New Prevention Technologies

New Prevention Technologies Annual Update 2008

The National AIDS Trust held its annual meeting on new HIV prevention technologies, such as HIV vaccines and microbicides, in February 2008.  This meeting provided an update on the latest developments in HIV vaccine and microbicide science.  It also looked at the impact innovative financing mechanisms could have on the future introduction of these new tools.  The meeting provided an opportunity to pose questions to experts in the field and discuss key issues in breakout sessions.  Nearly 40 representatives from organisations working on HIV, sexual and reproductive health, gender, international development and African issues participated.  Read the meeting report.

HIV Vaccines

Vaccines are arguably the most effective public health response to infectious disease.  They are substances that stimulate the body's immune system to recognise and protect against a disease caused by a virus.  Not yet available, HIV vaccines are being researched and developed.  Developing a safe, effective, affordable and globally accessible HIV vaccine could save millions of lives and is potentially the world's best hope of ending the global HIV pandemic.  For further information read the fact sheet on HIV vaccines.

As the UK partner of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, the National AIDS Trust currently works to raise awareness and additional political and financial support for the development of HIV vaccines among opinion formers and decision makers in the UK.

Microbicides

Microbicides are substances designed to be applied internally (vaginally or rectally) to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.  Not yet available, microbicides are being researched and developed, and could exist in a number of delivery forms including gel, cream, vaginal tablet or timed-release vaginal ring.  Microbicides could be of particular benefit to women in developing countries, who are disproportionately affected by HIV and may be unable to negotiate condom use or ensure abstinence.  Research suggests that even a partially effective microbicide could avoid 2.5 million HIV infections over three years.  For further information read the  microbicides fact sheet.

As the UK partner of the International Partnership for Microbicides, the National AIDS Trust currently works to raise awareness and additional political and financial support for the development of microbicides among opinion formers and decision makers in the UK.

Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

It has been proposed that HIV negative people who are at high risk of contracting the virus could take oral antiretroviral treatment to prevent, rather than treat, HIV.  This is known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP).  Not yet available, PREP is currently being researched and developed, and could offer protection against HIV transmission to people through sex or needle sharing.  For further information on PREP.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a means of preventing HIV transmission after having been exposed to the virus.  It is a four-week course of drugs and should be taken as soon as possible (but no later than 72 hours) after potential exposure to HIV to have a chance of stopping infection occurring.  It is important to note that PEP is not 100 % effective and can have significant side effects.  It is available to health care workers who have been exposed to HIV at work through, for example, needle stick injuries, and also in sexual health and HIV clinics as well as hospital accident and emergency units to people who may have been exposed to HIV.  For further information on PEP.

Male Circumcision

There is growing evidence showing that male circumcision can reduce the risk of HIV infection in heterosexual men by as much as 60 per cent.  The World Health Organisation, UNAIDS and others have recommended that male circumcision be included as part of a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention.  For further information read NAT's breifing paper on male circumcision and HIV prevention.

Key Resources:

• Fact Sheet 5: HIV Vaccines -  (Sept 2007) A fact sheet outlining the key issues related to the research and development of HIV vaccines.
  
• Fact Sheet 6: Microbicides - (Sept 2007)  A fact sheet outlining the key issues related to the research and development of microbicides.
  
• Fact Sheet 7: Conduct of HIV Prevention Clinical Trials - (Sept 2007) A fact sheet outlining the conduct of HIV prevention clinical trials and answering some frequently asked questions about such trials.
  
• Circumcision and HIV Prevention - (Aug 2007) A briefing paper on the effectiveness of male circumcision on HIV prevention and related key challenges.
  
• Impact 10- HIV Prevention: Condoms and Beyond - (June 2005) The issue of Impact focuses on HIV prevention including the development of new prevention technologies such as HIV vaccines, microbicides and PREP.
  
• New Prevention Technologies Annual Update Meeting Report 2008 - A report from the annual meeting about new HIV prevention technologies, such as HIV vaccines and microbicides