research

Gilead Begins Major Clinical Trial of Descovy vs. Truvada as PrEP - POZ →

Gilead Sciences has begun a major trial to compare the efficacy of Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide, or TAF) versus Truvada (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, or TDF/emtricitabine) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV.

In addition to determining how well Descovy protects against HIV compared with Truvada, the trial will compare the drugs’ effects on bone mineral density and kidney function, as well as other safety data.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Descovy in April 2016 to be used in combination with other antiretrovirals (ARVs) to treat HIV. Researchamong HIV-positive people has shown that the drug is less toxic to the bones and kidneys than Truvada. The reason is that Descovy contains an updated version of the drug tenofovir, called TAF, while Truvada contains the older take on that drug, TDF. Both tablets also contain the drug emtricitabine.

Study identifies dopamine subtype is linked to cravings for methamphetamine →

In a study published this month in the Journal of Neuroscience, scientists reported on a new receptor target that distinguishes those actively addicted to methamphetamine from non-addicted controls. The images of a variant of a dopamine receptor present a new target for possible drugs to reduce cravings for meth.

The study, discussed here, used a chemical probe that specifically bound to D3 (dopamine subtype 3) receptors. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter known to be involved in the reward system. Using a PET scanner to examine the brains of active addicts allowed scientists to see where the chemical probe was most concentrated. Because the number of receptors has increased in addicts, and because dopamine is associated with cravings, the idea is to block the D3 subtype and switch off cravings.

This could be a key development because it gives a biological mechanism underlying the almost irresistible cravings that meth addicts endure. It is those cravings which drive them to seek out more of the drug, even when they know it is harming them. Until now, the neurological basis for these feelings was unknown, although some type of dopamine involvement was suspected.

The study doesn’t clear up all the mysteries, nor will it necessarily lead to a “cure.” However, it is a step along the path. With a target to shoot for, pharmaceutical companies can now investigate possible drugs to counteract the activity at the D3 receptor. It is likely that other behavioral cues will also remain important and treatment that addresses life issues will still be needed, even if a drug therapy eventually emerges.

The research is also thought to apply to other stimulant style drugs, like cocaine. It is probably not a window into cravings for narcotics however. Morphine and derivatives are marked by significant physical addictions and while cravings are associated with all forms of addiction, opiates probably have a different mechanism.

Word of the Day - Research

re·search
[ri-surch, ree-surch]

noun
1.diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, applications, etc.: recent research in medicine.

2.a particular instance or piece of research.

verb (used without object)
3.to make researches; investigate carefully.

verb (used with object)
4.to make an extensive investigation into: to research a matter thoroughly.

AIDSVu.org →

AIDSVu provides a high-resolution view of the geography of HIV in the United States, 30 years into the epidemic. It is an online tool that allows users to visually explore the HIV epidemic alongside critical resources such as HIV testing center locations and NIH-Funded HIV Prevention & Vaccine Trials Sites.

The data on AIDSVu come from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) national HIV surveillance database that is comprised of HIV surveillance reports from state and local health departments. AIDSVu will be updated on an ongoing basis in conjunction with CDC’s annual release of HIV surveillance data, as well as new data and additional information as they become available. A Technical Advisory Group was brought together during the development of AIDSVu and an Advisory Committee, chaired by Dr. Jim Curran, Dean of the Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, is comprised of key stakeholders who provide oversight and guidance for the ongoing project.