In a pivotal moment for HIV research, Dr. Myron Cohen, Director of the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases at UNC, and Dr. Joe Eron, Chief of Infectious Diseases at UNC, co-led a congressional briefing on HIV treatment and prevention. Held on July 9, 2025, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, the briefing highlighted the critical need for sustained investment in HIV research and the invaluable role of initiatives like the Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Globally (ACTG) network.
Dr. Joe Eron: HIV Treatment Research
Dr. Eron kicked off the briefing with an overview of ACTG, the network that has been at the forefront of HIV treatment innovations. He discussed how the network has advanced antiretroviral therapies, developed treatments for HIV-related diseases like tuberculosis and hepatitis, and contributed to a deeper understanding of HIV-associated aging and comorbidities. Dr. Eron highlighted key achievements, including the development of long-acting therapies, simplified drug regimens, and breakthroughs in treating opportunistic infections. Dr. Eron’s full presentation can be accessed here.
Dr. Myron Cohen: HIV Prevention Research
Dr. Cohen’s presentation focused on three key strategies for HIV prevention: promoting safer behaviors, using treatment as prevention (TaSP), and expanding access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). He discussed the tremendous progress made globally, particularly through initiatives like the 95-95-95 targets achieved in countries such as Botswana and Eswatini, which led to near-zero new HIV infections.
Despite a significant global decline in new HIV cases, Dr. Cohen highlighted the ongoing challenges, especially among youth, men, and key populations. He underscored the importance of long-acting injectable PrEP options such as cabotegravir and lenacapavir, which offer promising solutions for improving adherence and reducing stigma.
Dr. Cohen also discussed the impact of funding shortages on global HIV outcomes, showing how an international HIV funding crisis could reverse hard-won gains in low- and middle-income countries. His modeling study illustrated how a lack of investment could exacerbate new infections and mortality in these regions. Dr. Cohen’s full presentation can be reviewed here.