NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) seeks proposals for the development of molecules targeting HIV proteins or RNA for degradation, aiming to eliminate HIV proteins that are difficult to target via traditional drug discovery methods. The initiative supports R01 applications for hypothesis-driven research with preliminary data, excluding clinical trials and non-human primate studies. Funding of $1.2M is anticipated for 1-2 awards in FY 2025.

Low-intensity blood stem cell transplants for sickle cell disease appear safe for lung health and may improve lung function, according to a three-year NIH study.

Tecovirimat did not improve clade I mpox resolution in DRC, but showed safe use and lower mortality. Ongoing trials like PALM007 and STOMP aim to develop effective mpox interventions.

An experimental malaria vaccine, tested in Malian adults, showed sustained protection against parasite infection and clinical malaria over two years without a booster dose. It also significantly protected women from malaria during pregnancy, suggesting potential for improved prevention strategies.

New imaging method detects Aspergillus fumigatus fungal infections sooner using radioactive cellobiose and PET scans, aiding early diagnosis and treatment response monitoring in immunocompromised patients.

Tecovirimat, an antiviral, did not improve mpox lesion resolution in DRC's clade I mpox cases but was safe. The study showed lower mortality with high-quality care. Research continues for effective mpox treatments, emphasizing the need for trials in endemic settings like DRC.

Tecovirimat did not reduce mpox lesion duration in a DRC trial but showed lower mortality, highlighting the importance of supportive care. The study, part of the PALM007 trial, underscores the need for further mpox treatment research. Tecovirimat was well-tolerated, with ongoing studies like STOMP and UNITY exploring its efficacy against different mpox clades.

A single HIV viral load test may yield false positives for those on long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) PrEP, according to a multi-country study. A second test with a new blood sample reliably distinguishes true from false positives. Presented at the 2024 International AIDS Conference, the study highlights the need for optimizing HIV testing methods for CAB-LA PrEP users.

Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) was safe and well tolerated as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) before and during pregnancy in a global study among cisgender women, with findings to be presented at the 2024 International AIDS Conference.

A nasal COVID-19 vaccine trial, using a live-weakened virus to deliver a stabilized spike protein, aims for better protection against variants by building robust mucosal immunity. This approach could overcome current vaccines' limitations, including efficacy over time and logistical challenges, offering a promising step in virus control.