[Viva] Fwd: Highlights from CROI 2021 – HIV update, 24 March 2021

[Margarite Sanchez]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <bulletins at bulletins.aidsmap.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 24, 2021 at 10:39 AM
Subject: Highlights from CROI 2021 – HIV update, 24 March 2021
To: <margaritesanchez at gmail.com>


Having problems reading this email? View it in your browser >>
<https://www.aidsmap.com/node/34331/preview?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
<https://www.aidsmap.com?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
<https://www.aidsmap.com/donate?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>



HIV Update   |   24 March 2021

Contents

   - Highlights from CROI 2021
   <#m_5123645374654368631_section-1?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
   - Podcast series: Tell Me About It
   <#m_5123645374654368631_section-2?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
   - Editors' picks from other sources
   <#m_5123645374654368631_section-3?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
   - Video series: women ageing with HIV
   <#m_5123645374654368631_section-4?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>


Highlights from CROI 2021

One of the most important HIV conferences of the year, the Conference on
Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2021)
<https://www.aidsmap.com/conference/croi-2021?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
took place earlier this month. We have published almost 30 news articles
from this year’s conference. As it is hard for anyone to keep up, here is a
round-up of news particularly relevant for people living with HIV in the UK.
[image: Karan Bunjean/Shutterstock.com]
Karan Bunjean/Shutterstock.com
Injectable treatment

There was a lot of new information presented on injectable medications,
both for treatment and prevention. Injectable cabotegravir/rilpivirine has
recently been approved by drug regulators for use as HIV treatment. A study
confirmed that the injections have similar results, whether taken every
four weeks or every eight weeks
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/every-other-month-injectable-cabotegravir-and-rilpivirine-suppresses-viral-load-two?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>,
although the eight-week regimen is likely to be less forgiving of late
doses. Experts discussed the practicalities
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/injectable-hiv-medications-must-be-practical-and-affordable-conference-hears?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
of providing injection services and which patients will benefit most from
them.
Treatment every six months?

Even longer acting medications are also in development, but at earlier
stages. A small removable implant may provide the drug islatravir
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/reformulated-islatravir-implant-should-provide-prep-over-year?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
over one year at a time, or it could be taken as a monthly tablet. An
injection of the drug lenacapavir
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/hiv-capsid-inhibitor-offers-new-option-people-highly-resistant-hiv?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
may be enough for six months at a time. The two pharmaceutical companies
developing these products have announced plans to investigate whether they
are effective in combination with each other.
Promising results towards a functional cure

A therapeutic vaccine allowed some people with HIV to interrupt treatment
for at least 22 weeks
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/therapeutic-vaccine-shows-potential-hiv-control-treatment-early-study?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
and maintain very low viral load, in an early study with 41 participants.
Therapeutic vaccines have the aim of improving the immune function of
someone who already has HIV, rather than of preventing the infection. This
vaccine was designed using insights from the immune response of ‘elite
controllers’ (individuals who have controlled HIV for long periods of time
without needing treatment). Indefinite HIV suppression without
antiretroviral treatment is likely to require a combination approach, for
example combining this vaccine with other agents.
[image: Dan Kosmayer/Shutterstock.com]
Dan Kosmayer/Shutterstock.com
Four-days-on, three-days-off

Taking antiretroviral medication four consecutive days each week followed
by a three-day break maintained viral suppression as well as a daily
regimen,
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/four-days-three-days-treatment-regimen-still-looks-effective-after-two-years?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
according to a French study. Those testing the strategy were adults who had
already had an undetectable viral load for at least a year, no evidence of
drug resistance and a CD4 count above 250, taking a variety of different
antiretroviral regimens. With almost two years of follow-up in the study,
there was a low rate of virological failure, particularly among people
using integrase inhibitors.
Disappointing results for São Paulo patient

A Brazilian man who last summer had no evidence of remaining HIV after more
than 15 months off antiretroviral therapy once again had detectable viral
load a few months later, the conference was told.
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/sao-paulo-patient-experiences-apparent-viral-rebound-year-and-half-after-stopping-hiv?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
Work is underway to determine whether he experienced viral rebound or
reinfection.
COVID-19 outcomes

Researchers continue to explore the impact of COVID-19 on people with HIV.
While several studies have found that people with HIV have worse outcomes
than other people, UK research presented at the conference
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/underlying-health-conditions-play-major-role-increased-risk-hospitalisation-covid-19?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
found that this was entirely attributable to underlying health conditions
and greater physical frailty in people with HIV. However, a US study found
a small but statistically significant increase in the risk of
hospitalisation for COVID-19, even after controlling for some underlying
conditions.
[image: Aleks333/Shutterstock.com]
aleks333/Shutterstock.com
Protecting bone health

One of the most commonly used antiretroviral medications, tenofovir
disoproxil fumarate is associated with small losses of bone mineral density
in some people, usually during the first year of taking the drug. CROI was
told about a new strategy to prevent this – a short course of alendronate
around the time of starting tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy.
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/alendronate-can-prevent-bone-loss-people-starting-hiv-treatment?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
Alendronate is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of
osteoporosis, is inexpensive and well tolerated.
Weight gain and TAF

An alternative to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is tenofovir alafenamide
(TAF), which does not have the same disadvantages in terms of the bones and
kidneys. However, three new studies showed that TAF is associated with
weight gain
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/what-are-roles-taf-and-integrase-inhibitors-weight-gain?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>.
Each study tracked weight changes in people switching HIV treatment. The
three studies came to different conclusions about the role of dolutegravir
and other integrase inhibitors in weight gain.
Mindfulness

Online mindfulness audio lessons can significantly reduce depression,
anxiety
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/depression-anxiety-and-loneliness-can-be-improved-mindfulness-audio-lessons?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
and loneliness in older people with HIV, according to a randomised
controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 epidemic in the US.
Mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices
to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.
[image: Fizkes/Shutterstock.com]
Fizkes/Shutterstock.com
Morning after pill

Doubling the dose of the emergency contraception pill levonorgestrel
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/doubling-dose-emergency-contraception-safe-and-effective-way-overcoming-efavirenz?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
can overcome a drug-drug interaction between it and the anti-HIV medication
efavirenz. The double dose achieved increases in blood concentrations of
levonorgestrel, making it more likely to be effective. The strategy was
found to be safe with no reported side effects.
Treatment for children and adolescents

Dolutegravir-based treatment was superior to treatment based on efavirenz
or a boosted protease inhibitor in children and adolescents,
<https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2021/dolutegravir-superior-standard-care-treatment-children-and-adolescents?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
both as first-line or second-line treatment, a randomised study found. The
results support current guidelines and the use of dolutegravir-based
regimens in children and adolescents, allowing the same medications to be
used by most age groups.


Podcast series: Tell Me About It [image: Naomi Sutton and Kate Moyle]

The final episode of our podcast series 'Tell Me About It' is out now.

In this episode, Dr Naomi Sutton from Channel 4's *The Sex Clinic* talks to
psychosexual therapist and podcaster Kate Moyle. They discuss the roots of
stigma, from colonialism to the language of STIs and 'clean' vs 'dirty',
and how different things can be now with HIV treatment, PrEP and knowledge.

   - *Listen to all six episodes on Spotify
   <https://spoti.fi/3tQIIIF?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>or
   Apple
   <https://apple.co/2NiTLtF%20?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>*
   - *Find out more about the series in our blog*
   <https://www.aidsmap.com/news/feb-2021/new-podcast-series-tell-me-about-it?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>


Editors' picks from other sources
People living with HIV share their experiences of getting the COVID-19
vaccine
<https://www.tht.org.uk/news/people-living-hiv-share-their-experiences-getting-covid-19-vaccine?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
| *Terrence Higgins Trust*

No one has to have the vaccine, but Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is
encouraging anyone living with HIV to do so. THT asked a handful of people
living with HIV about why they booked in for their jab, what they
considered beforehand and what the experience was like.
Police must remove and end use of database warning markers for HIV to stop
HIV stigma, says National AIDS Trust
<https://www.nat.org.uk/press-release/police-remove-end-database-warning-markers-hiv?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
| *National AIDS Trust*

Warning markers identifying a person as living with HIV must be removed and
no longer used on police databases. This is the recommendation made in
National AIDS Trust’s new report *HIV and the police*, which documents
proactive action taken by police in Merseyside and Avon & Somerset to
address HIV stigma in the force.
What is the inner life of Jill Baxter on *It’s a Sin*?
<https://www.thebody.com/article/jill-baxter-its-a-sin?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
| *TheBody*

True-life women caregivers and activists of the AIDS era in the 1980s talk
about whether Jill's "angel of mercy" character is realistic.


Video series: women ageing with HIV [image: Sophie Strachan]

In the second video from our new series, Sophie Strachan, Director of the
UK HIV charity Sophia Forum, shares her experiences of the menopause as a
woman living with HIV.

This video has been produced as part of a collaborative project between the
Sophia Forum, Positively UK, NAM aidsmap and the Institute for Global
Health, University College London. The GROWS project, women living with HIV
Growing Older, Wiser and Stronger, is a holistic modelled programme
supporting women with their health, wellbeing and social care needs.

   - *Watch the video on aidsmap.com
   <https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/sophie-strachan-menopause-and-hiv-grows-project?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>*
   - *Find out more about the menopause in NAM's About HIV page*
   <https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/menopause-and-hiv?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>

------------------------------
Connect with us
<http://www.facebook.com/pages/NAM-the-HIVAIDS-information-charity/99971718192?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>

<https://twitter.com/aidsmap?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>

<https://www.instagram.com/nam_aidsmap?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>

<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpqDe1I_t1oV_j67U0HT2bg?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>

<https://www.aidsmap.com/feeds/latest-hiv-news?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>


<https://www.aidsmap.com/donate?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>


NAM is an award-winning, community-based organisation, which works from the
UK. We deliver reliable and accurate HIV information across the world to
HIV-positive people and to the professionals who treat, support and care
for them.
For more details, please contact NAM
*T* +44 (0)20 3727 0123
*E* info at nam.org.uk
<info at nam.org.uk?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
*W* www.aidsmap.com
<https://www.aidsmap.com?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
*NAM Publications*
Palladium House 1-4 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7LD
Company limited by guarantee.
Registered in England & Wales, number: 2707596
Registered charity, number: 1011220

*To unsubscribe please click here
<https://www.aidsmap.com/unsubscribe/?id=bWFyZ2FyaXRlc2FuY2hlekBnbWFpbC5jb20=&bulletin=14397&language=14408&utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>*

*Privacy Policy*: www.aidsmap.com/about-us/confidentiality
<http://www.aidsmap.com/about-us/confidentiality?utm_source=hiv+update-english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-03-24>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.resist.ca/pipermail/viva/attachments/20210325/61f9d718/attachment-0001.htm>