HIV

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.

Findings add to the understanding of the challenges that people living with HIV face now that it is a more manageable, long-term condition.

If replicated in future studies, the findings have important implications for the millions of people living with HIV, many of which display signs of residual viral replication despite treatment.

Market research firm sees growth in sales for injectable therapies developed with an eye toward improving adherence. Sales in pre-exposure prophylaxis are also projected to increase.

The rapid implementation of telehealth viewed favorably by providers involved in HIV care yet there are conflicting results on how well it facilitates patient retention.

The findings suggest patients with HIV should be recategorized to "increased risk" when looking at COVID-19 underlying medical conditions.

A majority of participants reported a likelihood of using LAIs.

Expanding public health insurance may help curb the HIV epidemic.

There needs to be more support for those at a socioeconomic disadvantage.

Injectable treatments may start to replace daily pills.

Telehealth can help deliver PrEP to patients.

New research by shows how one of the major scientific breakthroughs of recent years might be used to eliminate HIV infection.

Dovato lets adults with HIV reduce the number of antiretroviral therapies they take, while maintaining efficacy and a high barrier to resistance comparable to tenofovir-based regimens.