We know antiretroviral therapy can prevent HIV infection, but can natural biological substances do the same? The results of a recent scientific trial have answered this question: Yes, using broadly neutralising antibodies. But what are broadly neutralising antibodies? How do they work? And when will the average person get access to them? Amy Green breaks down the science.
Results of a “proof of concept” study presented at the virtual 4th Research for HIV Prevention Conference last week showed that one particular broadly neutralising monoclonal antibody (bNab) – called VRC01 – prevented HIV infection in over 70% of people exposed to strains of HIV that is sensitive to this particular bNab.
The studies conducted jointly by the NIH -funded HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) and HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) showed that the broadly neutralizing monoclonal HIV antibody (bNAb) VRC01, delivered intravenously once every eight weeks, was effective at preventing the acquisition of HIV strains that were sensitive to the antibody.
This was assessed by a laboratory test that measures a virus’ susceptibility to neutralization by an antibody.
Announcing the results during a press conference prior to the opening session of the meeting , Larry Corey, AMP Protocol Chair and Principal Investigator, HVTN Leadership Operations Center, based at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, said the two proof-of-concept AMP studies demonstrated the concept that bnAb could actually prevent the acquisition of HIV infection.
Scientists find breakthrough in AMP study for HIV prevention
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January 27, 2021
LAHORE: The global scientists have found encouraging results of latest Antibody Mediated Prevention (AMP) studies for HIV prevention, which show promise to prevent some HIV infections. The International AIDS Society (IAS) welcomed new results from two proof-of-concept AMP studies (HVTN 704/HPTN 085 and HVTN 703/HPTN 081) demonstrating that infusions of the broadly neutralising monoclonal HIV antibody (bNAb) VRC01 can prevent some HIV infections. The results of the AMP study, which were announced on Tuesday ahead of the opening of the 4th HIV Research for Prevention Conference (HIVR4P/Virtual), include data from more than 4,600 participants in two studies that enrolled HIV-negative men and transgender people who have sex with men in the US, Brazil and Peru (HVTN 704/HPTN 085) and HIV-negative cisgender women in sub-Saharan Africa (HVTN 703/HPTN 081).
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The start of this year’s HIV Research for Prevention Conference brings with it new findings show the potential of special antibodies to prevent HIV infection
This antibody can make people 75% less likely to become infected with a third of existing strains of HIV
Bhekisisa unpacks the study and breaks down the key concepts
There’s a new player in the HIV prevention field. Newly released results from the 4th HIV Research for Prevention Conference offers fresh insight into how the immune system can prevent HIV infection and serve as a guide for a potential, long-awaited HIV vaccine.
Wednesday, 27 January 2021, 7:57 am
Results of the Antibody Mediated Prevention (AMP) studies
to be presented at the IAS HIV Research for Prevention
(HIVR4P // Virtual) conference.
Tuesday, 26
January, 2021 (Geneva, Switzerland) IAS – the
International AIDS Society – welcomes new results from two
proof-of-concept studies (HVTN 704/HPTN 085 and HVTN
703/HPTN 081- the AMP Studies) demonstrating that infusions
of the broadly neutralizing monoclonal HIV antibody (bNAb)
VRC01 can prevent some HIV infections.
The AMP results include
data from more than 4,600 participants in two studies that
enrolled HIV-negative men and transgender people who have
sex with men in the U.S., Brazil and Peru (HVTN 704/HPTN