What do we know about women and HIV cure research?

Recent advancements in HIV cure research have highlighted significant developments specific to women, offering hope and new avenues for treatment.

First Woman Potentially Cured of HIV

In a groundbreaking case, a middle-aged woman of mixed race, referred to as the "New York patient," achieved HIV remission following a stem cell transplant using HIV-resistant cells from umbilical cord blood. This approach, co-led by Dr. Deborah Persaud of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, marks the first successful use of this method in a woman. The findings suggest that umbilical cord blood could be a viable source for HIV-resistant cells, potentially expanding treatment options for a more diverse population.

Advancements in HIV Prevention for Women

Preventative strategies have also seen promising developments. A study involving over 5,000 young women in South Africa and Uganda tested the efficacy of lenacapavir, an HIV medication administered via twice-yearly injections. Remarkably, none of the participants who received lenacapavir contracted HIV during the trial period, indicating a 100% efficacy rate. This long-acting injectable could revolutionize HIV prevention, offering a discreet and convenient option for women at high risk of infection.

Inclusion of Women in HIV Cure Research

Historically, women have been underrepresented in HIV research, leading to gaps in understanding how treatments affect them differently. Recognizing this disparity, initiatives are underway to prioritize the inclusion of diverse populations of women in prevention, treatment, and cure-related research efforts. This inclusive approach is essential to developing effective strategies to end the HIV epidemic among women, particularly women of color, young women, and transgender women, who remain disproportionately affected.

Implications for Future Research

These developments underscore the importance of tailored research that addresses the unique needs of women living with HIV. By focusing on inclusive studies and innovative treatment methods, the scientific community moves closer to finding a cure that is effective for all individuals, regardless of gender.

The landscape of HIV cure research is evolving, with significant strides being made in understanding and addressing the specific challenges faced by women. Continued commitment to inclusive and innovative research is crucial in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.

Sources:

Home - Johns Hopkins Medicine

Study Finds First Woman Possibly Cured of HIV

Persaud says this procedure of bridging cells successfully put both the patient’s HIV and leukemia into remission — making her the first woman and patient to ever achieve remission this way. Her transplant has now lasted more than four and a half years, and at the time this report was written, she has been HIV negative for 18 months.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Long-acting injectable lenacapavir proves effective in HIV prevention ...

July 25, 2024 — The full results of the PURPOSE 1 trial, presented at the 25th International AIDS Conference, demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the long-acting injectable antiretroviral drug lenacapavir (LEN) for PrEP in HIV-negative cisgender women. LEN is a HIV-1 capsid inhibitor that is delivered by subcutaneous injection twice a year for HIV prevention.

World Health Organization (WHO)

First case of HIV cure in a woman after stem cell transplantation ...

March 23, 2022 — The International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trial Network (IMPAACT) P1107 reported