Journal article
HIV cure research in the time of COVID-19 - Antiretroviral therapy treatment interruption trials: A discussion paper
S Fidler, S Lewin, S Deeks, OS Sogaard, L Vandekerckhove, S Collins, D Kelly, J Singh, M Caskey, J Frater
JOURNAL OF VIRUS ERADICATION | MEDISCRIPT LTD | Published : 2021
Abstract
This discussion paper addresses the safety of HIV cure studies, particularly those involving stopping antiretroviral therapy, known as an analytic treatment interruption (ATI) in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. More than 30 studies listed on ClinicalTrials.gov include an ATI and many others were planned to begin over the next 12 months but most were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We consider the ethics, risks and practical considerations to be taken into account before re-opening HIV cure clinical trials, noting the specific risks of ATI in the context of circulating SARS-CoV-2.
Grants
Funding Acknowledgements
This article is a discussion document and therefore represents the views of the co-authors, there is no specific funding associated with this work. JF and SF acknowledge funding from Oxford and Imperial College NIHR BRC which suport their salaries through their university.