AVAC: Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention : Releases http://avac.org AVAC: Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:26:12 CDT en-us Preliminary Safety and Adherence Data from Oral PrEP Trial Released; Trial Not Designed to Evaluate Effectiveness http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/28538 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/28538 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CDT New York, NY – Preliminary data were presented today at the International AIDS Conference by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from a safety and acceptability trial of daily use of oral tenofovir in HIV-negative gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. These data, which do not include any evaluation of PrEP effectiveness, add to the body of information about ARV-based prevention available to researchers, policy makers, community and... New Edition of Guidelines for Involving Communities in HIV Prevention 
Research Released at International AIDS Conference http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/28541 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/28541 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CDT AVAC Contact: Kay Marshall, +1-347-249-6375, <a target="_blank" href="mailto:kay@avac.org">kay@avac.org</a><br>UNAIDS Contact: Saya Oka, +41 22 791 1697, <a href="mailto:okas@unaids.org">okas@unaids.org </a><br><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">GPP Plays Critical Role in Moving HIV Prevention Research Agenda Forward</span><br><br>VIENNA – The draft second edition of The Good Participatory... Report Warns Flat Funding for HIV Prevention Research May Limit Ability of Researchers to Move Promising Approaches Forward http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/28489 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/28489 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CDT VIENNA (21 July, 2010) – Following significant advances in vaccine and microbicide research, importantly including results presented today of 39% efficacy in the CAPRISA 004 microbicide gel trial among women in South Africa, a new report released today warns that flat funding for HIV prevention research may limit researchers’ ability to quickly move promising approaches forward. Study of Microbicide Gel Shows Reduced Risk of HIV & Herpes Infections in Women http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/28490 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/28490 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CDT VIENNA, AUSTRIA (July 20, 2010) — Researchers have achieved an important scientific breakthrough in the fight against HIV and genital herpes with a vaginal gel that significantly reduces a woman’s risk of being infected with these viruses. The results of the ground-breaking safety and effectiveness study of an antiretroviral microbicide gel study were reported today by the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) at the XVIII International AIDS... Turning the Page to a New Era in HIV Prevention Research: AVAC Report warns promising developments in biomedical HIV prevention could be undermined by current conditions of the global AIDS response http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/28318 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/28318 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CDT A new report from AVAC surveys the state of biomedical HIV prevention research, including the first evidence of vaccine-induced protection in humans and the emergence of ARV-based prevention—and provides strategic recommendations for moving forward in a time of constrained resources and faltering commitment to ending AIDS. AVAC Says MDP 301 Microbicide Trial Results Disappointing, But Researchers and 9,400 Trial Volunteers Deserve Praise for Successful Trial http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/4251 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/4251 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST New York, NY, December 14, 2009 — The Microbicides Development Programme announced earlier today that its MDP 301 effectiveness trial, which was conducted among almost 9,400 women in four African countries, found no evidence that the PRO 2000 microbicide reduces the risk of HIV infection. AVAC Praises Thai AIDS Vaccine Trial Collaborators and Volunteers for Historic Study http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/3083 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/3083 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CDT New York, NY, , "Today marks an historic milestone in the search for an AIDS vaccine; we now have evidence that it is possible to reduce the risk HIV infection with a vaccine," said AVAC executive director Mitchell Warren, reacting to the results of the first AIDS vaccine trial to ever show efficacy at preventing HIV. "It will take time and resources to fully analyze, understand and validate the data, but there is little doubt that this finding will energize and redirect the AIDS vaccine... Shifting Scientific, Health Priorities and Global Economic Downturn Impact Investment in HIV Prevention R&D http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/881 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/881 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CDT Cape Town -- A new report on investment in HIV prevention research in 2008 finds that HIV vaccine research funding levels decreased for the first time since investment trends have been tracked. This may have been influenced by shifts in scientific priorities, the declining economy and competing priorities in the larger global health agenda. Despite this decrease, the overall trend since 2000 has been of increasing investment for experimental biomedical prevention strategies. Piecing Together the HIV Prevention Puzzle: AVAC Report Assesses Progress in AIDS Vaccine, Microbicide and PrEP Research and Calls for Urgent Coordination and Leadership in Advance of Upcoming Results http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2000 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2000 Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 CDT New York, NY -- "It's an exciting time in HIV prevention research. We will see results from a number of critically important HIV prevention research trials this year, as well as see the start of new trials around the world that will yield important answers in the years to come," said Mitchell Warren, AVAC executive director, at the release of AVAC's 13th annual report of the field. Clearinghouse on Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention Web Site Launched http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2011 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2011 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 CST The Clearinghouse on Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention , www.malecircumcision.org , was launched today. The Web site is designed to generate and share authoritative information about the role of male circumcision in HIV prevention. New Report Finds Investment in AIDS Vaccine and Microbicide R&D Continues to Increase Incrementally in 2007: Calls for Sustained Funding to Maintain HIV Prevention Research Efforts http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1982 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1982 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT Mexico City, August 5, 2008 -- A new report released today shows that funding for biomedical HIV prevention research and development (R&D), including AIDS vaccines and microbicides, increased dramatically between 2000 and 2006 with only a modest increase in 2007. The report warns that the challenge going forward will be to sustain the necessary financial commitment to maintain an efficient and focused research effort and rapidly capitalize on what researchers have learned thus far. New AVAC Report on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Calls for Immediate Planning to Anticipate Study Results of Potential New HIV Prevention Option: http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1981 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1981 Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT Mexico City, Mexico, August 3, 2008 -- The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) today released a new report, Anticipating the Results of PrEP Trials, calling for increased action from governments, global health institutions, donors, researchers, and advocates to prepare for initial results -- expected as early as 2009 -- from the first trials of antiretroviral drugs being tested for HIV prevention, known as PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis. The report also provides the most up-to-date... Immunizing Against Misinformation and Shortsightedness: AVAC Report Injects a Dose of Reality into the Debate on the State of AIDS Vaccine Research http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1999 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1999 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 CDT New York, NY , The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) today released a new report that provides a comprehensive review of recent developments in AIDS vaccine research. AVAC Report 2008: The Search Must Continue explores the issues that have been raised in the wake of the failure of Merck's vaccine candidate and provides context for the events and major changes of the last year in HIV prevention research. Safety of Trial Volunteers Must Remain Paramount Concern http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1986 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1986 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST Contact: Mitchell Warren, +1-914-661-1536, <a target="_blank" href="mailto:mitchell.avac.org">mitchell@avac.org </a><br><br>Seattle, Washington, November 7, 2007, The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) released the following statement today from Executive Director Mitchell Warren in response to the release of new data from the STEP AIDS vaccine study by Merck &amp; Co., the US National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the HIV Vaccine... AVAC Statement on Phambili and STEP trials: Trial Participant Safety is the Top Priority http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2020 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2020 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CDT New York and Johannesburg -- The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) issued the following statement with regard to recent announcements about the Phambili AIDS vaccine trial in South Africa. AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition Voices Disappointment in Trial Result - Applauds Merck's Leadership and Calls for Reinvigorated Effort to Design and Test AIDS Vaccines http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/3416 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/3416 Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CDT The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) released the following statement from Executive Director Mitchell Warren about the announcement that vaccinations have been discontinued in the STEP Study, a test-of-concept trial of the MRK-Ad5 AIDS vaccine candidate developed by the Merck Research Laboratories: AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition Receives $14 Million Grant from Gates Foundation to Develop International HIV Prevention Research Advocacy Network http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2023 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2023 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CDT New AVAC Report on the State of the AIDS Vaccine Field Calls for Accelerated Action in AIDS Vaccine and HIV Prevention Research Seattle -- The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) announced today at the AIDS Vaccine 2007 Conference that it has received a five-year, $14 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to create a new international HIV Prevention Research Advocacy Network. The Advocacy Network will work with civil society, policymakers, and research partners... AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition calls for renewed commitment to vaccine research on anniversary of President Clinton's 10-year challenge http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1996 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1996 Wed, 16 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT Call for new urgency, targets and leadership to accelerate research on HIV Vaccine Awareness Day New York, NY -- On May 18, 1997, US President Bill Clinton called for a concerted effort to develop an AIDS vaccine within a decade. This year we mark the 10th anniversary of that call for action with a global AIDS epidemic that rages on, and without a preventive HIV vaccine. AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition Calls for Strategic Leadership and Urgency in the Implementation of Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2018 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2018 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CDT <P>New York, NY -- Mitchell Warren, Executive Director of the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) today issued the following statement regarding the new recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS on male circumcision as an HIV prevention strategy.&nbsp;&nbsp; </P> <P><BR>"AVAC welcomes the new recommendations from WHO and UNAIDS on the range of policy, operational and ethical issues that will help guide countries about where and how... AVAC Applauds Commencement of First HIV Vaccine Efficacy Trial in Africa http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1988 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1988 Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:00:00 CST New York, New York -- The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) heralds today's launchof the first African efficacy trial of an experimental HIV vaccine as a critical, strategic and historically-significant step in the search for an AIDS vaccine. Leading advocates express support for microbicide research, despite disappointing clinical trial results. http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2025 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2025 Wed, 31 Jan 2007 00:00:00 CST HIV prevention advocates from three major civil society organizations today emphasized the importance of continued research into new HIV prevention options, despite the recent discontinuation of the Phase III effectiveness trials of the microbicide candidate, cellulose sulfate (CS). AVAC Calls for Strategic Leadership in the Implementation of Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1992 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1992 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:00:00 CST link doesnt work<br> HIV Vaccines and Microbicides Resource Tracking Working Group Releases Preliminary Data and Launches New Website http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1976 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1976 Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 CDT The HIV Vaccines and Microbicides Resource Tracking Working Group was established in 2004 to generate and disseminate high-quality, detailed and comparable data on annual investments in preventive HIV vaccine and microbicide research and development (R&D), and policy and advocacy activities. These data can be used to monitor current levels of effort; identify trends in investment, spending, and research focus; identify areas needing more resources and effort; assess the impact of public... Launch of AIDS Vaccine Clearinghouse http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1994 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1994 Wed, 17 May 2006 00:00:00 CDT The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) is delighted to announce the launch of its new AIDS Vaccine Clearinghouse, a comprehensive and interactive source of AIDS vaccine information on the Internet. The website, www.aidsvaccineclearinghouse.org, provides a gateway to information and a link to people and organizations interested in AIDS vaccine advocacy, research and global delivery. AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition Issues Report on Tenofovir Prevention Trials: Calls for coordinated response to ensure trials continue http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2007 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2007 Thu, 24 Mar 2005 00:00:00 CST NEW YORK - The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) today released a report on issues surrounding clinical testing of the antiretroviral drug tenofovir as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP) - a possible once-a-day pill for prevention of HIV. A public statement from the Global Campaign for Microbicides and the AIDS Vaccines Advocacy Coalition on the impact of stopping Tenofovir trials in Cambodia and Cameroon http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1995 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1995 Fri, 18 Feb 2005 00:00:00 CST Recently clinical trials have been launched in Africa, Asia and the United States to explore the potential use of oral Tenofovir as a "once a day" pill to prevent HIV in uninfected individuals - an intervention known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP). Yet concerns from a few activists opposed to these efforts have resulted in government decisions to halt the trials in Cambodia and Cameroon. AIDS Advocates Partner to Involve African Americans in search for an AIDS vaccine http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1983 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1983 Mon, 07 Feb 2005 00:00:00 CST LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, February 7, 2005 -- In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) and the Black AIDS Institute (the Institute) are pleased to announce the release of Myths About HIV Vaccines and Vaccine Research, a fact sheet that addresses misconceptions in African American communities about the search for a preventive HIV vaccine. AIDS Vaccine Advocates Hail South African Focus on Youth http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1989 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1989 Thu, 12 Aug 2004 00:00:00 CDT NEW YORK -- The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) praised a new partnership between the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI), which was announced today in Johannesburg. Government Incentives Should Extend to AIDS Vaccine Development http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2016 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2016 Thu, 22 Jul 2004 00:00:00 CDT NEW YORK -- The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) today hailed new federal legislation that provides financial incentives for private industry to develop vaccines and other antidotes to protect people in the event of biological or chemical weapon attacks. Advocacy Group Voices Disappointment: Calls for Reinvigorated Effort to Design and Test AIDS Vaccines http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1991 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1991 Wed, 12 Nov 2003 00:00:00 CST NEW YORK - The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) today expressed disappointment that the second Phase III trial of an AIDS vaccine did not show efficacy of the candidate vaccine, AIDSVAX. The trial tested AIDSVAX among 2,546 injection drug users in Thailand.<BR><BR>"We are disappointed that AIDSVAX alone did not prove efficacious in this population in Thailand," said Chris Collins, Executive Director of AVAC. "This trial was not a failure because it tested a product and... Advocacy Group Issues Guide to Forthcoming AIDS Vaccine Trial Results http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2009 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2009 Thu, 23 Oct 2003 00:00:00 CDT NEW YORK - The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) today released a guide for the public on the forthcoming results of the world's first AIDS vaccine efficacy trial. Results of the clinical trial of AIDSVAX, made by the biopharmaceutical company VaxGen, are expected to be released early in 2003. Medicines Control Council Begins Phase I Clinical Trial of South Africa's First AIDS Vaccine http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2024 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2024 Thu, 19 Jun 2003 00:00:00 CDT NEW YORK - The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) yesterday applauded South Africa's Medicines Control Council for giving the go-ahead to a long-awaited Phase I clinical trial of the countrys first AIDS vaccine. New Industry Survey Finds Need for Increased Government Role in Search for AIDS Vaccine http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1997 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1997 Thu, 15 May 2003 00:00:00 CDT Advocacy Group Calls on Congress to Apply Bioterror Incentives in Battle Against Global Infectious Disease NEW YORK - Private industry is stepping up its quest for an AIDS vaccine, but it needs increased government support to maintain the momentum, according to findings of a new survey released today by the non-profit AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC), a watchdog group that accepts no government or industry funding. Advocacy Group Praises Merck-Aventis Pasteur Vaccine Collaboration http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2019 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2019 Thu, 27 Mar 2003 00:00:00 CST NEW YORK - The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) today said it is encouraged by the announcement that Merck & Co. would team up with Aventis Pasteur to work on a potential AIDS vaccine. Vaccine Fails to Show Efficacy: Data from subgroup analysis is intriguing But drawing conclusions would raise false hopes http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2008 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2008 Mon, 24 Feb 2003 00:00:00 CST NEW YORK - The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) today expressed disappointment that the first efficacy trial of an AIDS vaccine failed to show protection in the study population. The trial was of the vaccine candidate AIDSVAX that is made by VaxGen. AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) Announces Appointment of Director of Science Communication and Advocacy http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2017 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2017 Thu, 30 Jan 2003 00:00:00 CST NEW YORK - The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) today announced the appointment of Huntly Collins as its first Director of Science Communication and Advocacy. Ms. Collins was a respected staff writer at The Philadelphia Inquirer from 1983 to 2001, where she covered public health and AIDS among other issues. FORD FOUNDATION MAKES TWO YEAR AWARD TO AIDS VACCINE ADVOCACY COALITION FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND MOBILIZATION http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2021 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2021 Tue, 25 Jun 2002 00:00:00 CDT AVAC Announces Appointment of New Director of Education and Outreach NEW YORK - The Ford Foundation today announced a $250,000 grant over two years to the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC). Founded in 1995, AVAC is a community and consumer-based advocacy organization working to accelerate ethical development and delivery of AIDS vaccines to populations throughout the world. AIDS Vaccine Challenge at Half-Way Mark -- Advocacy Coalition Sounds Alarm -- http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1993 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/1993 Fri, 17 May 2002 00:00:00 CDT NEW YORK - Today, the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) issued its fifth independent assessment of AIDS vaccine development from a community perspective. Entitled "Five Years & Counting; Science, Urgency and Courage," the report finds that the campaign to identify an effective AIDS vaccine needs to move more candidate vaccines into clinical trials, and cites the pressing need for increased community engagement and public pressure to accelerate research efforts. AIDS VACCINE ADVOCATES CALL FOR EXPANDED EFFORTS IN THE WAKE OF NIH ANNOUNCEMENT ON HIV VACCINE EFFORT http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2022 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2022 Mon, 25 Feb 2002 00:00:00 CST NEW YORK - The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) today responded to an announcement by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that it would not be able to run a clinical trial of immune responses with the canarypox HIV vaccine candidate. "We are very disappointed that immunology results do not meet the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) criteria to move ahead with a correlates trial," said Chris Collins, Executive Director of AVAC. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Awards Three-Year Grant to AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC), AVAC Announces Appointment of New Executive Director http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2010 http://avac.org/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/2010 Wed, 23 Jan 2002 00:00:00 CST Washington, D.C. - The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced a grant of $600,000 over three years to the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC). Founded in 1995, AVAC is a consumer-based advocacy organization working to speed development and delivery of AIDS vaccines to populations throughout the world.