Articles tagged with Hiv Prevention
A new study found that states with low initial use of HIV-prevention drugs continue to fall behind in usage among people at risk for the disease. Researchers urge federal and state governments to close gaps by implementing successful policies from early-adopting states, such as telehealth programs and expanding Medicaid.
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 Rutgers study found that while 98% of young sexual minority men and transgender women knew about PrEP, less than 25% were taking it. Factors associated with PrEP use varied by race, with white participants more likely to use it if they had positive beliefs and received education from healthcare providers.
A 90-day dapivirine ring has passed its first test in a Phase I study, showing promising results for long-acting HIV prevention in cisgender women. The ring achieved higher dapivirine concentrations in blood plasma and vaginal fluid compared to the monthly dapivirine ring, suggesting potential for sustained protection.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has established four HIV clinical trials networks to advance research on prevention, vaccines, therapeutics, and maternal/adolescent/pediatric treatments. The networks aim to increase efficiency and effectiveness in NIH's HIV clinical trial operations.
A new index assesses HIV/AIDS prevention policies among people who inject drugs globally, with top performers including Spain and Switzerland. Russia ranks 59th, highlighting the need for improved policies to combat the spread of HIV among drug users.
A new study finds that states with HIV criminalization laws have lower PrEP uptake rates, while those with nondiscrimination laws for sexual minorities have higher rates. The researchers call for state governments to repeal criminalization laws and improve access to HIV treatment and prevention.
A monthly vaginal ring containing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine is being considered as a new HIV prevention method for cisgender women in sub-Saharan Africa. The European Medicines Agency has adopted a positive scientific opinion on its use, paving the way for potential approval.
The HPTN 083 clinical trial showed that a long-acting cabotegravir injection was superior to daily oral tenofovir/emtricitabine for HIV prevention among cisgender men and transgender women. The study found a 66% reduction in incident HIV infections in participants given cabotegravir compared to TDF/FTC.
A review of nearly 60 articles found that PrEP use among at-risk teens in the US is increasing, but access and knowledge gaps persist. The study recommends strategies to improve PrEP uptake, such as increasing awareness and providing targeted interventions for underserved populations.
Experts say optimal implementation of existing tools and development of new interventions are crucial to ending the HIV pandemic. Current highly effective treatments like antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can prevent transmission if implemented correctly.
A study of 427 young African women found that 95% initiated PrEP but use fell after three months, with only 9% maintaining high adherence. Tailored support strategies are needed to maintain PrEP use and optimize protection against HIV acquisition.
A new online intervention tool shows promise in decreasing sexual risk-taking and promoting HIV/STI prevention behaviors among young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. The My Desires & Expectations (myDEx) tool was pilot-tested in a randomized trial and found to improve HIV prevention behaviors and emotional decision-m...
A clinical trial, REACH, is examining the safety and use of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and a vaginal ring in adolescent girls and young women in southern Africa. The study aims to expand HIV prevention choices for this disproportionately affected population.
Researchers emphasize the importance of treating and preventing HIV among men, citing gaps in care due to gender norms and stigma. Innovative approaches are being explored, including workplace testing and care, ART home delivery, and expanded diagnosis and treatment for men.
The HPTN 075 Study found an alarming rate of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in sub-Saharan Africa. The incidence rate was substantially higher than the general population, indicating an urgent need for increased access to HIV prevention approaches.
The Keep It Up! program, a novel online HIV prevention initiative, has been shown to reduce sexually transmitted infections by 40 percent among gay young men. The program will now be implemented nationally as part of the next phase, testing two implementation strategies: community-based and direct-to-consumer methods.
A novel online HIV prevention program has reduced sexually transmitted infections in gay young men by 40 percent, reports a Northwestern Medicine study. The program, Keep It Up!, weaves HIV prevention information into the typical experiences of young gay men, targeting settings such as dating and starting new relationships.
Researchers have developed a promising strategy using multivalent combinations of antibodies to prevent and treat HIV. These broadly neutralizing antibodies offer increased efficacy against various strains of the virus, including those at mucosal surfaces.
The first large-scale clinical trial of a long-acting injectable medication for HIV prevention in sexually active women has begun. The study will examine whether a long-acting form of the investigational anti-HIV drug cabotegravir can safely protect women at risk for HIV infection.
The HPTN 084 study enrolls 3,200 HIV-uninfected women in seven countries to test the safety and efficacy of a long-acting injectable cabotegravir compared to daily oral TDF/FTC. The study aims to increase HIV prevention choices for women, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where they bear a disproportionate burden.
A combination of proven HIV prevention measures significantly reduced new HIV infections in a Ugandan district. The strategy includes voluntary medical male circumcision and HIV-suppressing antiretroviral therapy.
The Transwomen Connected app aims to cater to the physical, mental and emotional needs of transgender women. The project will build a mobile app with HIV prevention tools and resources tailored specifically with their needs in mind.
The nonprofit International Partnership for Microbiddles (IPM) will receive a competitive award of up to $25 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to advance HIV prevention microbicide products for women. The award supports IPM's monthly dapivirine vaginal ring, which has shown promising results in...
The HPTN 077 study found that long-acting injectable cabotegravir was well-tolerated by men and women, with consistent levels in the bloodstream and good acceptance. The 600mg dose every 8 weeks showed promising results for HIV prevention.
The Winter 2016 issue features three original research articles, two review articles, a commentary article, a narrative analysis article, and two China Focus articles addressing sociocultural challenges in engaging black sub-Saharan African communities in HIV prevention programs. Other articles discuss the relationship between mothers'...
The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) has launched a new study, HPTN 083, to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of injectable cabotegravir for PrEP in men who have sex with men and transgender women. The study aims to provide an alternative to daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) for HIV prevention.
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.
The experimental vaginal ring had little effect on sexual intercourse, with most women reporting no interference. However, some women experienced diminished pleasure due to worry about their partner noticing the ring, and those facing intimate partner violence or social harms were more likely to have low adherence.
A research team led by Rebecca Schnall is developing a mobile app using existing in-person intervention MyPEEPS to deliver HIV prevention information to diverse young men. The five-year clinical trial will test the effectiveness of the mobile version among 700 racially and ethnically diverse adolescent MSM.
Public health experts argue that NHS England should fund PrEP to prevent HIV transmission, comparable to vaccination services. Delays may result in avoidable mortality and increased NHS costs.
PrEP has been estimated to prevent up to 7400 new infections in the UK if made available. Despite strong evidence, those at high risk remain unable to access this important HIV prevention measure.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that $1.4 billion in HIV prevention programs promoting sexual abstinence and marital fidelity had no impact on changing individual behavior or reducing HIV risk. The researchers suggest reallocating funding to effective HIV prevention methods, as the remaining $50 million in annual f...
New research reveals that black female college students are reluctant to use online HIV prevention resources, citing stigma and fear of social repercussions. The study's findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive information delivery methods tailored to this demographic.
The HPTN 073 Study found that a novel coordinated counseling and care approach resulted in high uptake of PrEP among BMSM, suggesting a lower rate of HIV infection. The study showed that 92% of participants completed the 12-month follow-up and 79% accepted PrEP.
A new study by San Diego State University found that Charlie Sheen's HIV-positive disclosure corresponded with record highs of domestic news coverage and Google searches for information about HIV and prevention. The study suggests that celebrity disclosures like Sheen's may help generate renewed national attention for HIV and HIV preve...
A study conducted in Peru suggests that rectal microbicides delivered as enemas or douches could be a promising tool to prevent HIV among men who have sex with men and transwomen. The researchers found that 18% of participants reported rectal douching, primarily for hygiene and pleasure.
Project EMOTION aims to develop user-centered strategies for creating market demand for microbicides and PrEP products among high-risk women. The project will work with local partners to identify drivers and barriers to product use, and design new product attributes, packaging, and messaging.
HPTN 067 study finds that high-risk populations in Bangkok, Harlem, and South Africa can adhere to daily PrEP regimens with high levels of coverage and satisfaction. The study suggests that non-daily dosing regimens could be a cost-effective alternative for increasing accessibility to PrEP.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital found that community-based HIV prevention programs in Ontario avert over 16,000 infections and save approximately $6.5 billion in treatment costs. The study also showed that these programs are cost-effective, providing valuable insights for health planners and policy decision-makers.
HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) has initiated two phase 2 studies to evaluate the safety and acceptability of long-acting injectable antiretroviral drugs, a promising advancement in HIV prevention. The studies aim to provide an alternative to daily oral PrEP pills, which have shown limitations in some trials.
The trial aims to assess whether treating HIV-infected individuals as a form of prevention can substantially reduce new HIV infections across communities. The study will measure the impact on 52,500 adults over three years in 21 communities with a population of 1.2 million.
A University of Michigan study found that gay couples establish 'sexual agreements' to prevent HIV transmission, with 80% keeping their agreements. However, only 57% of couples confirm having an agreement, and 50% of those break it, increasing the risk of HIV transmission.
A systematic review of 13 modelling studies found that pre-exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs is the most cost-effective strategy for preventing HIV infection in people at risk. The cost-effectiveness of this approach depends on factors such as drug costs, epidemic context, and individual adherence levels.
A new paper by Brown University researchers finds that African-American clergy are willing to join the fight against HIV by promoting testing, treatment, and social justice. The study highlights the importance of engaging clergy in HIV prevention efforts, particularly in addressing racial disparities in infection rates.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that female sex workers are nearly 14 times more likely to be infected with HIV compared to the general population. The analysis of 102 previous studies representing almost 100,000 female sex workers in 50 countries revealed a significant disparity in HIV prevalence a...
A new study by ICAP at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that HIV infection rates among black women in US hot spots are 5 times higher than the national estimate. The study highlights the need for tailored prevention efforts in these communities.
A new approach to HIV prevention is being developed by Michigan State University's Institute of International Health, focusing on cultural competency to address the epidemic in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The plan involves training and mentoring local health care professionals to strengthen HIV prevention, particularly among youth.
The NYU College of Nursing will conduct a four-year study on combination HIV prevention for Kenyan youth, addressing high-risk behaviors among young males and females in sub-Saharan Africa.
A five-year HIV prevention initiative in India, Avahan, has successfully averted an estimated 100,000 infections. The program's effectiveness varied across states, with southern regions showing more significant reductions in HIV prevalence.
The VOICE study will discontinue evaluating oral tenofovir due to lack of effectiveness, while continuing to investigate tenofovir gel and PrEP. This decision was made after an interim review found no safety concerns with oral tenofovir.
The success of antiretroviral-based HIV prevention, including pre-exposure prophylaxis and treatment for prevention, has transformed the landscape. Effective prevention strategies focus on implementation challenges such as HIV testing, mother-to-child transmission, and behavioural approaches.
The Partners PrEP Study demonstrates that antiretroviral medication tenofovir significantly reduces HIV infection risk in individuals at high risk. The study found that those who received daily tablets containing tenofovir or a combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine experienced fewer HIV infections than those who received a placebo.
New HIV incidence assays have the potential to revolutionize AIDS prevention efforts by offering accurate and efficient methods for tracking recent HIV infections. These innovative tests could help target high-risk populations more effectively, ultimately reducing the spread of HIV.
The report features nearly 500 women from HIV-affected communities who shared their thoughts on medical male circumcision for HIV prevention. Women expressed excitement but also concerns about its benefits and risks, highlighting the need for education campaigns tailored to women's experiences.
A daily dose of Truvada reduced HIV infection risk by 43.8% among men who have sex with men, with up to 72.8% effectiveness among adherent participants. The study provides strong evidence for PrEP as an HIV prevention strategy.
A new study suggests that adult circumcision would have a very small effect on reducing HIV incidence in the US. The study found that only 500 out of 65,700 gay and bisexual men in San Francisco would potentially benefit from circumcision.
Less than 1 in 10 injecting drug users globally are covered by effective HIV prevention interventions, with most relying on a combination of needle and syringe programs, opioid substitution therapy, and antiretroviral therapy. Scaling up these combined approaches is crucial to reduce HIV transmission among IDUs.
A meta-analysis found that only intensive, multi-session treatment programs reduced amphetamine use. The authors emphasize the need for scalable and cost-effective interventions to address the relationship between amphetamine drug use and HIV risk.
The CAPRISA 004 microbicide study has shown that an antiretroviral drug can be formulated into a vaginal gel protecting women against HIV infection. This finding is crucial for empowering at-risk populations with a safe and effective prevention tool, marking a significant milestone in HIV prevention.