Implications of prioritizing HIV cure: new momentum to overcome old challenges in HIV.

Joseph D Tucker,Ying-Ru Lo,Marco Vitória,Adam Gilbertson,Adam Gilbertson

doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1445-y

Abstract

BackgroundCuring HIV is a new strategic priority for several major AIDS organizations. In step with this new priority, HIV cure research and related programs are advancing in low, middle, and high-income country settings. This HIV cure momentum may influence existing HIV programs and research priorities.DiscussionDespite the early stage of ongoing HIV cure efforts, these changes have directly influenced HIV research funding priorities, pilot programs, and HIV messaging. The building momentum to cure HIV infection may synergize with strategic priorities to better identify adults and infants with very early HIV infection. Although HIV cure represents a new goal, many existing programs and research techniques can be repurposed towards an HIV cure. HIV messages focused on engaging communities towards an HIV cure need to be careful to promote ARV adherence and retention within the HIV continuum of care.SummaryAn increased emphasis within the AIDS field on finding an HIV cure has several important implications. Strengthening connections between HIV cure research and other areas of HIV research may help to catalyze research and facilitate implementation in the future.

Highlights

Curing HIV is a new strategic priority for several major AIDS organizations
HIV cure research and related programs are accelerating around the world
The goal of curing HIV infection is a strategic priority for the National Institutes of Health National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases [2], the International AIDS Society [1], and other organizations

Summary

Discussion

The most substantial implication of the increased emphasis of the AIDS field on finding a cure for HIV is changing HIV research priorities. In addition to greater resources for HIV cure research, there is a need for integrative research that crosses disciplinary boundaries [4] and brings together HIV cure and other existing HIV priorities Another important policy implication of the HIV cure momentum is enhanced detection of adults and adolescents with acute or very early HIV infection. The additional momentum created by HIV cure research is unlikely to overcome logistical problems, HIV cure may provide another strong reason to enhance detection of very early HIV infected adults within clinical trial sites. The HIV cure global framework requires strengthening multisectoral linkages between clinicians, policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders in order to develop a comprehensive plan for curing HIV in the future [4]

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