Trending News: PrEP Use Associated with Lower Levels of HIV Anxiety

A disturbed relationship between chaperone proteins and the protein α-synuclein was linked to cell damage and the development of Lewy bodies, common in Parkinson disease diagnosis, according to The American Journal of Managed Care. Researchers sought to analyze the relationship between chaperone proteins and α-synuclein to distinguish where interaction occurs and its contribution to Lewy body development. Using novel NMR technology, the scientists found segments of α-synuclein that interact with the individual chaperones at the atomic level, allowing them to develop new therapies for the disease state.

A new study has discovered that among eligible men who have sex with men (MSM), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is associated with lower levels of HIV anxiety, a mental health benefit that could be incorporated into initiatives that aim to increase PrEP uptake, according to Contagion Live. In addition to being a tool for HIV prevention and control, the study indicates that PrEP use may improve MSM’s emotional wellbeing. The study authors suggested this feature of PrEP be highlighted as part of future demand creation initiatives to increase PrEP uptake.

New data point to glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) as a potential option for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, according to MD Magazine. A team of investigators performed a randomized trial of the safety and efficacy of 12 and 16 weeks of G/P, with or without ribavirin, in 177 patients with HCV genotype 1 infection with treatment failure after sofosbuvir and an NS5A inhibitor. The study provided additional safety and efficacy data in support of the use of 16-week G/P in HCV GT1 patients who failed prior treatment with sofosbuvir and NS5A inhibitor.