If there is compelling evidence that [a certain agent] works, we stop the trial straight away and let the world know what's going on.
-- Deborah Donnell, Ph.D.
In an interview on behalf of IFARA at CROI 2017, Fred Schaich spoke with researchers about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). That HIV prevention method is now included in most discussions on preventing transmission of the virus.
Researchers are working on various agents that could be used orally or topically, including long-acting injectables, monoclonal antibodies and implants. There is no evidence yet that monoclonal antibodies work to prevent HIV in humans. However, clinical trials include safety precautions, including a mechanism for stopping a study if the study drug proves effective so that those in the study's placebo arm can also benefit from it.
The rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased with the wider use of oral HIV prevention methods. New strategies for reducing STI rates are therefore needed and can be informed by HIV prevention studies. Another concern is the interaction between contraceptives and HIV prevention agents. One solution might be to pair a contraceptive and a PrEP agent.
Watch the video to learn more:
About the panelists:
Myron S. Cohen, M.D., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, N.C. and HIV Prevention Trials Network.
Deborah Donnell, Ph.D., University of Washington, Seattle, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Jared Baeten, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle.
Jean-Michel Molina, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.
The video above has been posted on TheBodyPRO.com with permission from our partners at the International Foundation for Alternative Research in AIDS (IFARA). Visit IFARA's website or YouTube channel to watch more video interviews from the conference, as well as earlier meetings.
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