What Is Up With DMPA And “Grades” For Family Planning?

AVAC’s sheet on the hormonal contraceptive known as Depo-Provera (DMPA) and the WHO grading system for contraceptives explains key issues in plain language. Research findings have raised questions about the safety and effectiveness of DMPA for women who face a high risk of HIV. WHO evaluates the safety and efficacy of contraceptive methods.

Global Investments in Multipurpose Prevention Technology Research and Development

CAMI Health and the Resource Tracking for HIV Prevention Research and Development Working Group published this 2016 analysis of investment through grants in multipurpose prevention technology. Read on for statistics showing increased funding overall, and review research and development progress to date.

Px Wire January-March 2017, Vol. 10, No. 1

This issue of Px Wire, AVAC’s quarterly update on HIV prevention research, looks ahead at a host of issues we are watching in 2017. Are we confronting “Fast Track” goals with the sober analysis they demand? Will oral PrEP guidelines translate into programs and will programs meet people’s needs? What progress can we expect from studies on the dapivirine vaginal ring, various vaccine candidates or on broadly neutralizing antibodies, which are garnering so much press attention of late? Will global leaders embrace policies that ensure data gaps on key populations will finally be filled?

End-User Research Landscape Mapping & Findings

The HIV Prevention Market Manager undertook an effort to map the landscape of ongoing and planned work on HIV prevention and adolescent girls and young women and other populations in sub-Saharan Africa. This document provides a summary and analysis of the end-user projects and studies underway in order to inform collaborations and identify gaps and next steps in research.

AVAC Introduction to Long-Acting Injectables

A strategy that uses long-acting injectables is being tested now for treatment and prevention. Injected antiretrovirals that are being developed to remain effective for weeks or months could potentially simplify adherence. Our infographic explains the research underway and reviews some of the major questions that research must address.

Introduction to Long-Acting Injectables

This infographic details the process for developing long-acting injectables for PrEP and Treatment U=U.

Px Wire October-December 2016, Vol. 9, No. 4

The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day captures the spirit: Hands Up for HIV Prevention. At AVAC, we’re delighted to see the focus on this critical area of the global response. Our new issue of Px Wire provides specifics on some hot topics for advocacy before, on and after World AIDS Day.

HIV Prevention Research & Development Investments, 2000–2015: Investment priorities to fund innovation in a challenging global health landscape

This annual accounting of funding for biomedical HIV prevention research tracks trends and identifies gaps in investment. In 2015, reported funding for HIV prevention R&D decreased from US$ 1.25 billion in 2014 to US$1.20 billion. However, overall funding has remained essentially flat for over a decade. While investments towards research for preventive vaccines and female condoms increased from 2014 levels, investments towards microbicides, PrEP, TasP, VMMC and PMTCT declined.

HIV Prevention Research & Development Investments, 2000–2015: Investment priorities to fund innovation in a challenging global health landscape (1-pager)

This annual accounting of funding for biomedical HIV prevention research tracks trends and identifies gaps in investment. In 2015, reported funding for HIV prevention R&D decreased from US$ 1.25 billion in 2014 to US$1.20 billion. However, overall funding has remained essentially flat for over a decade. While investments towards research for preventive vaccines and female condoms increased from 2014 levels, investments towards microbicides, PrEP, TasP, VMMC and PMTCT declined.

Trial Participants by Prevention Research Area, 2015

Given the higher rates of acquisition seen across so-called key populations—members of highly burdened and underserved groups—it is critical to provide access to the research process such that they can participate and reap more immediate benefit of scientific progress. Greater efforts must be made to include key populations in this crucial process for the HIV prevention response to be truly impactful.