A cross-section of articles we've read this week about HIV/AIDS, STIs and a wide cross-section of structural and systemic factors impacting HIV/AIDS in Black communities.

Prevention

Gay and Bi Men Adhere Well to PrEP in U.S. Real-World Study

Transgender women and men who have sex with men (MSM) adhered at high rates to Truvada (tenofovir/emtricitabine) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in an American real-world study of the HIV prevention method, especially if they were at higher risk of contracting the virus. Researchers presented results from the U.S. PrEP Demonstration Project at the Eighth International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Studies Show Success in HIV Drugs for Prevention

Despite evidence that taking powerful anti-HIV drugs can help protect uninfected partners from contracting the virus that causes AIDS, the therapy is far from becoming routinely prescribed, scientists said Monday.

Science

Cholesterol Metabolism in Immune Cells Linked to HIV Progression, May Lead to New Therapy

Enhanced cholesterol metabolism in certain immune cells may help some people infected with HIV naturally control disease progression, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.

Treatment

Gilead Limits Enrollment in its Hep C Patient Program to Pressure Insurers

In a bid to push back against payers, Gilead SciencesGILD -0.36% is limiting enrollment to its patient assistance program for hepatitis C drugs, which helps people obtain the Sovaldi and Harvoni treatments when they lack sufficient insurance coverage or the financial wherewithal to get the medicines otherwise.

Miscellaneous

Comprehensive LGBT Rights Bill Coming Thursday

A bill that would explicitly ban anti-LGBT discrimination in all areas of civil rights law is set for introduction in both chambers of Congress on Thursday, the Washington Blade has learned.

French Teen's HIV Infection Under Control For 12 Years, Even Without Drugs

An 18-year-old French teen born with the AIDS virus has had her infection under control and nearly undetectable despite stopping treatment 12 years ago - an unprecedented remission, doctors are reporting.

New Statewide Guidelines Aim to Accommodate and Protect Transgender Students

The New York State Education Department on Monday released guidelines on how school districts should accommodate transgender students. Schools should use the pronouns students prefer, for example, and encourage administrators to be receptive of the gender identities of the young people in their charge.

Non-Daily PrEP Regimens Provide Extra Options, But Adherence is Often Better with Daily Dosing

For some people in some settings, less frequent PrEP regimens with doses linked to sexual activity are feasible, with high numbers of sexual acts protected by PrEP, studies that were presented on Monday to the 8th International AIDS Society Conference in Vancouver show.

'Start Talking. Stop HIV.' GIF Campaign Raises Awareness About HIV Education And Stigma

HIV awareness has now taken on a new and exciting face: GIFs displayed in Times Square in New York City.