August 4, 2016
International Aids Society Releases New Strategy To Guide Global HIV Cure Research
EDGE READ TIME: 5 MIN.
A comprehensive new strategy, developed by the International AIDS Society (IAS) and published online in the journal Nature Medicine, presents key priorities for research to develop what experts consider to be one of the most important global health goals of our time -- a cure for HIV.�
"Not long ago, few considered the possibility that a cure for HIV infection could some day be possible," said Nobel Laureate Fran�oise Barr�-Sinoussi, co chair of the IAS Towards an HIV Cure Initiative. "Today, thanks in part to advances such as the cure of an HIV-infected individual through a stem cell transplant, the identification of a small cohort of individuals who are able to control infection following treatment, and some noteworthy advances in cell, gene and immune therapy, the search for a cure has become a top priority in HIV research.�In 2016, that search is marked by growing scientific interest, an increasing number of novel research strategies in development, and a new optimism that a cure or sustainable remission for HIV is feasible."
The new IAS Global Scientific Strategy: Towards an HIV Cure 2016 was developed over two years by a 59-member IAS International Scientific Working Group and reviewed through an extensive global peer consultation process.�The new strategy, which is being published prior to the opening of the 21st International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) in Durban, South Africa, analyzes recent research achievements in HIV cure research, obstacles to a cure and the strategies and priorities to advance the field.
While the development of ART regimens that can control HIV have led to dramatic improvements in the health and life expectancy of those with access to the drugs, researchers and policy makers preparing for AIDS 2016 note that treatment is not a cure.
Current treatment strategies present serious limitations, including the immense economic, operational and logistical challenges associated with delivering life-long care to the nearly 37 million people now living with HIV. Individuals living with HIV must also manage adherence, drug toxicities, and the persistent immune dysfunction, inflammation and risk of co-morbidities associated with HIV infection.
"The past four years have demonstrated both significant progress in the search for an HIV cure, and the importance of maintaining and expanding the pace of research in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field," said IAS President Chris Beyrer. "With the help of our members, the IAS has advanced the HIV cure research field forward from its earliest days. This second Global Scientific Strategy Towards an HIV Cure will be an invaluable roadmap that will help take cure research to the next scientific level."
The new IAS Global Scientific Strategy: Towards an HIV Cure 2016 builds on the first IAS cure strategy, published in 2012, which presented the first global roadmap to HIV cure research. This "second chapter" in the search for a cure outlines the past achievements and future priorities in basic, translational, clinical, and social sciences research, along with a new focus on aspects of HIV cure research that have achieved greater significance since 2012, including:
Some of the key progress made in HIV Cure research since 2012 and analyzed in the new strategy includes:
The demonstration that gene therapy with CCR5 modification is both feasible and safe.
Increasing financial investments in HIV cure research
A new analysis released by the IAS HIV Cure resource tracking group and AVAC shows that global investments in HIV cure funding show a continued positive trend. Among the key findings in the report:
Another U.S. $14.73 million was invested by philanthropies such as amfAR, CANFAR, Fair Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust.
"The community sector is critically important to the success of HIV cure research, and a proud contributor to the IAS Towards an HIV Cure initiative," said Ugandan activist Moses Supercharger Nsubuga of Uganda, a member of the Initiative�s International Scientific Working Group. "Community representatives play a critical role in building support for and awareness of HIV cure research, in addressing the ethical issues related to cure research, and in making the world aware that an HIV cure is a key priority in the global AIDS response."