https://www.bioworld.com/rss en-us Boyuan Pharmaceutical (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. has divulged new pyridone derivatives potentially useful for the treatment of HIV infection. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732218 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732218-anti-hiv-compounds-reported-in-boyuan-pharmaceutical-patent Jiangsu Aidea Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has discovered new amide compounds with potential for use in the treatment of HIV infection. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731947 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731947-jiangsu-aidea-pharmaceutical-identifies-amide-compounds-for-hiv Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC (MSD) has reported new HIV integrase inhibitors potentially useful for the treatment of HIV infections. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731568 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731568-hiv-integrase-inhibitors-divulged-in-msd-patent A designed chimeric virus induced broadly neutralizing antibodies against the macaque equivalent of HIV. The strategy works in two steps: first it uses an envelope protein with a mutation that reduces the glycan shield that makes it invisible to the immune system, and then it exposes the part of the protein most likely to generate these antibodies capable of blocking many variants of the virus. The macaques developed potent and diverse antibodies with this approach, which pave the way for the development of an HIV-1 vaccine. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731222 Tue, 12 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731222-two-step-hiv-vaccine-induces-broadly-neutralizing-antibodies 3D illustration of enveloped HIV A new mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) platform could selectively reprogram in vivo cytotoxic effector T cells (Teff), the cells responsible for eliminating infected or tumor cells. To achieve this, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania conjugated LNPs with fractalkine, a molecule that binds to the CX3CR1 receptor, which is a marker of Teff cells. Using this strategy, the researchers delivered an mRNA encoding new proteins such as IL‑2 or human CD62 L‑selectin, opening the door to temporarily reprogramming these cells within the body, both in the blood and in lymphoid tissue, where they reside and become activated. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731155 Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731155-in-vivo-mrna-gene-therapy-platform-reprograms-cytotoxic-t-cells Gray and red T cell A new mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) platform could selectively reprogram in vivo cytotoxic effector T cells (Teff), the cells responsible for eliminating infected or tumor cells. To achieve this, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania conjugated LNPs with fractalkine, a molecule that binds to the CX3CR1 receptor, which is a marker of Teff cells. Using this strategy, the researchers delivered an mRNA encoding new proteins such as IL‑2 or human CD62 L‑selectin, opening the door to temporarily reprogramming these cells within the body, both in the blood and in lymphoid tissue, where they reside and become activated. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730983 Fri, 08 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730983-in-vivo-mrna-gene-therapy-platform-reprograms-cytotoxic-t-cells Gray and red T cell A designed chimeric virus induced broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against the macaque equivalent of HIV. The strategy works in two steps: first it uses an envelope protein (Env) with a mutation that reduces the glycan shield that makes it invisible to the immune system, and then it exposes the part of the protein most likely to generate these antibodies capable of blocking many variants of the virus. The macaques developed potent and diverse antibodies with this approach, which pave the way for the development of an HIV-1 vaccine. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730947 Fri, 08 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730947-two-step-hiv-vaccine-induces-broadly-neutralizing-antibodies 3D illustration of enveloped HIV A new vaccination strategy designed to induce antibodies that recognize the apex of the HIV Env protein uses Env trimers displayed on liposomes to increase their density and orient them correctly. This presentation enhanced apex-focused antibody responses in macaques, and the monoclonal antibodies isolated after immunization showed binding modes and structural features resembling human broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), indicating that the vaccine can steer the antibody response toward this vulnerable site. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730811 Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730811-liposomes-displaying-env-trimers-drive-hiv-apex-focused-responses Illustration of HIV showing trimers Arriving a week ahead of April 28 PDUFA date, the U.S. FDA approval of Merck & Co. Inc.’s Idvynso (doravirine/islatravir) brings a new treatment option to adults with HIV-1 infection who are virologically suppressed. The approval is for those with no history of virologic treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to doravirine. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730488 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730488-merck-wins-us-fda-nod-for-idvynso-a-two-drug-hiv-regimen Idvynso Credit: Merck & Co. Inc. CAR T-cell therapy can be applied to treat some chronic infectious diseases, particularly to provide a functional cure for HIV-1 in people living with HIV. However, the effectiveness of CAR T cells for persistent suppression of HIV still faces many constraints, including the high mutation rate of reverse transcriptase, which enables the emergence of immune escape viral variants. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/729932 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/729932-approach-to-enhance-car-t-efficacy-in-infectious-diseases-and-cancer Transmission electron micrograph of HIV particles HIV-1 virus particles (colorized yellow) replicating from an HIV-infected H9 T cell (pink). Credit: NIAID, NIH Tessera Therapeutics Inc. has received a grant from the Gates Foundation to support early-stage research exploring multiple genetic approaches aimed at developing a scalable cure for HIV. This research will evaluate several potential strategies leveraging Tessera’s Gene Writing platform to engineer immune cells in vivo. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/729794 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/729794-grant-supports-tesseras-genetic-approaches-to-hiv-cure DNA in drug capsules Shionogi & Co. Ltd. has disclosed heterocyclic derivatives characterized as reverse transcriptase/ribonuclease H (HIV-1) inhibitors for potential use in the treatment of HIV infection. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/729519 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/729519-shionogi-patents-new-agents-for-hiv-1-infection HIV-1 persistence in latent reservoirs of T lymphoid and myeloid origin is a major barrier for the cure of the disease, with complex and multifactorial mechanisms behind HIV-1 latency; thus, investigating these mechanisms is key for future targeted HIV therapies. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/729376 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/729376-klf16-as-potential-target-for-hiv-management Transmission electron micrograph of HIV-1 virus particles HIV-1 virus particles. Credit: NIAID, CC BY 2.0 Gilead Sciences Inc.’s integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) GS-3242 is in early clinical development for HIV infection (NCT07001319). The company presented nonclinical data on the candidate at the recent CROI meeting in Denver. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/729373 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/729373-preclinical-data-support-continued-testing-of-gileads-hiv-candidate-gs-3242 HIV-infected cell HIV-infected cell. Credit: NIAID A new isoform of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) – cancer-associated PCNA (caPCNA) – that is specifically expressed in cancer tissues has been reported. Because cancer cells and HIV-infected cells have similar features, researchers from City of Hope National Medical Center tested the anit-HIV effects of a small-molecule compound, AOH-1996, that targets caPCNA. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/729327 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/729327-anticancer-drug-exerts-potent-hiv-antiviral-effects Cross section illustration of HIV virus parts Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) target conserved HIV envelope regions to neutralize diverse strains, eliminate infected cells and reduce viral reservoirs, complementing antiretroviral therapy and supporting prevention and functional cure strategies. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/729134 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/729134-bnt-351-long-acting-bnab-with-potent-hiv-neutralization Illustration of HIV particles The massive cuts to science, global health, and HIV programs that unfolded in 2025 triggered a crisis with worldwide repercussions. The dissolution of USAID, the shutdown of PEPFAR, and the suspension of thousands of NIH research projects led to an immediate collapse of essential services, from HIV prevention to access to treatment. At the 33rd Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) held Feb. 22-25, 2026, in Denver, scientists, activists, and health professionals presented data illustrating the scale of the damage and warned of a historic setback in the global HIV response. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/729112 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/729112-croi-2026-science-and-funding-cuts-reverse-decades-of-progress-against-hiv HIV with graphs, numbers and map The effects of aging pose an additional challenge for people with HIV due to the neurological and psychological consequences that persist despite antiretroviral therapy. At the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) held Feb. 22-25, 2026, in Denver, the scientific community examined how the virus affects the brain, how the reservoir is established in the CNS, and which genetic, immunological or treatment-related factors influence cognitive health. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/729051 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/729051-croi-2026-highlights-depression-and-cognitive-vulnerability-in-hiv Depression concept with human, broken brain and heavy rain Researchers from Model Medicines Inc. have presented preclinical efficacy data for MDL-001, a first-in-class, oral non-nucleoside inhibitor that targets an allosteric site in the Thumb-1 domain of the viral polymerase. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/729032 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/729032-mdl-001-oral-polymerase-inhibitor-with-dual-hbv-hcv-activity Antiretroviral therapies against HIV have been in use for more than 30 years and have enabled people living with HIV to maintain undetectable viral levels. Many of them are aging in good health. However, others present symptoms of cognitive decline. HIV can reach the brain and establish a reservoir there. Yet, it is still unknown what this reservoir is like, which cells are affected, and which comorbidities are typical of aging or are associated with the virus. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/729031 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/729031-croi-2026-neurodegeneration-the-challenge-of-aging-with-hiv Brain and virus with chromosome The use of DNA scaffolds could mark a turning point in HIV vaccine design. Scientists at Scripps Research and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have created a new vaccine platform based on DNA origami, a material that the immune system does not recognize as a threat, avoiding unwanted responses. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/728827 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/728827-dna-origami-vaccine-produces-broadly-neutralizing-hiv-antibodies Illustration of DNA-based vaccine for HIV The DNA-based vaccine induces antibodies to the HIV antigen (blue) without eliciting antibodies to the DNA particle (gray), whereas the protein-based vaccine generates antibodies to both the HIV antigen (blue) and the protein particle (red). Image created by Grant Knappe (MIT) based on atomic models from MIT (DNA-based vaccine) and Scripps Research (protein-based vaccine). Credits: MIT and Scripps Research BioWorld’s 2022 end-of-year highlights included a toast to the future – of universal vaccines. Even before SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were developed in record time and saved countless lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines were a rare bright spot in the fight against infectious diseases. Bacteria are becoming multidrug resistant far faster than new classes of antibiotics are being developed, viral spillover events and vector ranges are increasing, and climate change is helping bacteria and fungi alike breach human thermal protections against infections. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/727420 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/727420-vaccines-from-the-toast-of-the-town-to-being-in-the-crosshairs COVID-19 vial in a line of toppled dominoes Advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) now allow people living with HIV to lead normal lives with undetectable and nontransmissible levels of the virus in their blood. Yet that reality is limited to those with access to treatment. More than 40 million people worldwide live with HIV, with over a million new infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, underscoring that major challenges remain. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/727259 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/727259-hiv-research-is-close-to-a-cure-but-far-from-ending-the-pandemic Left: Anthony Fauci. Right: Transmission electron micrograph of HIV-1 virus particles Left: Anthony Fauci. Right: Transmission electron micrograph of HIV-1 virus particles (blue) replicating from the plasma membrane of an H9 T cell (green). Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: NIAID. Licensed under CC-BY 2.0. Many cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection can be effectively treated with existing drugs, but they can lose efficacy over time because of the emergence of resistance. In an effort to generate next-generation drugs, Chinese researchers at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College and other institutions synthesized a series of peptidomimetics against the viral protease, in which they extended the therapeutically effective hydroxyethyl sulfonamide scaffold using an amino acid linker. They reasoned that the linker could allow the drug to make additional contacts with the protease. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/727043 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/727043-peptidomimetic-against-drug-resistant-hiv-1 HIV-1 virus particle HIV-1 virus particle. Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 2025 has been the most challenging year in the efforts to fight HIV since at least the advent of antiretroviral therapy. In a report on “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” released last week ahead of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) described “a global system in shock” by sharply reduced funding from the U.S. and other wealthy nations. Scientifically, for now, progress is ongoing. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/726796 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/726796-hiv-remission-after-heterozygous-ccr532-stem-cell-transplant Illustration of HIV/AIDS virus in the bloodstream 2025 has been the most challenging year in the efforts to fight HIV since at least the advent of antiretroviral therapy. In a report on “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” released last week ahead of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) described “a global system in shock” by sharply reduced funding from the U.S. and other wealthy nations. Scientifically, for now, progress is ongoing. To mark World AIDS Day, Nature published three independent studies on HIV. Nature published three independent studies on HIV.]]> http://www.bioworld.com/articles/726666 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/726666-hiv-remission-after-heterozygous-ccr532-stem-cell-transplant Illustration of HIV/AIDS virus in the bloodstream In vaccine development, one might think that targeting multiple epitopes increases the likelihood of improving outcomes. However, when several immunogens are administered together, the immune system does not always generate antibodies against all of them. Two parallel studies have overcome this challenge by using multiple simultaneous immunogens against HIV, effectively triggering various types of broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) precursors in two different preclinical animal models. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/725342 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/725342-combining-multiple-hiv-epitopes-elicits-broad-antibody-responses Cross section of an HIV virus particle Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC (MSD) has synthesized new N-oxide derivative targeted activator of cell kill (TACK) compounds acting as Gag polyprotein (HIV-1)/protein Pol dimerization inducers reported to be useful for the treatment of HIV infection. N-oxide derivative targeted activator of cell kill (TACK) compounds acting as Gag polyprotein (HIV-1)/protein Pol dimerization inducers reported to be useful for the treatment of HIV infection.]]> http://www.bioworld.com/articles/724971 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/724971-hiv-1-targeted-activator-of-cell-kill-compounds-divulged-in-msd-patent Globally, over half of people living with HIV are women. But in clinical cure trials, they make up only about 20% of participants. And that gender imbalance is causing researchers to miss out on ways to improve cure strategies. Because women’s immune systems appear to be better at controlling HIV infection in a way that silences the reservoir – the provirus integrated into host cells in infected persons. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/724589 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/724589-deep-dive-nets-sex-differences-in-hiv-reservoir Transmission electron micrograph of HIV particles HIV-1 virus particles (colorized yellow) replicating from an HIV-infected H9 T cell (pink). Credit: NIAID, NIH Globally, over half of people living with HIV are women. But in clinical cure trials, they make up only about 20% of participants. And that gender imbalance is causing researchers to miss out on ways to improve cure strategies. Because women’s immune systems appear to be better at controlling HIV infection in a way that silences the reservoir – the provirus integrated into host cells in infected persons. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/724431 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/724431-deep-dive-nets-sex-differences-in-hiv-reservoir Transmission electron micrograph of HIV particles HIV-1 virus particles (colorized yellow) replicating from an HIV-infected H9 T cell (pink). Credit: NIAID, NIH