HIV Resources

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system, progressively weakening the body's natural defenses against infections and diseases. When left untreated, HIV can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a late stage of HIV infection characterized by various life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers. HIV is primarily transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk of an infected individual, commonly through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the cornerstone of HIV treatment, suppressing viral replication and preserving the immune system's function. ART cannot cure HIV, but when taken consistently and correctly, it allows people living with HIV to lead healthy, productive lives and reduces the risk of transmission to others. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as they can dramatically improve long-term health outcomes and prevent the progression of AIDS.

Preventing HIV transmission remains a global priority, with strategies including promoting safe sex practices, increasing access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and encouraging regular HIV testing. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs are vital for reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV, which can act as barriers to testing, treatment, and support.¹ 

Journal of Managed Care + Specialty Pharmacy

• The Economic Burden of HIV-Associated Wasting in the Era of Modern Antiretroviral Therapy. Journal of Managed Care + Specialty Pharmacy, 2022 Oct;28(10):1180-1189
• Cost-effectiveness and budget impact of dolutegravir/lamivudine for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection in the United States. Journal of Managed Care + Specialty Pharmacy, 2021 Jul;27(7):891-903
• Rapid Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy Following Diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Patients with Commercial Insurance Coverage. Journal of Managed Care + Specialty Pharmacy, 2020 Feb;26(2):129-141.
• Long-Term Benefits of Rapid Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in Reducing Medical and Overall Health Care Costs Among Medicaid-Covered Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Journal of Managed Care + Specialty Pharmacy, 2020 Feb;26(2):117-128.

Additional Publications

• HIV Silencing and Cell Survival Signatures in Infected T Cell Reservoirs. Clark I C J, Mudvari P, Thaploo S, et al. Nature. 2023, Feb. doi: 10.1038/s41586-022-05556-6.
• Strategies for HIV-1 Vaccines That Induce Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies. Hayes B F, Wiehe K, Borrow P, et al. Nature Reviews. Immunology. 2023, Mar. doi: 10.1038/s41577-022-00753-w.
• Polyfunctionality of Broadly Neutralizing HIV-1 Antibodies. Vrignaud L, Schwartz O, Bruel T. Current Opinion In HIV and AIDS. 2023, Jul. doi: 10.1097/COH.0000000000000799.
• Molecular Mechanisms by Which the HIV-1 Latent Reservoir Is Established and Therapeutic Strategies for Its Elimination. Chvatal-Medina M, Lopez-Guzman C, Dias F J, et al. Archives of Virology. 2023, Aug. doi: 10.1007/s00705-023-05800-y.
• HIV biosensors for early diagnosis of infection: The intertwine of nanotechnology with sensing strategies. Farzin L, Shamsipur M, Samandari L, et al. Talanta. 2020 Jan. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.120201.
• Experimental Systems for Measuring HIV Latency and Reactivation. Fujinaga K, Cary D C. Viruses. 2020, Nov. doi: 10.3390/v12111279.

Sponsored by ViiV Healthcare.

_{1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). HIV. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html.}