Scientific Sessions

Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in understanding HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and its progression to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), leading to remarkable advances in both prevention and treatment. Modern research has focused on improving the efficacy, accessibility, and tolerability of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which has transformed HIV from a life-threatening condition into a manageable chronic disease for millions of people worldwide. New ART regimens combine multiple drugs into single daily doses, reducing pill burden and improving adherence. Long-acting injectable treatments, given once every one to two months, have recently been approved, offering greater convenience and privacy for patients. Additionally, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) have emerged as highly effective preventive strategies, significantly reducing transmission rates when used appropriately. Researchers are also investigating novel drug targets, latency-reversing agents, and strategies to eliminate viral reservoirs, which are crucial for achieving a functional cure.

Parallel to treatment improvements, scientific exploration is driving innovative approaches toward an eventual cure and vaccine. Gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR are being studied to modify immune cells and make them resistant to HIV infection, inspired by rare cases of long-term remission following bone marrow transplants from donors with natural HIV resistance. Immunotherapeutic strategies, including broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), aim to boost the body’s immune system to suppress or eliminate the virus without lifelong medication. Large-scale clinical trials are ongoing for preventive vaccines, with some showing promise in generating strong immune responses. Moreover, public health initiatives are increasingly integrating HIV treatment with broader healthcare services, ensuring earlier diagnosis and reducing stigma, which remains a major barrier to prevention and care. The combination of cutting-edge biomedical research, global health policy, and community engagement continues to move the world closer to the ambitious goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. If sustained, these advancements could lead not only to prolonged and healthier lives for people living with HIV but also to a future where the disease is no longer a global health crisis.