AIDS Alert Archives – July 1, 2011
July 1, 2011
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HIV resurges where it started three decades ago: MSM
Thirty years into an epidemic that began with cryptic reports of a new disease among gay American men, there is this discouraging finding: AIDs Studies and reports worldwide point to a resurgent HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM). -
ART effective for HIV prevention in couples
The search for an HIV vaccine will continue, but in the meantime, there is little doubt that an aggressive HIV screening and early treatment strategy could make a big impact on reducing HIV transmission. -
Q&A interview: Ugandan ART study foreshadowed HPTN 052
[Editor's note: The recent HPTN 052 study that showed such dramatic success from antiretroviral therapy (ART) being given early to help prevent HIV transmission among HIV discordant couples followed on the footsteps of early research that suggested such a trend. One such study was conducted in Uganda between 2003 and 2007. It followed ART-naïve, HIV-infected adults in an AIDS program that provided many standard prevention interventions, including annual counseling and testing for cohabiting partners, risk reduction plans, condom distribution, and prevention support. The HIV-infected partners were started on ART. The study found that despite a reported increase in sexual activity that was 41% at 36 months, consistent condom use was high with discordant partners, and estimated HIV transmission risk was reduced 91%. AIDS Alert asked two investigators with the Ugandan study to discuss their research findings, particularly in light of the recent announcement that HPTN 052 was halted early so all study participants could be offered early ART. Rebecca Bunnell, ScD, MED, associate director for public health practice at the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA, and Jonathan Mermin, MD, MPH, director of the division of HIV/AIDS prevention at the CDC, answered a few questions about their study and its implications in this email question-and-answer (Q&A) exchange.] -
HPV vaccine may prevent anal cancer
GARDASIL (Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent [Types 6, 11, 16, 18) Vaccine, Recombinant) previously received FDA approval for prevention of cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer and associated precancerous lesions and for prevention of genital warts in males and females 9-26 years of age. -
Abstract & Commentary: cART start boosts AIDS-free survival
In a prospective observational study, investigators of the HIV-CAUSAL Collaboration evaluated data from participating HIV clinics in Europe as well as in the U.S. Veterans Administration system to determine the optimal CD4+ T cell count at which combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) should be initiated. -
Abstract & Commentary: Treatment of HHV-8 disease with Antivirals
Uldrick et al performed a pilot study in which 14 HIV-infected patients with symptomatic MCD received high-dose AZT (600 mg PO Q6 hours) and VGC (900 mg PO Q12 hours). Eighty-six percent of patients attained major clinical responses (defined as resolution of symptoms and at least partial resolution of lymphandenopathy). -
FDA Notifications
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new draft guidance, "Financial Disclosure by Clinical Investigators, Guidance for Clinical Investigators, Industry, and FDA Staff." The document is now available from FDA's web site at the following link: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/UCM256525.pdf