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A study conducted in a Nigerian cosmopolitan city found that depression is highly prevalent among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy, with 44.9% affected. The research identified that being male, employed, and earning a moderate monthly income were significantly associated with reduced odds of depression among the study participants. These findings may have implications for mental health management strategies for individuals living with HIV in cosmopolitan areas like Jos, Nigeria, which face unique challenges such as cultural tensions and traffic congestion. [Extracted from the article]

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about HIV blood sample self-collection kits being marketed in the United States without FDA authorization, raising concerns about their safety and effectiveness. Health care professionals and consumers are advised to only use FDA-authorized tests for HIV detection, such as the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test. Individuals who have used unauthorized kits should consult their healthcare provider for further guidance, and report any issues through the FDA's Medwatch Voluntary Reporting Form. Manufacturers interested in developing authorized home-use tests for HIV detection are encouraged to contact the FDA for guidance. [Extracted from the article]

The article from AIDS Weekly discusses a warning letter issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to Blackfly Investments, LLC dba Molecular Testing Labs for offering a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serological diagnostic dried blood spot (DBS) card self-collection kit without proper authorization. The FDA found that the kit was adulterated and misbranded under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Despite previous correspondence and feedback from the FDA, the kit has not received marketing authorization for use in HIV serological diagnostic testing. The FDA has requested that the company cease activities related to the misbranding and adulteration of the kit to prevent regulatory action. [Extracted from the article]

The patent "Engineered purine nucleoside phosphorylase variant enzymes" by Codexis Inc. involves the development of enzymes with improved activity for inhibiting HIV's reverse transcriptase, a crucial step in viral replication. The invention provides engineered enzymes, polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, with potential applications in pharmaceutical compound production. This patent addresses the need for more effective compounds to inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase and mitigate the effects of AIDS, offering a promising avenue for further research and development in healthcare biotechnology. [Extracted from the article]

The patent "Engineered pantothenate kinase variant enzymes" by Codexis Inc. focuses on developing enzymes that can inhibit HIV's reverse transcriptase, a crucial step in viral replication. The invention provides engineered pantothenate kinase enzymes, polypeptides, and polynucleotides for producing pharmaceutical compounds. These enzymes aim to be more effective in inhibiting HIV's reverse transcriptase, potentially ameliorating the effects of AIDS. The patent details specific amino acid sequences and substitutions that enhance the enzymes' ability to convert certain compounds, offering potential advancements in HIV/AIDS treatment. [Extracted from the article]

The study discussed in the article from AIDS Weekly focused on the impact of switching from an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) to a protease inhibitor (PI) on weight gain in individuals with HIV. The research, funded by Janssen Scientific Affairs LLC, found no significant difference in weight change at 24 weeks post-switch, but observed a trend towards weight loss over an extended period, particularly in subgroups at higher risk of weight gain. The study concluded that further investigation into antiretroviral selection for weight management is warranted. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a circumcision device developed by Innovative Medical Technology (Pty) Ltd. The device aims to address the limitations of existing circumcision methods, particularly in the context of combating the spread of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. The device includes features such as a locking mechanism and blocking device to prevent reuse and ensure safety. This innovation represents a potential advancement in medical technology for HIV prevention and male circumcision procedures. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted by researchers from Astellas Pharma Inc. for a cell penetrating peptide. The peptide has the ability to pass through cell membranes and migrate into the inside of cells. The inventors have developed novel cell penetrating peptides that have a penetrating ability into a cell. These peptides can be used for the penetration of other peptides into cells. The patent application provides detailed information on the amino acid sequences of the peptides and their potential applications. [Extracted from the article]

Gilead Sciences Inc. has been issued a patent for HIV inhibitor compounds. The patent, filed on April 7, 2021, and published on September 10, 2024, describes compounds and methods for the treatment of HIV infection. The inventors highlight the need for new agents that inhibit HIV replication, as current protease inhibitors have limitations such as high rates of hepatic metabolism and viral resistance. The patent provides detailed processes for preparing the compounds. This information may be of interest to researchers studying HIV/AIDS and looking for new treatment options. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Gilead Sciences Inc. for the development of capsid inhibitors for the treatment of HIV. The patent describes the need for new antiretroviral agents that are effective against drug-resistant HIV variants. The inventors have provided a compound formula and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and prevention of HIV infections. This patent offers potential advancements in HIV therapy and addresses the pressing need for more effective treatments. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides information on a patent filed by the inventors including John R. Mascola, Xuejun Chen, and Cheng Cheng on January 28, 2022 and published online on August 6, 2024 for glycan-masked engineered outer domains of HIV-1 gp120. It mentions the patent number assigned to the U.S. government, background information supplied by the inventors, and the claims supplied by the inventors.

A new report discusses research findings on HIV/AIDS, specifically focusing on the drug Dolutegravir (DTG). The research aimed to characterize the viral response to DTG based on a pooled analysis of exposure-response from five studies. Model-based simulations were used to explore the clinical relevance of factors that could influence the DTG response. The study concluded that the current recommendation of DTG 50 mg b.i.d. is appropriate for the population studied. The research was supported by ViiV Healthcare and GlaxoSmithKline. [Extracted from the article]

A new report published by investigators at GlaxoSmithKline plc discusses the use of the antidiabetic agent fostemsavir in combination with other antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. The report focuses on the potential drug-drug interactions between fostemsavir and metformin, a commonly used antidiabetic medication. The researchers used a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to assess the risk of interaction and concluded that no dose adjustment is recommended for metformin when co-administered with fostemsavir. This research provides valuable information for healthcare professionals and patients who may be considering this combination therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the RAND Corporation focused on developing recommendations for cervical cancer screening in Malawi, a country with a high burden of cervical cancer and HIV prevalence. The study used a Markov model to compare different approaches to screening, including frequency and treatment methods. The results showed that thermocoagulation was more cost-effective than cryotherapy at all screening frequencies. Additionally, a stratified approach that prioritizes more frequent screening for women living with HIV may be more cost-effective than population-wide recommendations. These findings provide new evidence for cost-effective cervical cancer screening in low-income countries. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Merck & Company in Rahway, New Jersey, evaluated the effectiveness of a new single-tablet regimen, consisting of doravirine and islatravir, in virologically suppressed adults with HIV-1. The study found that switching to this regimen maintained viral suppression up to 48 weeks and was non-inferior to other antiretroviral combinations used in clinical practice. However, the study also noted decreases in CD4 cell and total lymphocyte counts, which may not support further development of this once-daily regimen. The findings provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers working in the field of HIV/AIDS. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from investigators at the RAND Corporation explores the concordance of HIV prevention advocacy reports and its associations with HIV protective behaviors. The study found that peer advocacy can promote HIV protective behaviors, but there is limited knowledge about the concordance of prevention advocacy reports between people living with HIV (PLWH) and their social network members. The researchers analyzed data from 193 PLWH and their 599 social network members and found that concordance on advocacy was observed in a small percentage of index-alter dyads. The study suggests that alters' perceptions may be crucial for behavior change and can inform strategies for improving advocacy. [Extracted from the article]

This patent discusses the development of new therapies for treating HIV/AIDS using Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs). CARs are engineered T cells that have the potential to target and eliminate HIV-infected cells, including those in the latent HIV reservoir. The patent also mentions the "Berlin patient," who achieved a cure for HIV through a bone marrow transplant, and discusses the "shock and kill" approach, which combines latency reversing agents with immunotherapies to eliminate infected cells. These advancements have implications for the treatment of HIV infection, AIDS, and HIV-related cancers. [Extracted from the article]

International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Inc. has been issued a patent for monoclonal antibodies that target the trimeric forms of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. The invention provides a method for isolating potent, broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against HIV. These antibodies have the potential to be used in the development of vaccines and treatments for HIV/AIDS. The patent includes detailed information about the amino acid sequences of the antibodies and their potential applications in pharmaceutical compositions. This patent represents an important advancement in the field of HIV research and could contribute to the fight against the global HIV pandemic. [Extracted from the article]

A report discusses research findings on HIV/AIDS and the development of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to assess the patient experience with daily and weekly HIV oral antiretroviral therapy (OART). The study aimed to understand the perspectives of people with HIV on adherence to OART regimens and the potential switch to a long-acting OART regimen. Three PROMs were developed and validated through interviews with clinicians and people with HIV. These PROMs will be used in future clinical trials to evaluate the treatment experience and measure the impact of switching to a weekly OART regimen. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Merck & Company discusses the combination of two drugs, Islatravir (ISL) and Lenacapavir (LEN), as a potential once-weekly oral therapy for the treatment of HIV-1. The research found that the combination of ISL and LEN demonstrated additive inhibition of HIV-1 replication without any evidence of antagonism. Additionally, the combination was effective in suppressing viral breakthrough and reducing the emergence of resistance compared to either drug alone. The lack of antagonism and cross-resistance supports further evaluation of the combination for HIV-1 treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Merck & Company have made progress in developing an HIV-1 vaccine by focusing on conserved structural elements targeted by broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. They have designed and evaluated covalently stabilized trimeric peptides that encompass the complete gp41 NHR, which function as effective antiviral entry inhibitors and retain the ability to present the D5 epitope. These peptide constructs have shown improved cross-clade neutralization of primary HIV-1 isolates in immunization studies with rodents and nonhuman primates. The research demonstrates the potential for structural enhancement of moderately potent neutralizing epitopes and presents versatile low-molecular-weight scaffolds for immunogen presentation. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by F. Hoffmann-La Roche in the United States found that there are high rates of missed HIV testing among oral PrEP users. The study analyzed data from a national insurance claims database and found that approximately 1 in 3 oral PrEP prescriptions were filled by individuals who had not received an HIV test within the prior 3 months. The study also identified health disparities among PrEP users. These findings highlight the need for improved monitoring and compliance with national HIV testing guidelines for PrEP users. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Anova Health Institute in South Africa explored the use of text messages to improve the return to care for individuals living with HIV who had missed their appointments. The study found that sending low-cost text messages around significant dates, such as holidays, increased the likelihood of patients returning to care. The researchers concluded that text messaging has the potential to motivate individuals to seek necessary medical care. This study provides valuable insights into the use of technology in improving healthcare outcomes for people living with HIV. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Gilead Sciences Inc. has found that HIV infection is associated with gut dysbiosis and immune dysfunction. The study focused on HIV controllers (HCs) and investigated the effect of the TLR7 agonist vesatolimod on the fecal microbiome composition. The research found that specific phyla in the fecal microbiome correlated with markers of immune activation and certain microbiota correlated with time to HIV-1 rebound or HIV control. These findings suggest that the relative abundances of certain microbiome compositions may modulate immune function and impact viral outcomes in HCs. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from GlaxoSmithKline plc have conducted a study on the pharmacokinetics of long-acting cabotegravir, a drug used for pre-exposure prophylaxis and combination HIV treatment. The study evaluated the impact of an optional short-term oral lead-in (OLI) on the drug's plasma concentrations. The research compared cabotegravir plasma concentrations in HIV-positive participants who initiated injections with or without OLI, as well as in HIV-negative participants using OLI. The study's findings have been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research findings on HIV/AIDS, specifically focusing on the use of Dolutegravir (DTG) as a treatment for HIV-1 infection in both adults and children. The study evaluated the relationship between DTG exposure and virologic response in pediatric participants with HIV-1. The results suggest that pediatric DTG exposures are above the plateau of the exposure-response relationship, indicating that matching pediatric pharmacokinetic exposure parameters to those in adults is a reasonable approach for determining the dose of DTG-containing formulations in children. This research provides valuable insights into the use of DTG therapy in pediatric populations. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To assess the impact of provider incentive policy on smoking status documentation. Data Sources: Primary data were extracted from structured electronic medical records (EMRs) from 15 community health centers (CHCs). Study Design: This was an observational study of data from 2006 to 2013, assessing changes in documentation of smoking status over time. Data Extraction Methods: We extracted structured EMR data for patients age 18 and older with at least one primary care visit. Principal Findings: Rates of documented smoking status rose from 30 percent in 2006 to 90 percent in 2013; the largest increase occurred from 2011 to 2012 following policy changes (21.3% [95% CI, 8.2%, 34.4%] from the overall trend). Rates varied by clinic and across patient subgroups. Conclusions: Documentation of smoking status improved markedly after introduction of new federal standards. Further improvement in documentation is still needed, especially for males, nonwhite patients, those using opioids, and HIV + patients. More research is needed to study whether changes in documentation lead to improvements in counseling, cessation, and patient outcomes. KEYWORDS community health centers, electronic health records, meaningful use criteria, tobacco use, uniform data system standards, 1 | INTRODUCTION Some 40 million individuals in the United States are cigarette smokers (1) and over 400 000 Americans die from smoking-related illnesses each year, making smoking a primary [...]

Researchers at American Gene Technologies International Inc. have conducted a study on HIV/AIDS, focusing on the impact of their cell and gene therapy product AGT103-T. The study involved six patients who suspended their antiretroviral therapy (ART) and experienced viral rebound followed by an expansion in HIV-specific immune responses. The participants demonstrated an increase in CD8 T cells and a decrease in peak viremia during the second analytical treatment interruption (ATI). Upon resuming ART, all participants achieved viral control more rapidly than during the first ATI, with stable CD4 T cell counts. The study suggests that AGT103-T combined with multiple ATIs is a safe and effective approach for achieving viral control. [Extracted from the article]

A report from RTI International discusses the feasibility of assisted index case testing (ICT) for HIV case-finding in Malawi. Assisted ICT involves healthcare workers actively referring at-risk contacts of people living with HIV for testing services. The study found that while assisted ICT has the potential to increase status awareness in people living with HIV, there are barriers to its implementation, such as sensitivities around discussing ICT, privacy concerns, limited time, poor quality contact information, and logistical obstacles. The research emphasizes the need for effective training and support for healthcare workers to overcome these barriers and promote the feasibility of assisted ICT. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research on HIV/AIDS conducted by Gilead Sciences Inc. The research focuses on the use of HIV recency assay to estimate the counterfactual incidence rate in large-scale HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trials. The current available approach for inference is based on the Wald method, but it has limitations when there are small or zero HIV infections. The researchers propose a likelihood-based method that works well in these scenarios. The study concludes that the likelihood-based p-value and confidence interval are preferable to the Wald-based inference methods when the number of HIV infections is expected to be small. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Gilead Sciences Inc. examined the effectiveness of two different treatment regimens for individuals with HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus (HBV). The study found that both bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) and dolutegravir plus emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DTG + F/TDF) achieved high rates of HIV-1 RNA suppression over a 96-week period. Preexisting HIV-1 resistance was uncommon and did not impact virologic suppression. Additionally, no treatment-emergent HIV-1 resistance occurred with B/F/TAF, indicating a high barrier to resistance with this regimen. This research provides valuable insights into the treatment of individuals with HIV-1 and HBV. [Extracted from the article]

A recent clinical trial conducted by Sanaria Inc. in Tanzania assessed the safety and efficacy of the PfSPZ Vaccine in HIV-positive individuals. The vaccine, composed of attenuated Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites, showed no adverse events in both HIV-negative and well-controlled HIV-positive participants. However, the vaccine was not protective in HIV-positive individuals, indicating the need for a more potent vaccine or regimen to protect those living with HIV against malaria in Africa. The study provides valuable insights into the development of vaccines for individuals with HIV/AIDS. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the RAND Corporation aimed to understand the knowledge, usage, and barriers to statin use for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Los Angeles. The study found that while some participants were unaware of statins, others had used them in the past. Concerns about long-term effects were expressed, but participants were generally willing to use CVD medications, including statins, if recommended by their healthcare provider. The researchers concluded that interventions are needed to increase statin use among PLWH to improve CVD outcomes and HIV progression, and clinics should focus on increasing patient and provider knowledge about CVD risk and statin use, as well as providing culturally appropriate shared decision-making tools. [Extracted from the article]

A report discusses research findings on HIV/AIDS treatment using a fixed-dose combination of dolutegravir and lamivudine. The study aimed to characterize the population pharmacokinetics of these drugs based on data from a phase 3 study. The analysis included 362 participants and found that the effect of covariates on drug exposure was small and not clinically relevant, suggesting that no dose adjustments are necessary. The results support the use of the dolutegravir/lamivudine combination in the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V. have developed a potential HIV-1 vaccine candidate using liposomes. The vaccine consists of cobalt porphyrin-phospholipid (CoPoP) liposomes decorated with repaired and stabilized clade C HIV-1 Env trimers. In experiments with female rabbits, the liposomes generated high HIV-1 Env-specific antibody responses and demonstrated serum neutralization against 18 out of 20 multiclade tier 2 HIV-1 strains. The researchers suggest that this liposome-based vaccine could be a component of an effective HIV-1 vaccine. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators at ViiV Healthcare has found that two-drug regimens, specifically dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) and dolutegravir/rilpivirine (DTG/RPV), are effective in treating HIV/AIDS in real-world settings in the United States. The study analyzed data from 24 sites across the country and included individuals who were either ART-naive or virologically suppressed. The results showed that the majority of participants achieved and maintained virologic suppression after initiating the two-drug regimens, with low discontinuation rates. The primary motivations for choosing these regimens were to avoid long-term toxicities and simplify treatment. These findings support the efficacy of DTG-based two-drug regimens in real-world clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Gilead Sciences Inc. in Foster City, California, explored the potential of long-acting treatment for HIV. The study evaluated the use of two antibodies, teropavimab and zinlirvimab, combined with lenacapavir, a long-acting capsid inhibitor, as a treatment regimen. The study found that HIV-1 suppression for at least 26 weeks was feasible with this regimen, with no serious adverse events reported. The findings suggest that long-acting treatment has the potential to improve adherence and provide long-term individual and public health benefits. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by ViiV Healthcare in Durham, North Carolina, examined the real-world effectiveness of Dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) in people with HIV-1 in test-and-treat settings or with high baseline viral loads. The study included 126 treatment-naive individuals who initiated DTG/3TC as part of a test-and-treat strategy or had high baseline viral loads. The results showed that DTG/3TC was effective in achieving virologic suppression in both groups, with few discontinuations. The study highlights the potential benefits of DTG/3TC in the treatment of HIV-1. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a patent for a method of treating HIV infection using a pharmaceutical composition. The composition includes a sodium salt compound and other compounds such as HIV protease inhibitors and reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The method is intended for heavily treatment-experienced patients with HIV-1 mutant resistance to antiretroviral medications. The composition can be administered in the form of a tablet with specific percentages of each ingredient. The patent provides detailed information on the formulation and dosage of the composition. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Gilead Sciences Inc. has provided new information about the pharmacokinetics of lenacapavir, a drug used in the treatment of multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection. The study examined the effects of lenacapavir in participants with moderate hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment. The results showed that lenacapavir exposures were higher in participants with organ impairment, but these increases were not considered clinically meaningful. The study concluded that the approved dosing regimen of lenacapavir is safe and effective for patients with mild to moderate hepatic or renal impairment. [Extracted from the article]

Cepheid has announced that their Xpert HIV-1 Qual XC test has received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO). This prequalification indicates that the test meets the WHO's standards for performance, quality, safety, and reliability. The Xpert HIV-1 Qual XC test is an in vitro nucleic acid amplification test that can detect HIV-1 total nucleic acids directly from human blood specimens. It provides extended strain coverage and can deliver results up to seven to ten days before seroconversion. The test has been approved for use in early diagnosis of HIV in infants, adolescents, and adults. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the survival of infants with HIV, and this test can help provide accurate and sensitive results quickly. The Xpert HIV-1 Qual XC test is designed to be used on Cepheid's GeneXpert systems, which can perform PCR testing on location at medical centers and hospitals or in community health clinics and physician offices. This test is part of a comprehensive portfolio of WHO pre-qualified Xpert tests available internationally. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by IQVIA researchers explores the potential link between HIV/AIDS and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study examines the incidence of AD in individuals with HIV who were exposed to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), a common class of antiretroviral drugs. The findings suggest that NRTI exposure may be associated with a lower risk of developing AD. However, further research and clinical trials are needed to confirm these results and develop targeted treatments. This study provides valuable insights into the potential relationship between HIV/AIDS and neurodegenerative diseases like AD. [Extracted from the article]

American Gene Technologies International Inc. has been issued a patent for a method of treating HIV infection using gene therapy and immunotherapy techniques. The method involves isolating immune cells from an HIV-infected individual, genetically modifying them with viral delivery systems, and culturing them before reintroducing them into the patient. The patent also mentions the use of a specific HIV vaccine called MVA/HIV62B. This method aims to enhance the immune response against HIV and potentially provide a therapeutic approach for treating the infection. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by Gilead Sciences Inc. has examined the effectiveness of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (F/TDF) for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in cisgender women. The study analyzed data from 11 postapproval studies conducted in six countries, including 6,296 cisgender women aged 15 to 69 years. The results showed that individuals with consistently daily or consistently high adherence to PrEP experienced very low HIV incidence. Overall, the HIV incidence was 0.72 per 100 person-years. This study provides valuable insights into the real-world effectiveness and adherence of F/TDF for PrEP in cisgender women. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Gilead Sciences Inc. has identified a novel investigational non-peptidomimetic HIV protease inhibitor (PI) called GS-9770. This compound has shown potential as a once-daily oral treatment for HIV-1 infection due to its improved metabolic stability and pharmacokinetic properties. GS-9770 has demonstrated potent inhibitory activity against HIV-1 protease and has shown nanomolar anti-HIV-1 potency in human cells. It also exhibits an improved resistance profile against patient-derived HIV-1 isolates resistant to other PIs. These preclinical findings suggest that GS-9770 could overcome the need for pharmacological boosting with this class of antiretroviral agents. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at SRI International in Menlo Park, California, explores the relationship between childhood abuse, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and HIV infection. The study found that individuals with a history of childhood abuse had smaller frontal lobe volumes, regardless of their diagnosis. Additionally, those with a history of abuse and AUD had poorer verbal/visual memory performance associated with smaller orbitofrontal and frontal middle volumes. These findings suggest that childhood abuse may have enduring effects on brain structure and function, even in individuals who do not meet criteria for a formal trauma-related diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]