate adherence to Truvada-based oral PrEP.
A new study found that starting antiretroviral therapy early reduces the risk of both serious AIDS-related events and serious non-AIDS-related events, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and death. The study shows a significant benefit of early treatment regardless of age, sex, or geographic region.
The HPTN 052 study demonstrates that early antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples, with a sustained 93% reduction when the HIV-infected partner is on treatment and viral load suppressed. The trial also found that timely ART initiation can lead to improved health outcomes.
A decade-long NIH-funded trial found that antiretroviral therapy consistently suppresses HIV, greatly reducing sexual transmission to uninfected partners. The study demonstrates the enduring power of HIV-controlling treatment in protecting heterosexuals from transmission.
A new study published in mBio shows that Cortistatin A significantly inhibits viral replication and reduces residual virus levels in infected dormant cells, establishing a near-permanent state of latency.
A new CDC study reveals that transgender HIV-infected women in the US have poorer antiretroviral therapy adherence and viral load suppression compared to non-transgender men. They also experience higher rates of homelessness and unmet basic needs such as food and housing.
A major international trial found that starting antiretroviral drugs earlier reduces the risk of developing AIDS and other serious illnesses. The study supported treating everyone with HIV, regardless of CD4+ T-cell count.
A new study has identified a temporary, but potentially troublesome unintended consequence of male circumcision: an increased risk of infecting female sexual partners while the wound heals. The study found that nearly 30% of HIV-positive men were shedding the virus two weeks after surgery, compared to less than 10% before circumcision.
A study developed a risk score model to predict the likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with HIV. The model uses nine clinical and demographic factors to assess CKD risk, with participants having low, medium, or high risk scores experiencing respective probabilities of CKD development over five years.
Two new NIH-supported trials are examining the safety and acceptability of antiretroviral medicines administered via injection to prevent HIV infection. The studies aim to improve adherence and provide a potential alternative to daily pills for individuals at high risk.
A study published in The Lancet HIV reports that an HIV testing campaign in Kenya's Bunyala subcounty yielded over 1,300 new diagnoses, with only 15% of newly diagnosed individuals seeking care. Home-based counseling and testing provided a diagnosis to nearly 40% of people living with HIV who otherwise would not have sought testing.
A multidisciplinary team from UTMB will lead projects to determine the drug safety and efficacy of an antiretroviral-releasing intravaginal ring. The project aims to develop a device that can deliver multiple-drug combinations of HIV antiretroviral drugs, which is crucial for preventing the spread of sexually transmitted HIV in women.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 12 months of estimated dates of seroconversion (EDS) improves the likelihood of restoring CD4+ T-cell counts. Patients who initiated ART after 12 months had lower CD4 normalization rates and increased risk of AIDS.
A UCSF study found that HIV-infected men who use stimulants experience difficulties accessing antiretroviral therapy due to concerns over adherence. However, the research shows that these patients can take their medications reliably with integrated care services.
A new clinical trial found that drug combinations not including efavirenz are effective as first-line antiretroviral therapy for HIV patients who cannot tolerate efavirenz. The study showed high rates of HIV control and immune system restoration with these regimens, but noted differences in tolerability.
In a laboratory study led by NIH scientists, broadly neutralizing HIV-specific antibodies (bNAbs) were found to effectively block HIV from entering immune cells. The researchers also demonstrated that these antibodies could completely block HIV replication in infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy.
Researchers have developed a multipronged strategy to eradicating the hidden reservoir of infected cells in the body. A 'shock-and-kill' approach involving inducers and virus-fighting antibodies shows promise for curing HIV-1 infection in humans.
Researchers at Oak Crest Institute of Science are developing an intravaginal ring capable of delivering powerful antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV infection in women. The project aims to determine the best combination of antiretroviral drugs for prevention via vaginal delivery.
Infants born to HIV-infected mothers are at risk due to limited access to formula and breastfeeding challenges. Researchers advocate for immune-based interventions, including vaccines and nutritional supplements, to prevent postnatal HIV-1 transmission. The development of novel prophylaxis strategies is crucial to achieving an HIV-free...
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a potential solution for delivering anti-HIV drugs in a fast-acting, dissolvable fabric. The fiber material can hold up to 10 times the concentration of medicine as current topical gels, releasing higher doses in just six minutes.
A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that combination antiretroviral therapy can reduce HCV viral loads and liver injury in HIV patients co-infected with HCV. This approach supports the concept of early and uninterrupted HIV therapy to prevent liver disease in individuals with HCV/HIV infection.
The Mississippi baby, who was thought to be functionally cured of HIV, has developed detectable levels of the virus after over two years without treatment. Researchers are now working to understand what factors enabled the child's prolonged remission and how to extend it.
A novel intravaginal ring demonstrated controlled drug release and safety in pig-tailed macaque monkeys, showing potential for HIV prevention. The ring's topical delivery reduces adherence issues, boosting effectiveness and minimizing side effects.
A new study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and UNAIDS found that scaling up HIV services can achieve substantially lower unit-costs per patient. Integrating these services with other healthcare services, such as tuberculosis treatment, can lead to better value for money.
The American College of Physicians recommends against routine pelvic examinations for asymptomatic, average-risk non-pregnant women due to the lack of demonstrated benefit and potential harms. In contrast, the guideline suggests Pap smear screening without a bimanual examination, recommending visual inspection of the cervix, cervical s...
A Harvard study found that men who have sex with men (MSM) with mental health and substance abuse problems struggle to adhere to their HIV medication regimens. The research highlights the importance of addressing these issues to improve treatment outcomes and reduce viral transmission.
A French study found a small link between HIV drug use during pregnancy and an increased risk of heart defects in children. However, the benefits of antiretroviral therapy in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV outweigh the risks.
A Northwestern University-designed intravaginal ring provides both antiretroviral drug and contraceptive protection for months, addressing a significant need in women's reproductive health. The device, known as the tenofovir levonorgestrel IVR, has been engineered to deliver controlled doses of these medications over an extended period.