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What is the Future of AIDS Treatment?

Although only recognized within the last generation, HIV/AIDS is thought to have affected human populations since the 1930s or earlier. According to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, "An AIDS vaccine with 50 percent efficacy given to 30 percent of the population would avert 5.6 million new infections ... between 2015 and 2030."

  1. Current Vaccine Trials

    • Current vaccine trials may lead to future answers for HIV/AIDS treatment. The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative recently announced successful phase 3 trials of two AIDS vaccines.

    Antibodies Attack

    • The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative has also announced the discovery of two new antibodies that attack a previously unknown part of the HIV virus. If these antibodies prove successful, they could potentially destroy the HIV virus before it turns into full-blown AIDS.

    Continued Difficulties

    • Due to the nature of the HIV virus, it mutates rapidly, creating resistance to newer drugs and medications. The outer spike protein of HIV is concealed from the immune system, which normally targets the virus protein with antigens.

    Continued Education

    • Education about preventative measures will continue to be a major part of AIDS treatment worldwide. In the U.S. alone, there are 56,300 new HIV infections annually. About 33 million people are currently live with HIV worldwide.

    Supporters Worldwide

    • Many charities and organizations continue to support the development of an AIDS vaccine. In 2006, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation initiated a Collaboration for AIDS Vaccine Discovery. The same foundation has also provided support to the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise.

    Be the Future

    • Find a role and take it. Whether you want to support research financially, support education programs or even give an education program yourself, do it. If you or someone you know has been infected with HIV/AIDS, you or they can volunteer for trial medications. Go to http://www.iavi.org/how-to-help/Pages/volunteer-for-a-trial.aspx to find a trial provider closest to you today.

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