Tag

Antiretroviral Drugs

All articles tagged with #antiretroviral drugs

health1 year ago

"Advancements in HIV Cure Research: Targeting and Eliminating the Virus from Infected Cells"

A new clinical trial suggests a potential approach to curing HIV by using a treatment that can drive the virus out of its hiding spots in the body, raising hopes that these reservoirs of HIV could then be wiped out. The treatment involves waking up latent HIV with a drug called vorinostat and then using patients' own immune cells to attack the virus. While the results are not a complete success, they indicate that this strategy is deserving of further research and could potentially lead to a cure for HIV.

health1 year ago

"Urgent Action Needed: Antiretroviral Drug Shortage Crisis at Port"

Over 200 containers holding 8.9 million bed nets and other consumables, including antiretroviral drugs, are stuck at a port in Ghana, leading to a shortage of ARVs in the country. This situation poses a risk of increased HIV prevalence, morbidity, and mortality among persons living with HIV. Calls have been made for the Finance Ministry to grant tax waivers for the clearance of these essential medical supplies, as the inability to clear the containers may affect the relationship with Global Fund.

health1 year ago

"Semaglutide Improves Liver Health in HIV Patients"

Studies presented at a conference suggest that the anti-obesity drug semaglutide can help people with HIV lose weight and reduce conditions associated with fat accumulation caused by antiretroviral medications. The drug has shown promising results in reducing liver fat, taming inflammation, and addressing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. However, it may also lead to muscle loss, particularly in older individuals with HIV. These findings highlight the potential of new anti-obesity drugs in managing metabolic complications in people with HIV.

health2 years ago

"Cancer Surpasses HIV as Leading Cause of Death, Raises Concern"

A report from the American Cancer Society reveals that cancer has become the leading cause of death among HIV-positive individuals, with at least 10 cancers associated with HIV infection. Improved antiretroviral drugs have led to longer life expectancy for HIV patients but also increased their risk of developing certain cancers. Experts emphasize the importance of preventive screenings, vaccinations, and comprehensive health care strategies to address both HIV management and cancer prevention in this population.

health2 years ago

"From Newlywed to HIV Diagnosis: A Brave Journey of Resilience"

Victoria Roscow, a 29-year-old woman from Bolton, Lancashire, was diagnosed with HIV when she was nine weeks pregnant. Astonishingly, her husband and baby remained negative for the virus. Victoria has since become an advocate for HIV awareness, sharing her story on TikTok and debunking stereotypes surrounding the condition. She emphasizes that HIV is a manageable health condition and aims to reduce stigma and raise awareness about the virus. Victoria and her husband are planning to have another child, and her medication allows for natural conception with minimal risk to future children.

health2 years ago

Unveiling the Persistent Nature of 'Deceptive' HIV

Two recent studies have found that fragments of the HIV genome can persist inside immune cells, even when antiretroviral treatment is suppressing the virus's ability to replicate. These viral RNA fragments, although not infectious, could potentially irritate and exhaust the immune system. The presence of viral RNA in immune cells may contribute to persistent immune activation and inflammation, which can have negative consequences for individuals living with HIV, even when they are successfully treated with antiretroviral therapy. These findings shed light on the complex nature of HIV persistence and the ongoing interaction between the virus and the immune system.

health2 years ago

"Novel Dual CRISPR Gene Editing Strategy Eliminates HIV Infection in Animals and Mice"

Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center have used CRISPR-based technology to inactivate CCR5 and excise HIV-1 DNA fragments from infected cells in humanized mice that were also treated using long-acting antiretroviral drugs. The work is the first to combine a dual gene editing strategy with antiretroviral drugs to cure animals of HIV-1. The new dual CRISPR gene-editing strategy holds exceptional promise for treating HIV in humans, the researchers believe.

global-health2 years ago

U.S. Program Treats 20 Million with H.I.V.

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) has delivered lifesaving treatment to more than 20 million people in 54 countries over the past 20 years, making it the most successful global health campaign of its kind. The $7.5 billion program, due for reauthorization by Congress this year, is estimated to have saved as many as 25 million lives. Antiretroviral drugs can suppress HIV levels, prevent transmission of the virus to sexual partners, and cut the risk of transmission from infected pregnant women to their babies. Despite its success, HIV treatment is patchy among some vulnerable groups, including young children, pregnant women, men who have sex with men, and transgender people.