CROI 2024: Reporting from Community Breakfast Club Session 3

Research Roundup: Scientists and Advocates Offer Fresh Perspectives and Seasoned Analyses of CROI 2024 Research

Moderator: Grace Kumwenda, CROI Community Liaison

Speakers:

Dr. Carlos del Rio, Emory, CROI Scientific Program Committee

Dr. Christina Farr, Case Western Reserve University

Natasha Mwila, CROI Community Educator Scholar

Moses Supercharger, CROI Community Educator Scholar Mentor

Moderator:

Grace Kumwenda, CROI Community Liaison

Wednesday 6 March 2024

The final CBC session was rounded up by hearing from a variety faces and seasoned researchers from CROI 2024 who weighed in on the top new research from CROI 2024.

One key area of discussion was that of the dynamics of choice and options when it comes to HIV prevention. For example, exciting results came from the Phase IIIb DELIVER study, which was investigating and providing data on the efficacy of the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR) among pregnant and lactating people. The ring has been found to be safe and effective for use in the second trimester of pregnancy.

There was a lot of interest in the late-breaker abstract session, particularly the LATITUDE study which looked at the use of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB LA) for people who are not able to use standard of care oral therapy. The study showed the treatment worked and provided virologic suppression that the participants could not usually get from oral therapy. A positive step forward in terms of inclusivity was also the fact that this study included many people who have substance use disorders.

Research on Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and ageing was also a point of interest in CROI, with data being presented on viral suppressant Letermovir for CMV in people living with HIV. The condition is chronic, usually asymptomatic, 60% of adults who are living with CMV do not know they do and 90% of people living with HIV are thought to live with the virus which can cause immune responses including inflammation.

There was some discussion on the importance of research continuing and increasing around ageing and HIV, and specifically the prevention of comorbidities linked to ageing. It was expressed that there needs to be a set of standard diagnostic tests as people age, and that integrated services are key to prevention. PEPFAR for example are exploring the possibility to expand beyond HIV and looking in to also covering non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, which would bring more focus to the issues affecting the ageing population.

Click here to watch the recording of the session!