The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) announced that a three-dose course of the hepatitis B vaccine, HEPLISAV-B, fully protects adults living with HIV who have never been vaccinated against, or infected with, the hepatitis B virus (HBV), according to study findings presented on Friday, Oct. 21, at the Infectious Diseases (ID) Week conference in Washington, D.C. The NIAID, part of the National Institutes of Health, is sponsoring the ongoing Phase 3 ACTG A5379 clinical study.

 

HBV is spread primarily through sexual contact and through the sharing of contaminated needles. It can cause chronic hepatitis B infection and lead to progressive liver disease. People living with HIV, including those who are taking antiretroviral therapy, are at greater risk of liver-related illness and death when co-infected with HBV.

 

NIAID representatives said researchers tested a three-dose course of HEPLISAV-B, made by Dynavax Technologies, Corp., among 68 adults living with HIV at 38 sites in the United States, South Africa, and Thailand. Nearly all (98.5 percent) of the study participants developed protective antibodies against HBV. The international study, which continues to examine the effects of the two-dose HEPLISAV-B and a three-dose regimen of another hepatitis B vaccine, is expected to complete vaccinations in March 2023.

 

Earlier this year, Norwood News reported on the alarming resurgence of HIV, which caused the AIDs epidemic in the 1980s, in The Bronx and throughout New York City, as well as on ongoing efforts to address and curtail this latest trend, particularly among the LGBTQIA community. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said at the time, “Transgender women are estimated to be 49 times more likely to be living with HIV, compared to the general population.”

 

She added, “Additionally, The Bronx had the second highest number of new HIV diagnoses in 2020, and the highest percentage of HIV deaths.” Gibson was citing figures compiled by New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

 

Meanwhile, as also reported, the world’s first HIV-positive to HIV-positive heart transplant was performed at Montefiore Health System in July of this year.

 

Representatives at the ID conference said they were thrilled to have Dr. Anthony Fauci join them at the Edward H. Kass Lecture, with a special tribute being planned for the retiring doctor who became the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and who continues to bear the brunt of some people’s anger over various federal, pandemic-related policy decisions taken since 2020.   

Today ⁦@IDSAInfo⁩ President ⁦@McQHoya81⁩ announced the creation of a new society award in honor of Dr. Fauci that will be given each year to a society member who has exhibited courage in leadership in speaking scientific truth and serving as a change agent. pic.twitter.com/8JHDcOBuzQ

— Carlos del Rio (@CarlosdelRio7) October 21, 2022

Meanwhile, as reported by The Guardian, Fauci, America’s top infectious disease expert, has warned against prematurely declaring victory over the pandemic, not only due to short-term needs but because long COVID represents an “insidious” public health emergency for millions of people. U.S. President Joe Biden recently, and controversially, declared the pandemic was over in September 2022.