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A Peru based study found that daily treatment with the anti-herpes drug valaciclovir significantly reduced HIV viral loadA measurement of the quantity of HIV RNA in the blood. Viral load blood test results are expressed as the number of copies (of HIV) per milliliter of blood plasma. in both the blood and genital secretions of HIV/herpes simplex virusA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell.-2- infected men who have sex with men (MSM). read more »

A major scientific conference on HIV has wound up with promising news on treatments which could signal a significant improvement in HIV treatment for the first time in some years. read more »

HIV infections are on the rise nationwide, and the government is planning an advertising blitz aimed at gay men. If HIV is making a comeback, should positive gay men care? And if we do care, what can we do? read more »

Peripheral neuropathy is a painful condition which affects about a quarter of people living with HIV in Australia. DAVID MENADUE looks at the condition and explores some treatment options. read more »

The annual conference of the Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHMAustralasian Society for HIV Medicine. The peak Australasian organisation representing the medical and health sector in HIV/AIDS and related areas. ) was held in Melbourne in November. This article summarises some key developments. read more »

The 16th International AIDS Conference highlighted numerous important and promising developments in HIV treatments. JOHN DAYE reports. read more »

Robert Spicer has lived with HIV for 20 years and with HIV-related vision problems for 10. But despite losing most of his sight, he remains fiercely independent and has an inspiring outlook on life. Robert spoke with his partner, Bernie Slagtman. read more »

In September 2006, the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care will mark a decade of highly active antiretroviralA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. therapy. Has it really been 10 years since the so-called Protease Moment? KIRSTY MACHON reports on where we have come from – and where to from here. read more »

The sudden cancellation of a large HIV clinical studyA clinicalPertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science. trial is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase IA clinical trial designed to establish whether an experimental drug is safe for humans to take. Phase I studies determine the metabolism and pharmacologic actions of drugs in humans, the side effects associated with increasing doses, and look for early evidence of effectiveness; these studies may include either people with HIV, HIV-negative volunteers, or both tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase IIA smaller clinical trial designed to establish whether a drug is effective. Phase II studies are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug for a particular indication or indications in patients with the disease or condition under study and to determine the common short-term side effects and risks. If there is evidence that the drug is effective, a Phase III study is undertaken, with a larger number of participaants, to confirm this. expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase IIIA large clinical trial designed to establish whether a drug is effective and safe enough for widespread use. Phase III studies include expanded controlled and uncontrolled trials after preliminary evidence suggesting effectiveness of the drug has been obtained, and are intended to gather additional information to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and provide and adequate basis for physician labeling. expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IVPost-marketing studies to delineate additional information including the drug's risks, benefits, and optimal use. takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. has significant implications for how we treat HIV. KIRSTY MACHON reports. read more »

Feeling blue from time to time is normal, but when the blues won't go away there is much that can be done to deal with depression. DAVID MENADUE investigates. read more »