May 5, 2021
Findings from two trials on antibody-mediated prevention, the AMP Trials, have been generating discussion since the beginning of the year. The results are complex, and the implications for HIV prevention research are unfolding. The overall efficacy finding from these two Phase IIb studies was not protective. But when the broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) known as VRC01 was fighting strains of HIV that were highly sensitive to it, the antibody did provide partial protection. So what does that mean for the field, and what other questions have been raised by these pioneering trials?
In this episode of Px Pulse, AVACers Jeanne Baron and Daisy Ouya talk to leading bNAb researcher, IAVI’s Devin Sok; a veteran HIV research advocate Mark Hubbard who served on AMP’s protocol team; and a senior member of the HVTN’s community engagement team, a chief explainer of the AMP trials, Gail Broder. Together, we explore why these findings point to the need for combination antibodies, the need for a better understanding of the types of HIV that are circulating in a community, the complicated implications of a key lab test and more.
For more resources on these trials and antibody research for HIV prevention generally, AVAC has you covered. See AVAC’s dedicated page on the AMP trials, stay tuned for our forthcoming publication on “understanding the AMP results”, and for a broader context go to our page on antibody related research with access to our updated graphics on individual bNAbs and combinations.
Also, be sure to check out IAVI’s special report out today, The Future of antibody-based HIV Prevention, which analyzes the results and deepens the discussion with insights from experts across the field.
For the full podcast episode, highlights and more resources, visit avac.org/px-pulse. And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!