Forum Recommendations: HIV/AIDS
Posted by Daniela Pereira-Lengkeek on 23 November 2009 at 17:55
After reviewing the current state of clinical research on HIV/AIDS, the following recommendations for future research were made by the researchers that participated in the scientific sessions:
Microbicides and Vaccines
- There is currently good safety data available and hints of efficacy which may serve as proof of concept. This research should continue.
- Important data are expected to be released on MDP 301 in the coming months which could confirm efficacy of microbicides. Other microbicide agents need evaluation (e.g. combination of antiretroviral-based microbicides).
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Several trials are already underway – reporting 2010-11
- No obvious research gap exists at present.
Clinical questions
- When to start HIV treatment and what are its implications regarding development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)?
– This remains a research gap.
- When do we switch treatment and what to switch to?
- Strategies to tackle co-infection with HIV at all levels:
– Prophylaxis, vaccines, diagnostics and treatment
- How can we reduce the high mortality just prior to and just after antiretroviral initiation?
– EDCTP has a call for proposals in this area.
Prevention
- Prevention was a very high priority. Packages tailored to specific populations are vital.
– For example prevention among positives, particularly among couples.
Delivery systems
- Research is needed to determine how to scale up once proof of concept is demonstrated.
– Microbicides
– PrEP
– HIV treatment
- It is important that funding agencies put research on delivery models high on their agenda.
