IAVI’s Post

Today is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day – a day we acknowledge the continuing urgent need for an HIV vaccine, to protect against and eventually to eliminate the threat of AIDS. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the body’s immune system, and if left untreated, develops into full blown AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a severe and fatal disease. In 2022, 39 million people were living with HIV/AIDS and an additional 1.3 million people contracted the virus. Treating this complex and deadly disease is expensive; at least $29 billion would be required for worldwide treatment of HIV/AIDS. There are over 20 active HIV clinical trials evaluating HIV vaccine candidates. AAHI is proud to be supporting over half of them (11 active trials in the United States and South Africa) with its adjuvant formulation technology. Adjuvants boost the immune response and provide greater breadth of immunity – an characteristic especially important to protecting against genetically variable forms of HIV. Recent data from a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating a combination of AAHI’s GLA-SE adjuvant formulation with Worcester HIV Vaccine’s antigen, PDPHV, demonstrated not only that the PDPHV+GLA-SE vaccine is safe, but also that it elicited powerful immune protection against HIV – greater binding antibody breadth and cellular responses than any previously evaluated HIV vaccine candidates. AAHI is committed to collaborating with its HIV vaccine development partners, providing adjuvant formulations and supporting clinical trials to develop effective protection against HIV/AIDS. #HVAD

Last year, PrEPVacc announced the discontinuation of yet another #HIV vaccine clinical trial due to failed efficacy. The devastating results, presented at the recent #AIDS2024 conference, revealed more infections in the vaccine groups compared to placebo. https://lnkd.in/eqEr64TW   Unfortunately, #PrEPVacc is now among the long list of HIV #vaccines that demonstrated promise in preclinical experiments on animals but failed in humans. After more than 40 years of research and testing, there is still no HIV vaccine.   But with our funding, we may be closer to discovering why. Researchers at Utrecht University, the Netherlands Heart Institute, and the University of Zurich are currently conducting a #systematicreview to assess whether the use of monkeys accurately predicts HIV vaccine efficacy in humans.  https://lnkd.in/ej5xqi6x     The results of this #sysrev could help drug developers and regulators improve #preclinical testing programs for future HIV vaccine candidates. Systematic reviews are needed for #evidencebased research. Learn more about why we support them at PETA.org/RMD. #preclinicalsysrev #drugdevelopment #preclinicaltesting #preclinicalresearch #metaanalysis #HIVvaccine #clinicaltrial #NHP

WHV joins the world in commemorating HIV Vaccine Awareness Day by acknowledging the continued need to develop a globally effective vaccine against HIV infection. Today, we appreciatively reflect back on the progress WHV and collaborators have made over the last year towards that goal. Most recently, the HVTN124 trial report was published in the Lancet HIV (see link below), in which the scientists from the HIV Vaccine Trial Network (HVTN) report immunogenicity results elicited by our vaccine candidate PDPHV (polyvalent DNA/protein HIV vaccine) that were found to be superior to many previous HIV vaccines in several ways – a very promising step forward for the whole HIV vaccine research community. Furthermore, Dr Shan Lu has been working with other renowned researchers in the field on additional immune response studies related to PDPHV, of which another paper is about to be published in a major journal soon. Overall, the development program of PDPHV is moving along well, as WHV is currently in the process of closing out the recently finished phase 1b trial WHV138 in partnership with the clinical research team at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. The trial was completed successfully after about 2.5 years, confirming further that PDPHV is safe and showing similar immunogenicity as in HVTN124 that will be explored further in the next phase 2 trial. However, none of this progress would be possible without the numerous volunteers participating in vaccine research and our many talented partners and collaborators joining forces toward the common goal: to develop a safe and effective, preventative HIV vaccine that can eventually eliminate the threat of AIDS around the world. We at WHV are grateful for your support and eager to continue this quest together! https://lnkd.in/eN8x6pyw #HVAD #HVAD2024 #HIVprevention #HIVvaccine #AIDSvaccine

Update on HIV VACCINE AIDSVax was one of the first HIV vaccine to be tested in humans . Developed by the company Genentech and later by the HIV Vaccine trials Network. AIDSVax was based on a synthetic version of the HIV envelope pr. Key points about AIDSVax Purpose: AIDSVax aimed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and respond to HIV infection. Clinical trials: It underwent several clinical trials in the 1990s and early 2000s, including large scale trials in the United States and Thailand. Results: The trials showed limited efficacy. The most notable study, known as the RV144 trial in Thailand (2009), suggested a modest reduction in HIV infection rates (about 31%) , but this was not sufficient for regulatory approval. Legacy: Although AIDSVax itself was not successful, it contributed to the understanding of HIV Vaccine development and informed future research. Current Status: While AIDSVax was a significant step in HIV Vaccine research , it ultimately did not lead to a viable Vaccine. # Vaccine research continue Building on the lessons learned from AIDSVax and other trials to develop more effective strategies against HIV. # Ongoing research aims to find a definitive cure including Strategies like gene editing and therapeutic vaccines. # While we earnestly wait for the Vaccines and possible cure, it is essential for individuals living with HIV to continue to live positively by being adherent to the use of antiretroviral therapy and ensures achievement of undetectable viral load which leads to quality of life. # We continue to keep an eye on updates from health organizations and research institutions for the latest developments. Are you living with the Virus and on treatment. We're sure getting closer to the cure. #EndHIV2030 #HelpEndHIV #StopHIVTogether #KnowYourStatus #GetTested #EndHIVStigma Executive Director YOSACA

Update on HIV VACCINE AIDSVax was one of the first HIV vaccine to be tested in humans . Developed by the company Genentech and later by the HIV Vaccine trials Network. AIDSVax was based on a synthetic version of the HIV envelope protein. Key points about AIDSVax Purpose: AIDSVax aimed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and respond to HIV infection. Clinical trials: It underwent several clinical trials in the 1990s and early 2000s, including large scale trials in the United States and Thailand. Results: The trials showed limited efficacy. The most notable study, known as the RV144 trial in Thailand (2009), suggested a modest reduction in HIV infection rates (about 31%) , but this was not sufficient for regulatory approval. Legacy: Although AIDSVax itself was not successful, it contributed to the understanding of HIV Vaccine development and informed future research. Current Status: While AIDSVax was a significant step in HIV Vaccine research , it ultimately did not lead to a viable Vaccine. # Vaccine research continue Building on the lessons learned from AIDSVax and other trials to develop more effective strategies against HIV. # Ongoing research aims to find a definitive cure including Strategies like gene editing and therapeutic vaccines. # While we earnestly wait for the Vaccines and possible cure, it is essential for individuals living with HIV to continue to live positively by being adherent to the use of antiretroviral therapy and ensures achievement of undetectable viral load which leads to quality of life. # We continue to keep an eye on updates from health organizations and research institutions for the latest developments. Are you living with the Virus and on treatment. We're sure getting closer to the cure. #EndHIV2030 #HelpEndHIV #StopHIVTogether #KnowYourStatus #GetTested #EndHIVStigma Executive Director YOSACA

On HIV Vaccine Awareness Day 2024, our blog explores the critical role of vaccine research and the challenges in developing an HIV vaccine. Learn about Global Pharma Tek's vital contributions to clinical trials and drug development. Read the complete blog here @ https://bit.ly/3QNjjNc #HIVVaccineAwarenessDay #VaccineResearch #HIVAwareness #GlobalPharmaTek #ClinicalTrials #DrugDevelopment #HIVPrevention #HealthcareInnovation #HIVResearch #MedicalAdvancements

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: RFP-2024-0018 “Research Firm to Conduct Big Data Analysis” Treatment as prevention is key to flattening the curve of new infections in the country. Currently, only 63 percent of those who know their HIV status are on life-saving HIV treatment (DOH-Epidemiology Bureau, December 2023). The rate of HIV treatment interruption is one of the highest in the PEPFAR Asia Region. This challenge, particularly more acute among young people living with HIV and key populations, signals the urgent need to understand the drivers and barriers to starting and staying on antiretroviral treatment (ART). While the country’s robust HIV surveillance provides insights to steer programmatic pivots, there is a dearth in qualitative evidence to strengthen person-centered service delivery informed directly by people living with HIV (PLHIV). Qualitative methodologies, such as focus group discussions and interviews, have traditionally been used to understand the lived experiences of PLHIV, their health-seeking behaviors and, ultimately, their treatment retention and viral suppression. However, clients’ concerns around stigma and discrimination limit the extent to which PLHIV voices can be gathered through these qualitative methods. The anonymity afforded by certain social media platforms—particularly X (or Twitter)—has facilitated the emergence of informal PLHIV groups online. Through posts and hashtags, PLHIV communicate with each other, share experiences, and build support communities. Naturally occurring public discourse through tweets (posts) thus provides an alternative, non-obtrusive pathway to generate the information needed to inform enhancements to HIV programs. Additionally, analyzing these publicly available online conversations offers an opportunity to gather community feedback directly from PLHIV on the ground. This is an opportunity to innovate and complement existing community-led monitoring efforts. FHI 360 is soliciting quotations from providers who will conduct big data analytics to uncover patterns and trends in publicly available online discourse on HIV treatment. Primarily, the analysis should systematically identify concerns, motivations, and aspirations of PLHIV that shape their health-seeking behaviors. This will cover: · Biomedical aspects, such as HIV treatment (U=U, ART, including TLD, viral load, and CD4 testing) · Psychosocial barriers and facilitators, including, but not limited to, experiences of stigma and discrimination · Feedback on the HIV program, including, but not limited to, service availability and experiences of drug stockouts All questions regarding this Request for Proposal (RFP) shall be directed to epicphprocurement@fhi360.org on or before September 30, 2024.All proposals must be sent electronically to the same email address no later than October 15, 2024. For a copy of the complete RFP and Scope of Work (including application requirements), please email epicphprocurement@fhi360.org

Scientists at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute have developed an HIV vaccine candidate that has triggered low levels of an elusive type of a broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies. Results from a 2019 clinical trial revealed proof that the vaccine can elicit antibodies to combat different strains of HIV, but also initiate the process within weeks. The vaccine candidate targets the membrane proximal external region (MPER), located on the HIV-1 outer envelope. Antibodies against the MPER region can thus block inflection in the outer coat by diverse circulating strains of HIV. Read more with GenEng News! https://lnkd.in/eyzPcXxw #vaccinedevelopment #vaccineresearch

 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐈𝐕 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐱𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 💡 This study investigates the influence of HIV exposure on the gut microbiota of infants and its potential association with humoral responses to tetanus toxoid vaccination. Examining 278 infants from South Africa and Nigeria, with varying HIV exposure statuses, the study utilizes 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize gut microbiota at <1 and 15 weeks of life. Anti-tetanus antibodies are measured at corresponding time points. The findings shed light on the complex interplay between HIV exposure, gut microbiota, and vaccine responses in these vulnerable populations. 📍 This study illuminates the nuanced interactions between HIV exposure, infant gut microbiota, and humoral responses to tetanus toxoid vaccination. While geographical location and age emerge as pivotal influencers of gut microbiota, HIV exposure, and specific microbial compositions independently impact vaccine responses. These findings underscore the complexity of factors influencing infant immunity in the context of HIV exposure, providing crucial insights for future interventions and vaccine strategies in vulnerable populations. Explore the study : https://lnkd.in/gEtm5qv2 #hiv #gut #gutmicrobiome #microbiome #vaccine #hivvaccine #tetanus #tetanusvaccine #toxoid #vaccination #microvioma #guthealth #gutimmuneaxis #immunesystem Maneesh Paul. S., Ph.D., FRSPH Saori C. Iwase, Sophia Osawe, Anna-Ursula Happel, Clive M. Gray, Susan P. Holmes, Jonathan M. Blackburn, Alash'le Abimiku, Heather B. Jaspan

📃Scientific paper: Accuracy of and preferences for blood-based versus oral-fluid-based HIV self-testing in Malawi: a cross-sectional study Abstract: Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) can use either oral-fluid or blood-based tests. Studies have shown strong preferences for self-testing compared to facility-based services. Despite availability of low-cost blood-based HIVST options, to date, HIVST implementation in sub-Saharan Africa has largely been oral-fluid-based. We investigated whether users preferred blood-based (i.e. using blood sample derived from a finger prick) or oral fluid-based HIVST in rural and urban Malawi. Methods At clinics providing HIV testing services ( n  = 2 urban; n  = 2 rural), participants completed a semi-structured questionnaire capturing sociodemographic data before choosing to test using oral-fluid-based HVST, blood-based HIVST or provider-delivered testing. They also completed a self-administered questionnaire afterwards, followed by a confirmatory test using the national algorithm then appropriate referral. We used simple and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with preference for oral-fluid or blood-based HIVST. Results July to October 2018, N  = 691 participants enrolled in this study. Given the choice, 98.4% (680/691) selected HIVST over provider-delivered testing. Of 680 opting for HIVST, 416 (61.2%) chose oral-fluid-based HIVST, 264 (38.8%) chose blood-based HIVST and 99.1% (674/680) reported their results appropriately. Self-testers who opted for blood-based HIVST were more likely to be male (50.3% men vs. 29.6% women, p  < 0.001), attending an... Continued on ES/IODE ➡️ https://etcse.fr/9nDt ------- If you find this interesting, feel free to follow, comment and share. We need your help to enhance our visibility, so that our platform continues to serve you.