AIDSinfo At-a-Glance: Offering Information on HIV/AIDS Treatment, Prevention, and Research, A Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)http://aidsinfo.nih.govinfo At-a-Glance
e-newsletter to receive regular updates on the latest in HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and research.]]>60<![CDATA[ May 18 is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day]]>Research to develop a safe and effective HIV vaccine is advancing because of the combined efforts of volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists across the nation and the world. To recognize their efforts, the nation observes HIV Vaccine Awareness Day on May 18.

Explore the links on our HIV Vaccine Awareness Day webpage [en español] to learn more about this observance and HIV vaccine research that is currently in progress.

]]>5/17/2013<![CDATA[ May 19 is National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day]]>May 19 is set aside each year to observe National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The annual observance was founded by the Banyan Tree Project, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The goal of the project is to stop HIV/AIDS-related stigma in Asian and Pacific Islander communities. In the words of the Banyan Tree Project, “… this type of discrimination prevents A&PIs [Asians and Pacific Islanders] from getting tested for HIV and from getting health care and other services they need to stay healthy.”

Browse the links on our National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day webpage [en español] to learn more about the observance and find related information.

]]>5/17/2013<![CDATA[ Recent HIV/AIDS News from NIAID and FDA]]>
  • May 9, 2013: NIH Scientists Create New Tool for Identifying Powerful HIV Antibodies

    “A team of NIH scientists has developed a new tool to identify broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) capable of preventing infection by the majority of HIV strains found around the globe, an advance that could help speed HIV vaccine research.”

    Read the NIAID press release.
     
  • May 13, 2013: FDA Announces Public Meeting on HIV Patient-Focused Drug Development and HIV Cure Research

    “On June 14, 2013, as part of the Patient-Focused Drug Development initiative intended to enhance patient input, FDA will be hosting a public meeting on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Patient-Focused Drug Development and HIV Cure Research. FDA is interested in obtaining patient input on the impact of HIV on daily life and currently available therapies to treat the condition (topic 1), and patients’ views on issues related to HIV cure research (topic 2).” 

    Read the FDA meeting announcement.
    • May 14, 2013: Regulatory Officials Informed of HVTN 503 HIV Vaccine Trial Findings

      “Officials from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, the NIAID-funded HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN), and study investigators have recently informed the appropriate regulatory authorities in South Africa and the United States of findings from their follow-up analysis of the HVTN 503 “Phambili” HIV vaccine clinical trial in South Africa. This trial was terminated in September 2007 as a precaution after a different trial (the “Step” Study) involving the same candidate vaccine was stopped because of a higher risk of HIV acquisition among participants who received the study vaccine.”

      Read the NIAID bulletin.
    ]]>    5/17/2013    <![CDATA[ Updated <i>Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents</i> Released]]>The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) announce the release of the updated Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents.
     
    Selected key updates to the guidelines include the following:

    • New information on the diagnosis and management of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), particularly as it relates to tuberculosis and cryptococcosis.
    • New guidance for managing IRIS related to each opportunistic infection (OI) is provided.
    • Updated information on the management of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
    • Immunization strategies for preventing pneumococcal disease and human papillomavirus (HPV) have been updated to reflect the availability of new vaccines and new data.
    • Drug interaction information has been updated, particularly as it relates to antiretroviral medications that have been approved since the last update of the guidelines in 2009.

    In addition to information on the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and prevention and treatment of each OI, the guidelines include tables at the end of each chapter and summary tables at the end of the document that list therapeutic options for preventing and treating OIs, adverse drug reactions, pharmacokinetic interactions, dosing recommendations in patients with renal insufficiencies, and therapeutic considerations in pregnancy.
     
    To view or download the guidelines, go to the Adult and Adolescent OI Prevention and Treatment Guidelines section of AIDSinfo. Separate PDF files of the tables can also be downloaded from the page.

    Your Feedback Is Welcome

    Feedback on the latest revisions to the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents is welcome. Please send your comments with the subject line “Comments on Adult and Adolescent OI Prevention and Treatment Guidelines” to ContactUs@aidsinfo.nih.gov by May 21, 2013.

    ]]>    5/17/2013    <![CDATA[ FDA Updates Efavirenz Labeling with Expanded Pediatric Indication Information]]>“On May 2, 2013, the FDA expanded the indication for Sustiva (efavirenz) to include pediatric patients at least three months old and weighing at least 3.5 kg. For pediatric patients who cannot swallow capsules, the capsule contents can be administered with a small amount of food or infant formula using the capsule sprinkle method of administration.

    “The updated labeling includes a table for dosing along with the corresponding number of capsules or tablets and strength to administer.”

    Other sections of the label that have been updated include the following: Warnings and Precautions, Adverse Reactions, Pediatric Use, Pharmacokinetics, and Clinical Studies.

    The updated labeling will be available at the FDA website.

    More information is available:

    ]]>    5/17/2013    <![CDATA[ HHS Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents Seeks Nominations for the Non-Governmental Co-Chair of the Panel]]>The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents (or the Panel) is seeking nominations for the non-governmental co-chair of the Panel.

    The Panel is a Working Group of the Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council (OARAC) of the National Institutes of Health. The Panel writes and updates the Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents. The latest guideline was published on February 12, 2013, and can be found at http://AIDSinfo.nih.gov.

    The Panel is led by two co-chairs: an HHS-appointed co-chair and a non-governmental co-chair. The Panel co-chairs are supported by an executive secretary and over 40 members who are clinicians, researchers, academicians, HHS representatives, and community representatives with expertise in HIV management in the United States.

    The co-chairs of the Panel provide overall leadership for Panel direction and activities; specifically, they administer and direct Panel proceedings, facilitate dynamic and productive deliberations among Panel members, and, as indicated, develop consensus recommendations and updates on the basis of objective evaluation of scientific information available in the public domain. The Panel co-chairs serve as the official voice of the Panel for public statements relating to the guidelines. The non-governmental co-chair also serves as an ex-officio member of OARAC.

    The successful candidate must be a recognized leader in clinical care or clinical research in HIV and antiretroviral therapy, must have experience in clinical practice guidelines development, and must be free of any financial relationship with manufacturers of antiretroviral agents or related diagnostics.

    The candidate selected will not be compensated for time commitment related to Panel activities, and travel support for participation is not provided.

    Potential candidates can self-nominate or can be nominated by a colleague. The nomination should include a curriculum vitae and a letter of nomination (or letter of interest) with specific reference to how the nominee’s expertise and experience will contribute to leadership of the Panel. Please submit nominations by May 31, 2013, to Alice Pau, PharmD, Executive Secretary, Division of Clinical Research, NIAID-NIH, Bldg 10, Rm 11C103, Bethesda, MD 20892; e-mail: apau@niaid.nih.gov.

    ]]>    5/17/2013    <![CDATA[ Recent HIV/AIDS News]]>
  • April 30, 2013: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Issues Final Recommendation Statement on Screening for HIV

    “The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) today released its final recommendation statement on screening for HIV. The Task Force recommends that clinicians screen all people aged 15 to 65, as well as younger adolescents and older adults who are at an increased risk for HIV infection.”

    Read the AIDS.gov blog post.
     
  • April 25, 2013: Prezista (Darunavir) Labeling Changes

    “On April 24, 2013, FDA approved revisions to the Prezista (darunavir) tablet and oral suspension label to update labeling with 48 week data from study TMC114-C228 for HIV-1 treatment experienced pediatric patients three to less than 6 years of age.” 

    Read the FDA announcement.
    • April 25, 2013: NIH Discontinues Immunizations in HIV Vaccine Study

      “The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, will stop administering injections in its HVTN 505 clinical trial of an investigational HIV vaccine regimen because an independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) found during a scheduled interim review that the vaccine regimen did not prevent HIV infection nor reduce viral load (the amount of HIV in the blood) among vaccine recipients who became infected with HIV.”

      Read the NIAID press release.
       
    • April 22, 2013: Anti-HIV Therapy Appears to Protect Children’s Hearts, NIH Network Study Shows

      “For children who have had HIV-1 infection since birth, the combination drug therapies now used to treat HIV appear to protect against the heart damage seen before combination therapies were available, according to researchers in a National Institutes of Health network study.”

      Read the NIH press release.
    ]]>    5/17/2013    <![CDATA[ CDC Launches Newly Redesigned HIV Website]]>newly redesigned HIV website. Updates to the site include expanded resources for the general public, an improved funding section, and a calendar for upcoming HIV-related trainings and conferences. The redesigned site is also optimized for use on mobile devices. Visit the site today to locate and share helpful HIV-related resources!   ]]>5/17/2013<![CDATA[ HHS Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents Seeks Nominations for the Non-Governmental Co-Chair of the Panel]]>The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents (or the Panel) is seeking nominations for the non-governmental co-chair of the Panel.

    The Panel is a Working Group of the Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council (OARAC) of the National Institutes of Health. The Panel writes and updates the Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents. The latest guideline was published on February 12, 2013, and can be found at http://AIDSinfo.nih.gov.

    The Panel is led by two co-chairs: an HHS-appointed co-chair and a non-governmental co-chair. The Panel co-chairs are supported by an executive secretary and over 40 members who are clinicians, researchers, academicians, HHS representatives, and community representatives with expertise in HIV management in the United States.

    The co-chairs of the Panel provide overall leadership for Panel direction and activities; specifically, they administer and direct Panel proceedings, facilitate dynamic and productive deliberations among Panel members, and, as indicated, develop consensus recommendations and updates on the basis of objective evaluation of scientific information available in the public domain. The Panel co-chairs serve as the official voice of the Panel for public statements relating to the guidelines. The non-governmental co-chair also serves as an ex-officio member of OARAC.

    The successful candidate must be a recognized leader in clinical care or clinical research in HIV and antiretroviral therapy, must have experience in clinical practice guidelines development, and must be free of any financial relationship with manufacturers of antiretroviral agents or related diagnostics.

    The candidate selected will not be compensated for time commitment related to Panel activities, and travel support for participation is not provided.

    Potential candidates can self-nominate or can be nominated by a colleague. The nomination should include a curriculum vitae and a letter of nomination (or letter of interest) with specific reference to how the nominee’s expertise and experience will contribute to leadership of the Panel. Please submit nominations by May 31, 2013, to Alice Pau, PharmD, Executive Secretary, Division of Clinical Research, NIAID-NIH, Bldg 10, Rm 11C103, Bethesda, MD 20892; e-mail: apau@niaid.nih.gov.

    ]]>    5/17/2013    <![CDATA[ FDA Updates Atripla Labeling]]>“FDA recently approved updates to the Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) tablet label to include the following changes:

    • Lists Stribild as one of the drugs that should not be coadministered with Atripla
    • Adds drug interaction information for raltegravir, boceprevir and telaprevir
    • Strengthens Warnings and Precautions: Rash section
    • Updates the Use in Specific Populations: Nursing Mothers section
    • Updates Tables 7 and 8 with didanosine drug interaction data based upon recent changes to the prescribing information for Sustiva, Truvada and Viread.”

    The updated labeling will be available at the FDA website.

    More information is available:

    ]]>    5/17/2013