Treatment
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since HIV was first identified in the United States. Since that time, medical professionals have been working to expand treatment options in an effort to not only put an end to the virus, but also increase patient adherence and improve the quality of life for HIV-positive people across the nation.
When it comes to scientific breakthroughs, 2017 is proving to be a springboard towards innovation, progress, and for many, newfound hope. According to the Medicines in Development report from PhRMA, over 52 medicines and vaccines for HIV are currently in development, including “additional combination treatments, more effective therapies, and preventative vaccines.”
Read the full list of HERE!
All the medications and vaccines listed are either in clinical trials or awaiting review by the US Food and Drug Administration. Overall, 32 medications on the list are antiretrovirals and antivirals, 16 are vaccines, and four are cell therapies, including a “potential first-in-class medicine intended to prevent HIV from attaching to new cells and breaking through the cell membrane.”
For HIV-positive people with resistance to both newer and older drugs, the development of manageable therapies could be a game changer. According to a 2012 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, two out of every 10 new HIV cases involve strains with at least partial resistance to one or more antiretroviral medications.
While it’s rare for an HIV-positive person to have a strain resistant to all classes of antiretroviral drugs (Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, integrase inhibitors, fusion inhibitors, and chemokine receptor antagonists), they still represent less than one percent of new HIV diagnoses in the United States.
Drug resistance occurs when any disease develops a way to respond to medicine being used to treat it. According to findings published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, the number of people with HIV who are showing resistance to their drugs is increasing.
Read more about Drug Resistance HERE.
“One of the first big turning points for me after my positive HIV diagnosis over 11 years ago was a premonition that there would be a cure in my lifetime,” HIV activist Eric Leonardos says to Plus. “Today, with the major advancements we see in modern medicine, it looks like my premonition will come true.”
In commemoration of the report, American biopharmaceutical companies also unveiled an ad called “Together,” featuring an HIV-positive person alongside a scientist who is working to develop new treatments, including finding preventative vaccines as well as combating resistance to medications for those living with the virus.
“Some of our biggest tools to slow down and even stop the spread of HIV in the U.S. and the World are testing, treatment and prevention,” Leonardos, who made headlines for coming out publicly with his status on an episode of Finding Prince Charming, added. “Until we reach a cure, and methods to distribute this cure worldwide, this is what we have in front of us today.”
Since the first AIDS cases were reported in 1981, the FDA has approved over 40 medications for HIV, according to PhRMA. Nearly one million people are living with HIV in the United States today, and 1 in 7 Americans living HIV don’t know they’re status. Thanks to medical breakthroughs, AIDS-related deaths have plummeted by 88 percent since the mid-1990s.
But even though science has changed the trajectory of HIV research, we must never forget the past.
“We must continue to talk about sexual health, acceptance, behaviors and habits in schools, universities, and in our communities,” Leonardos continues. “Remember, the conversation we have with our doctor is one of the most important, so let's make it a good, honest, open and judge-free conversation.”
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
The Most Amazing HIV Allies & Advocates of 2023
November 03 2023 12:51 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
This OnlyFans Star Is Trying to Raise $100K to Fight HIV
December 26 2023 3:05 PM
The naked Black body takes center stage in this HIV campaign
January 03 2024 1:07 PM
Mr. Gay World wants to make sure you're OK
January 02 2024 4:56 PM
The First Person Cured of AIDS Gets His Due
December 19 2023 1:12 AM
HIV Advocate, Journalist Josh Kruger Murdered in His Home
October 06 2023 3:19 PM
35 Years of World AIDS Day
December 01 2023 8:35 AM
Broadway Flea Market & Auction Raises $1.2 Million for HIV Causes
November 17 2023 2:52 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
Bloom in your skin with The Pride Store’s skincare essentials
March 12 2024 4:31 PM
Nex Benedict’s tragic death further proves that Oklahoma is not OK
March 12 2024 2:57 PM
Mr. Gay World's Plus cover story: behind the scenes
March 08 2024 4:47 PM
HIV+ man banned from jail work program gets last laugh
March 07 2024 4:14 PM
The Werkroom's artistic rebellion transforms pop culture icons into queer fantasies
March 07 2024 2:23 PM
Get your spring bling on with The Pride Store’s jewelry picks
March 05 2024 4:43 PM
Is this the future of PrEP?
March 01 2024 5:54 PM
Leap (Day) into luxury with The Pride Store's flash promotion!
February 28 2024 2:15 PM
Top 10 gifts that bind to celebrate your chosen family
February 28 2024 11:58 AM
The FDA Says This Group Can Now Use Biktarvy Safely
February 27 2024 5:52 PM
Queer men aren't the only ones affected by recent syphilis spike
February 27 2024 2:24 PM
Hydeia Broadbent, HIV/AIDS activist, has died at age 39
February 26 2024 4:38 PM
Elevating underwear and style with Woody New York on The Pride Store
February 23 2024 5:49 PM
Embrace authenticity and beauty with Emir Kayikci’s jewelry on The Pride Store
February 22 2024 3:18 PM
Feds Sue Tennessee for Targeting Sex Workers With HIV
February 21 2024 10:35 PM
Top 10 hottest queer art pieces on The Pride Store to celebrate love
February 20 2024 3:54 PM
Trending stories
Most Recent
Recommended Stories for You
David Artavia
Editor
Ryan is the Digital Director of The Advocate Channel, and a graduate of NYU Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing. She is also a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics. While her specialties are television writing and comedy, Ryan is a young member of the LGBTQ+ community passionate about politics and advocating for all.
Ryan is the Digital Director of The Advocate Channel, and a graduate of NYU Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing. She is also a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics. While her specialties are television writing and comedy, Ryan is a young member of the LGBTQ+ community passionate about politics and advocating for all.