i-Base

HTB 30 April 2019: vol 20 no 5 – BHIVA and CROI reports

Welcome to the fifth issue of HTB this year, where our first report from the BHIVA 2019 spring conference covers the pre-conference workshop on U=U that included a presentation from the campaign founder Bruce Richman.

A key discussion point was the growing consensus that, in the context of good adherence, U=U starts from the first undetectable viral load result. This means there is no longer a need for people to wait for six months before assuming the transmission risk is zero.

Continued reports from CROI cover three topics in depth. These are broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs), a paediatric update on dolutegravir and other cure research (excluding the UK remission case we have already reported).

This issue also includes pipeline news that the option for injectable ART moves a step closer with submission of cabotegravir/rilpivirine LA injections to the FDA (EMA to follow shortly) and that the US have already approved dolutegravir/lamivudine as a dual therapy combination (tradename Dovato).

Finally, UK news that a new branch of cliniQ is opening in South London to cover sexual health for trans communities.