Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center are evaluating the impact of a proactive opt-out approach to smoking cessation interventions on people living with HIV. The study aims to refine delivery and implementation strategies to increase tobacco treatment uptake and reduce smoking-related health complications.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University develop novel molecules that mimic CD4 proteins, preventing HIV particles from entering immune cells. These compounds show promise in reducing side effects while increasing effectiveness in stopping viral proliferation.
The HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately affect marginalized groups, particularly in the US South. Experts recommend allocating resources to areas and populations hardest hit by the epidemic to implement targeted interventions and promote HIV prevention and treatment adherence.
A new study published in Lancet HIV found that life-long antiviral treatment can prevent viral transmission from mother to baby, offering a promising contribution to the WHO's work on HIV prevention. The results showed up to 90% of women under study had suppressed viral levels for four years after starting Option B+ care.
A new study published in The Lancet HIV found that integrating opioid use disorder treatment with HIV care in Vietnam can be effective. The study suggests that countries aiming to expand treatment should consider interventions supporting retention on treatment through family networks, peers, and community health workers.
A study of people living with HIV in Ethiopia found that poverty and labor mobility are associated with high viral loads, indicating treatment failure. The researchers highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic conditions in low-income countries to ensure effective HIV treatment.
Researchers analyzed MRI data from 1203 HIV-positive individuals across 5 continents, finding smaller brain volumes associated with lower white blood cell counts. The study highlights the importance of understanding how HIV infection affects the brain, particularly in the context of aging and treatment.
A recent study investigated attitudes towards long-acting injectable (LAI) HIV therapies among women with a history of injection, including medical purposes and substance use. The research found that LAIs may improve adherence by reducing treatment fatigue and reminders associated with daily pill-taking.
A FAIR Health initiative found that cost information enhances the value of shared decision making in palliative care scenarios, empowering patients to make critical healthcare decisions. The program's success highlights the utility of cost data in guiding informed discussions with clinicians.
New research suggests that dolutegravir, a widely used 'wonder drug' for HIV treatment, may not be as effective in patients with resistant strains of the virus. The study found that individuals with efavirenz-resistant mutations were less likely to achieve viral suppression when treated with dolutegravir.
The Ezintsha study found that newer regimens containing dolutegravir and tenofovir alafenamide demonstrate a large increase in weight, especially in women. The study showed that all three regimens were potent and well-tolerated by patients, but the newer regimens had more side effects and resistance benefits over older regimens.
Researchers found that fingolimod inhibits multiple stages of the HIV lifecycle, blocking infection and transmission in CD4+ T cells. The study suggests that targeting Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors could be a novel strategy to inhibit HIV replication.
A GW-led research team is investigating HIV-1 resistance to antibody treatments, aiming to develop effective combination therapies for treatment, prevention, and potential cure. The project, funded through April 2025, aims to identify effective combination antibody cocktails that limit the virus's ability to escape from antibody pressure.
Research found that regular screening and access to new treatments have significantly reduced new hepatitis C infections among HIV-positive men in London and Brighton. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 men at risk of hepatitis C and showed a decline in new cases, with the lowest recorded since 2008.
A study of a second HIV patient to undergo successful stem cell transplantation from donors with a HIV-resistant gene finds that there was no active viral infection in the patient's blood 30 months after they stopped anti-retroviral therapy. The patient had a healthy CD4 cell count, suggesting they have recovered well from the transplant.
Researchers found that a community-based intervention using mobile vans significantly increased viral suppression, with 74% of participants achieving suppression compared to 63% in traditional clinics. The convenience of the vans made it easier for people living with HIV to access treatment.
A study of over 1,000 youth found that only 12% achieved viral suppression, compared to 32-63% in adult studies. The study highlights the need for tailored HIV intervention services and frequent contact with trained peer counselors to ensure enrollment and retention in care.
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.
A novel HIV antibody, 1-18, has been identified as a highly potent and effective treatment option. Unlike other antibodies, it prevents the development of viral resistance, maintaining suppressed viral loads for extended periods.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that New Yorkers are being treated sooner after HIV infection, with a median time of 0.2 years (~2.4 months) for those diagnosed in 2015. This reduction coincides with expanded testing and treatment efforts in the city.
A Yale study found that treating at least 20% of people with opioid use disorder who inject drugs in Ukraine could prevent over 10,000 new HIV infections and nearly 18,000 deaths. The current rate is only 2.7%, highlighting the need for expanded access to evidence-based treatment like methadone and buprenorphine.
A study led by NIH-funded researchers analyzed data on pregnant women with HIV and found that nearly 20% received treatment regimens not aligned with federal guidelines for use during pregnancy. The study highlights the need for further research into prescribing practices for pregnant women living with HIV.
A large NIH-supported study found increasing acceptance of the U=U message among gay, bisexual men, with 84% of participants with HIV correctly identifying it as accurate. However, most still overestimate the risk of HIV transmission from an undetectable partner.
A new study found that expansion of HIV treatment eligibility to include those under 15 led to significant increases in antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among 10-14 year-olds. The 'Treat All' policies improved access to ART, with large increases seen in seven countries.
A team of researchers found that HIV takes refuge in lymph nodes in the spleen and gut during antiretroviral treatment. These cells, which are part of the immune response, allow the virus to escape treatment by limiting drug flow or eliminating them faster.
A two-year study shows that starting antiretroviral therapy within hours of birth significantly reduces the HIV reservoir and improves immune responses in infants. This finding suggests that early treatment may substantially improve health outcomes in infants with HIV.
A new cascade of care model for Rhode Island aims to improve treatment for opioid use disorder by defining five stages of care and estimating gaps in care. The model highlights a significant gap between diagnosis and linkage to treatment, with only half of diagnosed individuals initiating medication-based treatment.
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.
Researchers found that antiretroviral therapy alters the host environment to form most of the long-lived HIV reservoir. The study's findings suggest that treatment may contribute to the formation or stabilization of the latent viral reservoir.
Research analyzing data from 44,993 MSM across 28 African countries found that only 19% of those with HIV were aware of their status, and only 24% were taking anti-retroviral therapy (ART). The UNAIDS targets of 90-90-90 by 2020 will not be achieved among MSM in Africa if the current situation remains unchanged.
South Africa sees a tenfold increase in adolescents on HIV treatment since 2010, yet fewer than 50% successfully initiate antiretroviral therapy. The rise is attributed to the country's successful ART program, but concerns about stigma and care barriers persist.
A recent study found that people living with HIV have a significantly elevated risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and coughs, heart disease, pregnancy mortality and sepsis, anemia, and bone fractures. The review combined data from 20 observational studies to examine 55 different illnesses.
A new study found that a HIV program in Botswana increased population viral suppression to high levels, resulting in a nearly one-third reduction in new infections. The intervention included universal HIV testing and counseling, support for accessing care, and expanded ART initiation.
A global survey found widespread adoption of WHO's 'Treat All' HIV guideline across 200+ HIV clinics in 41 countries. Sites generally initiate treatment within 14 days of diagnosis, with rapid roll-out and no significant differences by region or facility characteristic.
The study found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) averted 9.5 million deaths worldwide between 1995-2015, with global economic benefits reaching $1.05 trillion. Future projections estimate that up to 40.2 million new HIV infections could be avoided by 2030, generating $4.02 trillion in economic gains.
A new study found large increases in rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation after national adoption of WHO's 'Treat All' recommendation in six sub-Saharan African countries. Across the six countries, 81.6% of patients enrolling into care initiated treatment within 30 days.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that early antiretroviral treatment can preserve functional CD8 T cells and stimulate robust CD4 T cell responses. This could lead to the development of effective HIV vaccines by stimulating long-term immune memory.
A Yale-led study found that integrated stepped alcohol treatment reduced heavy drinking days and improved abstinence rates in patients with HIV. The treatment model, which involves 'stepping up' treatments based on patient needs, also led to better HIV outcomes, including higher medication adherence and undetectable viral loads.
A new clinical research study shows that increasing the intensity of treatment for alcohol use disorder among people with HIV improves both HIV-related disease measures and alcohol-related outcomes. Integrated stepped alcohol treatment (ISAT) involves consecutive steps of increased AUD treatment intensity.
Researchers are developing longer-acting injectable HIV treatments that target different components of the virus and can be administered once every few weeks. These therapies have shown promising results in clinical trials, with one treatment demonstrating effectiveness for at least a month and high patient satisfaction.
The LATITUDE study evaluates the effectiveness of a combination of two experimental injectable formulations of antiretroviral drugs in managing HIV infection. Volunteers will receive either conventional oral ART or long-acting injectable therapies, with the goal of achieving durable viral suppression and improved treatment adherence.
Despite improved timeliness, nearly 25% of New York City residents with a new HIV diagnosis in 2015 had not initiated treatment within six months. The study also found that only 35% of people diagnosed with HIV had less advanced HIV disease.
Researchers have developed a new antibody that can suppress HIV levels in people who undergo short-term pauses in their antiretroviral therapy regimens. The Phase 2 study, conducted in Taiwan, found the antibody, UB-421, to be safe and effective in maintaining HIV suppression without inducing antibiotic-resistant strains.
A new study suggests that dolutegravir-based treatment could save thousands of lives in South Africa by reducing deaths among women and preventing HIV transmission to children. However, the use of dolutegravir may increase the risk of birth defects.
A study found that men in Cote d'Ivoire are hesitant to seek HIV testing and treatment due to concerns about privacy and stigma. Men reported being deterred by the risk of disclosure, stigmatization, and inadequate healthcare services, despite some positive experiences with providers.
A new study published in Lancet HIV shows that a naltrexone implant was more effective in reducing relapse and improving HIV-related outcomes for HIV-positive patients with opioid addiction. The implant helped patients maintain their ART regimen, lower viral loads, and remain in addiction treatment without relapsing.
Regular screening and access to new treatments have significantly reduced the transmission of hepatitis C among HIV-positive men in London. The study, which analyzed data from over 6,000 patients, found that cases of newly acquired acute hepatitis C fell sharply between 2013 and 2018.
A new study found that offering voluntary HIV testing and immediate treatment to those who test positive can significantly reduce new HIV infections. The 'universal test and treat' strategy was associated with a 30% lower rate of new HIV infections compared to standard care.
The HPTN 071 (PopART) study demonstrates a community-wide HIV prevention strategy can significantly reduce new HIV infections. Delivering in-home HIV testing with immediate referral to care and treatment led to a 30% decrease in new infections, outperforming another strategy offering universal treatment.
A study found that a universal 'test and treat' approach can reduce new HIV infections. Communities with home-based testing and referral to care saw a 30% decline in new infections, while those without immediate treatment saw no significant change.
A new study predicts that meeting national HIV prevention goals could substantially reduce new HIV infections in the US by 67 percent by 2030. Implementing innovative models for delivering HIV care and prevention interventions, as well as sufficient investments to bring them to scale, are crucial to achieving this goal.
A new study by researchers from The Dartmouth Institute found that only a few patient decision aids are available for seriously ill patients near death, and their quality is varying. The tools were designed for specific conditions or life-sustaining treatments but lacked general treatment approaches.
A personalized decision aid failed to help surrogate decision makers and clinicians agree on treatment goals for critically ill patients. Nearly all surrogates chose a more aggressive treatment goal despite the aid being based on their patient's values.
A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases has shown that combination therapy is highly effective in treating patients with both HIV and visceral leishmaniasis. The treatment regimen, which combines liposomal amphotericin B with the oral drug miltefosine, resulted in a 67% cure rate after 28 days of treatment.
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.
A new study published in The Lancet HIV indicates that HIV-2 is more pathogenic than previously demonstrated, with a slower but identical progression to AIDS as HIV-1. Early treatment is recommended for all patients with HIV-2, despite current WHO guidelines only offering treatment to those with HIV-1.
The ANRS NAMSAL study has compared the efficacy of dolutegravir-based treatment with efavirenz 400 mg in over 600 participants living with HIV. The results show that dolutegravir-based treatment is not inferior to efavirenz, and it is considered a valid treatment option for first-line treatment in low and middle-income countries.
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 systematic review by CDC researchers found that HIV-related stigma varies by gender, race, provider category, and clinical setting. Inadvertent behaviors and beliefs, such as homophobia and negative views of people who inject drugs, can create barriers to HIV prevention and treatment.
A team of nurses and physicians has received a four-year, $3 million grant to extend traditional HIV treatment protocols to improve cardiovascular health. The project aims to address the rising prevalence of cardiovascular disease among HIV patients.