Date: May 10, 2024 By:
In a significant follow-up to the groundbreaking 2018 Consensus Symposium on HIV Analytical Treatment Interruption (ATI) hosted at the Ragon Institute, several faculty members helped organize and participated in the 2024 ATI Consensus Workshop held this week in Nairobi, Kenya.
The initial symposium brought together leading experts in HIV cure research, culminating in the first-ever comprehensive recommendations for integrating ATIs into HIV research trials—a landmark in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
The 2024 workshop aims to build on these foundational insights by revising and expanding the guidelines to address the evolving landscape of HIV research. Ragon faculty, including Krista Dong, MD; Boris Juelg, MD, PhD; and Thumbi Ndung’u, PhD, are at the forefront of these discussions. As members of the steering committee, they are instrumental in shaping the workshop’s focus on eligibility, design, ethics, and participant considerations for ATIs.
This year marks a significant milestone with the inclusion of pediatric ATIs alongside adult recommendations. This expansion reflects a deepening understanding of the unique challenges and needs across different age groups in ATI trials. By setting a standardized approach, the workshop aims to maximize participant safety and enhance the quality and applicability of scientific information derived from these studies.
Additionally, this year’s workshop is notably inclusive, with a strong representation of top researchers from Africa and other low- and middle-income countries heavily impacted by HIV. This diverse participation ensures that the updated guidelines will address a broad spectrum of environments and populations, making the recommendations globally applicable and more effective.
The discussions over the two-day event held May 9 and 10 covered a range of critical topics including ATI trial design variability, ethics and participant safety, community engagement and informed consent, as well as pediatric considerations for ATI trials.
At the pre-event workshop on May 8, Dong presented a talk on enrolling young women in an ATI Trial in South Africa. On the first day of the main workshop, Ndung’u, Juelg, and Dong presented talks and participated in a moderated panel to conclude the program. Ndung’u additionally participated in another panel on May 10.
The outcomes of this workshop are expected to have far-reaching impacts, guiding future ATI trials and HIV cure research initiatives worldwide. The Ragon Institute is committed to advancing these discussions, not only by contributing our expertise but also by fostering global collaborations that bridge gaps in knowledge and resources.
Our ongoing involvement in such international efforts underscores our dedication to leading the charge towards an effective HIV cure, ensuring that every stride made is inclusive and impactful on a global scale.
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We spoke to Kim to learn more about her background, her research journey, and her experiences at the Ragon Institute over the past few months.