HIV

In people with HIV, killer T cells (CD8+ T cells) lack a protein called CD73, which is necessary for migration and cell movement into the tissue.

Letter from co-chairs Marlene McNeese and John Wiesman urges enforcement of coverage rules, including zero cost sharing for those with private insurance.

The oral run-in period for the injectable is now optional. The FDA also approved a label change that opens the door for adolescents to be treated with long-acting HIV treatment.

HIV PrEP uptake was highest for White and Black males and lowest for Hispanic males. Meanwhile, Black females had the highest uptake and twice the rate of PrEP uptake of White females.

The proposed funds include $165 million more for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, $47 million more for HIV and hepatitis prevention activities at the Indian Health Service, and $115 million for CDC HIV prevention programs.

Long-acting injectable holds advantages over daily pills for pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV, says ViiV executive.

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.