State policies aimed at reducing discrimination and increasing social acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals are more effective among white adults in using HIV prevention measures, but their impact is weaker among Black and Latino populations. Practical steps to expand resources and community-based prevention services may be necessary to add...
Fanghui Shi, a new faculty member at the Arnold School of Public Health, has been awarded a $2.2 million NIH grant to study patterns of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and predict who is at risk for HIV infection. Her research aims to develop practical guidelines for healthcare providers to improve HIV prevention and care.
A new study found a 16.8-percent increase in HIV cases among Hispanic populations in antisanctuary counties compared to baseline counties. The researchers attributed this increase to the 2018 announcement of changes to the public charge rule, which penalized immigrants for using public benefit programs.
A UMBC researcher is exploring the effects of two key HIV prevention drugs in colon tissue, seeking to understand why they work better for some people than others. The study aims to provide knowledge that could lead to better dosing strategies and improved formulations, making PrEP more effective.
A study found that adolescents aware of their state's minor consent laws were more likely to seek and receive HIV and other sexually transmitted infections testing. Teens who accurately knew their legal capacity to consent to healthcare services had higher testing rates.
The Rx for Change initiative aims to increase PrEP access points by up to 80-fold in the southeastern U.S. by integrating HIV testing and prevention services into routine pharmacy care. The program provides specialized training for pharmacies and community-based organizations to enhance service delivery and close gaps in HIV prevention.
A new US sexual health survey finds many Americans report positive experiences in sex and pleasure, yet women and gender-diverse individuals face higher rates of sexual violence and lower pleasure. The study highlights the need for a national sexual health strategy to promote awareness, research, and healthy relationships.
A new study reveals two specific genes that act like security locks to keep the virus asleep in some individuals who naturally control HIV even after stopping therapy. Metformin, a common diabetes drug, can activate one of these locks to keep the virus in its dormant state.
Researchers developed antibody–drug conjugates that combine CD4 mimic and neutralizing antibodies to target HIV entry, showing seven times better efficacy than existing approaches. The strategy aims to block HIV before it enters the host cell, offering a more targeted therapeutic profile and potentially reducing adverse effects.
A newly described HIV antibody targets the V3 glycan site in a different manner than previously known antibodies, remaining effective against virus variants that are resistant to classical V3 antibodies. This breakthrough supports antibody therapy combinations that neutralize the virus more effectively.
A study found that switching to electronic medical records at HIV clinics in Malawi led to a 28% reduction in deaths after five years, with the greatest impact on children. The introduction of EMR systems prevented approximately 5,050 AIDS deaths and improved healthcare efficiency.
A new study found that telemedicine usage for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) increased from less than 1% in 2019 to nearly 20% of PrEP users in 2024. Total PrEP coverage also rose, with more than 591,000 users in 2024 compared to 264,000 in 2019.
A new Canadian guideline published on World AIDS Day aims to support the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV infection. The guidelines include easy reference tables with recommendations on medication regimens, indications, and monitoring.
Experts Gregory Folkers and Anthony Fauci highlight promising therapeutic developments in antiretroviral treatments for HIV/AIDS. The authors emphasize the need for continued research to end the AIDS epidemic, citing recent advances as unfinished business.
A new combination therapy approach enabled seven out of ten participants to keep the virus at low levels for many months after going off antiretroviral therapy. The results suggest a possible cure for HIV and offer a proof of concept that this approach could work.
A successful HIV vaccine could be a major public health breakthrough, preventing 1.3 million new infections in 2024 and saving lives from the virus. The new childhood vaccine is based on the Env trimer protein complex and aims to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies in young immune systems.
A new HIV antiretroviral compound, MK-8527, has demonstrated robust antiviral activity and pharmacokinetics in animal studies. The lead compound is a novel inhibitor of HIV reverse transcriptase translocation with potential for extended-duration dosing.
Researchers have developed a stable Env protein trimer, SOSIP.664, that can elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The breakthrough came after decades of work and multiple modifications to the protein, which is harder to engineer than its counterpart on SARS-CoV-2.
A new study found that short informational videos on social media can effectively promote HIV prevention among teens and young adults. The study suggests that public health campaigns should combine social media distribution with in-clinic viewing, use positive framing, and involve young people in content development.
A new study shows that delivering a single injection of gene therapy at birth may offer years-long protection against HIV. The treatment uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver instructions to muscle cells, which produce broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of neutralizing multiple strains of HIV.
A new gene therapy intervention administered at birth provides multi-year protection from HIV infection, useful in areas lacking access to antiretroviral drugs. The treatment uses a common gene therapy shuttle to produce an HIV-specific broadly neutralizing antibody, showing no side effects and long-lasting protection.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation predicts a 8% decline in development assistance for health by 2030, following a 51% decrease since 2021. This could compromise global health progress, particularly for vulnerable populations and infectious disease treatment.
Researchers have uncovered a key reason why HIV remains difficult to cure, revealing that subtle variations in the Rev-RRE axis influence viral replication and latency reactivation. Understanding this regulatory system could help develop strategies to flush out the dormant virus and eliminate it for good.
A new study found that eight times more American young adults now take HIV-prevention medication than a decade ago, but inconsistent use and barriers persist. PrEP can reduce the chances of acquiring HIV by 99%, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers and public health agencies to promote consistent use among high-risk patients.
A mathematical modeling study suggests that sustained HIV remission or eradication could consistently reduce new HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Netherlands. However, transient remission with a risk of rebound may increase new infections if not closely monitored.
Wesley Sundquist's lab developed lenacapavir, an exceptionally effective HIV-preventing drug with 99.9 to 100 percent efficacy in clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people. The drug has the potential to dramatically decrease infection rates worldwide if distributed broadly.
A study in Tanzania found that eliminating worm infections, such as Wuchereria bancrofti, can reduce the risk of contracting HIV. The research, conducted between 2007 and 2019, showed a significant decrease in HIV incidence among people cured of the worm infection, compared to those who remained infected or never had the infection.
Expert policy analysis estimates nearly 500,000 children could die from AIDS-related causes by 2030 if PEPFAR programmes are not stable. The authors call for urgent action to ensure the continuation of life-saving interventions and support for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
A new modelling study warns that proposed cuts to international funding for HIV prevention and treatment programmes could result in significant increases in new HIV infections and deaths. The research estimates 4.4-10.8 million additional new infections and 770,000-2.9 million HIV-related deaths by 2030 if funding cuts are not mitigated.
A new dataset captures over 170 years of US state laws governing minors' legal capacity to independently consent to sexual health services without parental involvement. This increase in states allowing minors to consent has substantial limitations, including complexity and neglect of confidentiality concerns.
Researchers found that mobile units with peer navigation improved health outcomes for participants with opioid use disorder, with about seven percent on medication and 35 percent virally suppressed. The study also showed lower odds of all-cause mortality in the intervention arm.
A global study of individuals with HIV found that current risk models underestimated cardiovascular events, particularly for women and black men in high-income countries. The researchers developed correction factors to fine-tune these models, highlighting the need for nuanced, region-specific predictions.
Diane Santa Maria, dean of Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, has received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Her innovative research program focuses on HIV prevention among youth experiencing homelessness.
Climate change is associated with poorer HIV prevention outcomes, including reduced testing and increased risk behaviors, leading to higher new infections and poorer treatment adherence. Researchers identified links between extreme weather events and HIV-related challenges, emphasizing the need for innovative interventions and strategies.
A new study has found that rates of chlamydia and syphilis plummet among people prescribed doxycycline for STI prevention in routine clinical care. The study used pharmacy data to determine which HIV PrEP users filled prescriptions for doxyPEP, with 2,253 people receiving the medication within its first year of availability.
The updated recommendations provide a comprehensive framework for healthcare professionals to deliver better care and move closer to ending the HIV epidemic. The guidelines emphasize tailored antiretroviral therapy, effective HIV prevention strategies like pre-exposure prophylaxis, and comprehensive care for people living with HIV.
A new study finds that a blood test using phosphatidylethanol (PEth) can detect liver disease caused by excessive drinking, offering a more reliable alternative to self-reported measures. The test has shown strong correlation with Fibrosis 4, an indicator of liver risk, and could be included in routine blood tests.
The 2024 guidelines provide updated recommendations for treating and preventing HIV in adults, highlighting new approaches to address disparities and inequities in access to care. These tools aim to help end the HIV epidemic by improving treatment outcomes and reducing transmission rates.
A recent clinical trial has revealed a twice-yearly injection of Lenacapavir to be 96% effective in preventing HIV infection, surpassing daily oral PrEP. The study included racially and ethnically diverse participants, highlighting the need for more options in HIV prevention.
A new IHME study reveals significant progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, with sub-Saharan Africa leading the way in cutting new HIV infections and deaths. However, the world is not on track to meet UNAIDS 2030 targets, with a quarter of people living with HIV not receiving treatment.
The survey found that the number of US clinicians available to provide HIV prevention and treatment is shrinking, with 10.5% of current clinicians reporting they would leave HIV care in the next five years. Younger clinicians and those from certain regions are more likely to continue providing HIV care.
A clinical trial has begun to assess the safety and acceptability of a novel rectal HIV microbicide douche containing tenofovir for pre-exposure prophylaxis. The study aims to provide an 'on-demand' HIV prevention method for eligible individuals who engage in receptive anal intercourse.
A groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine reports the first sustained remission of HIV infection following a bone marrow transplant in a patient without the CCR5-delta 32 mutation. Despite remaining susceptible to HIV, the virus remains undetectable nearly three years after antiretroviral treatment was stopped.
A new study led by UMass Amherst and Tufts Medical Center will provide HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for people with opioid use disorders who are incarcerated. The study aims to increase the number of incarcerated individuals tested and treated, addressing a critical gap in healthcare access.
The PrEPVacc HIV vaccine trial found no significant reduction in HIV infections among participants. The study reported more infections in the vaccine arms compared to the placebo groups, but the results are inconclusive due to wide statistical confidence intervals.
A global study among cisgender women found long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) to be safe and well-tolerated as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) before and during pregnancy. The analysis of over 300 pregnancies and infants showed similar outcomes to general population estimates.
The Midwest Developmental Center for AIDS Research will unite scientists and public health experts to fight the HIV epidemic in the region. The center aims to create a platform for collaboration and coordinate efforts to address the disease, with a focus on improving healthcare equity and outcomes.
Lenacapavir has shown 100% efficacy as PrEP among cisgender women in a Phase 3 clinical trial. The twice-yearly injection offers improved feasibility of PrEP for those experiencing barriers to daily pill-taking. NIAID looks forward to additional data and regulatory decisions.
Two mid-stage studies assess lenacapavir's safety and acceptability in cisgender women and people who inject drugs, adding to a global manufacturer-led clinical development program. The trials aim to provide insights on how these priority populations experience long-acting HIV PrEP.
A study found that statin therapy significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in adults aged 60 years and older, including those over 85. Statins also did not increase the risk for adverse events such as myopathies and liver dysfunction.
A Danish study found that PrEP use was associated with a more than twofold increase in chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis diagnoses. The researchers suggest that changes in sexual risk-taking may lead people to seek PrEP rather than increased risks.
A new nanofluidic implant has been shown to deliver an HIV drug with increased potency compared to existing oral medications, providing a potential breakthrough in addressing treatment nonadherence. The device is intended for long-term controlled release and avoids repeated systemic treatment, which can lead to adverse side effects.
Researchers are evaluating two prototype placebo rings in a study to determine their safety and usability for women. The goal is to inform the final design of a dual-purpose ring that can prevent both HIV and unplanned pregnancy for a month at a time.
Researchers have identified a potential path to eliminate the viral reservoir that prevents people from being completely cured of HIV. A new drug candidate, called a proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) molecule, triggers the degradation of the Nef protein, which suppresses HIV replication and restores immune system detection. This ...
A new study by the Microbicide Trials Network found no safety concerns with using the dapivirine vaginal ring during all stages of pregnancy. The research provides sufficient evidence that the ring is safe to use throughout pregnancy to protect against HIV, which poses a higher risk than at any other time.
A large clinical study conducted in South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe found that the dapivirine vaginal ring and daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis to be safe for HIV prevention among pregnant women. The study involved 248 pregnancies and showed no increased risk of stillbirth or miscarriage.
A four-year national cohort study found a 35-40% annual PrEP discontinuation rate among sexually and gender minority populations. High HIV incidence was observed among those who discontinued PrEP, highlighting the need for targeted support to ensure sustained use.
A new study by the University of Washington found that condom use has been declining among younger gay and bisexual men, even when not taking PrEP. The study highlights the need for continued education about the benefits of using condoms during sex to reduce HIV transmission rates.
A new study has found that heavy alcohol use and illicit opioid use are linked to a higher risk of falls and fractures among people living with HIV. The study suggests the need for targeted clinical screening and interventions to prevent falls and related injuries, particularly among populations already at risk.
A UCLA-led study found that a combination of telehealth coaching, peer support, and automated text messages increased PrEP uptake among younger Americans by more than doubling it. The intervention's success suggests the importance of behavioral interventions and wraparound services in supporting HIV prevention.