HIV

The decades-long quest for a vaccine against HIV has been fruitless so far. Moderna hopes an HIV vaccine that uses its messenger RNA technology will break the losing streak. A phase 1 trial designed to include 56 volunteers has started.

Physicians who are reluctant or even opposed to broad use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV may keep physician assistants and nurse practitioners from prescribing the antivirals that can prevent infection and spread of HIV. Making PrEP an over-the-counter treatment would be one way of increasing access.

Risk is not associated with cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, Kaiser Permanente researchers report.

Advocates and professionals experienced in HIV/AIDS amongst African Americans address HIV in Black communities, ending the HIV epidemic in the U.S., and innovative programming during the virtual event “Live with Leadership: A Conversation Commemorating National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day,” on February 7.

About 5,000 women living with HIV in the U.S. give birth each year.

Drug manufacturers are developing long-acting, injectable HIV drugs for both treatment and prevention.

Research shows similar results between those with HIV and those without, although 15 years post-kidney transplant, outcomes were worse for people with HIV.

Many of the darkest fears about COVID-19 affect on people with HIV have not come to pass. According to a recent review, some evidence suggests that people with HIV may be more likely to develop a severe case of COVID-19, although it isn’t certain. Antiretroviral therapy, especially Truvada, may provide some protection against infection and severity.

Those living with HIV and who abuse drugs experience worse health outcomes than those who aren't using. However, a study conducted mid-2021 reported those with HIV who abused drugs and have not had dental care experience a greater need of care.

Since the COVID-19 vaccinations have been approved, there have been numerous trials that have all concluded that vaccines are safe for people with HIV. These vaccines have been tried on a number of HIV patients and have been found not to cause any alarming negative side effects.

The FDA approved Apretude (cabotegravir extended-release injectable suspension) for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV in December. Administered as an injection every other month, Apretude gives people at risk of contracting HIV a PrEP alternative to taking daily pills.

Researchers say findings argue for including substance use counseling in family planning care for people living with HIV.

Like other providers, the VA saw a large, pandemic-related increase in virtual visits. In 2019, 27% of visits were virtual compared with 64% in 2020.

New infections are down and wider use of pre-exposure prophylaxis would decrease them further.

While HIV continues to impact certain racial and ethnic minorities, the mortality rate in the US continues to drop.

Among the top studies presented at the 18th European AIDS Conference in London is the news that Gilead’s blockbuster HIV drug Biktarvy maintained virologic suppression after one year of treatment.

A review of more than 200 studies found no greater risk of contracting COVID-19 among those with HIV but a greater chance of experiencing a severe case.

In a recent paper, researchers outlined the current understanding how the gut microbiome includes viruses such as HIV and COVID-19, and what it means for HIV treatment and repeat COVID-19 infection.

The FDA is scheduled make a decision on injectable cabotegravir by Jan. 24, 2022.

The researchers suggest that additional support may be needed to ensure continuous and potentially increased use of antiretroviral treatment and medication for opioid use disorders and subsequent viral suppression.

Johnson & Johnson’s experimental HIV vaccine, which uses the same technology as its COVID-19 vaccine, was found to not be effective at preventing infection.

Moderna's phase 1 trial of mRNA vaccine against HIV is deigned to enroll 40 patients.

Amida Care’s Doug Wirth says they should work with state-level officials to make sure services are covered after Biden administration’s guidance that coverage is mandatory.

The favorable results could mean a new treatment option for patients with HIV whose disease has not responded to other treatments. They may also be another step toward HIV treatment that doesn’t depend on daily pills.

Biden is proposing a $46 million increase to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programs and $20 million for HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program. However, no increases were planned for hepatitis programs.

Copay accumulators are a common feature in health insurance plans sold on the ACA exchanges, according to a recent report from an AIDS advocacy group that wants the Biden administration to reverse a decision made by the Trump administration that allowed continued use of accumulators.

The jury is still out, but the evidence is accumulating that people with HIV with comorbidities such as diabetes may be at greater risk for hospitalization from COVID-19.

Improvements in prevention toward HIV is starting in Texas through Texas Health Action. The health organization is creating a virtual HIV prevention service available toward HIV care and gender affirming care in rural areas.