HIV Prevention Technologies and Strategies
Summary
Efforts to curb HIV transmission have centred on a combination of behavioural, structural and biomedical interventions. Behavioural strategies, such as condom promotion and education, remain foundational, while structural interventions address social determinants by strengthening health systems, expanding access and reducing stigma. Biomedical prevention has expanded markedly in recent years, from post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to novel delivery platforms including long-acting injectables, vaginal rings and multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) combining HIV prophylaxis with contraception. Advances in formulation science have yielded discreet, user-controlled options—topical microbicides in gels or films, intravaginal rings releasing antiretroviral agents over weeks and depot injections administered bi-monthly. Integration of choice, flexible delivery and community-based distribution has sought to tailor prevention to diverse populations and life stages. Collectively, these strategies have transformed HIV prevention from a predominantly clinic-based effort into a suite of personalised, rights-based tools with global impact.
Research from Nature Portfolio
A preclinical investigation has revealed unexpected interactions in combination vaginal prophylaxis. Using humanised mouse models, researchers examined single and multi-agent regimens based on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, emtricitabine and a complementary antiviral compound. Analysis via a mathematical dose–effect model uncovered strong antagonism when the three agents were co-formulated, an effect reversed by omitting tenofovir. This work provides a translational template for systematic evaluation of multi-drug vaginal delivery forms and underscores the need for rigorous preclinical assessment of combination microbicides before clinical development.
HIV Prevention Technologies and Strategies publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in hiv prevention technologies and strategies across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): Use of antiretroviral drugs by HIV-negative individuals to prevent infection before potential exposure.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): Short-term antiretroviral treatment started immediately after a potential HIV exposure to avert infection.
Microbicide: Topically applied agent (gel, film or insert) designed to inhibit HIV replication at mucosal surfaces.
Intravaginal ring: Flexible polymer device that continuously releases antiretroviral drugs over an extended period when inserted into the vagina.
Multipurpose prevention technology (MPT): A product platform that simultaneously addresses HIV prevention and another reproductive health need, such as contraception.
References
- PrEP Method Switching: Will it Yield Greater Coverage of HIV Protection? Applying Lessons Learned from Family Planning to Guide Future Research in the Context of PrEP Choice. Current HIV/AIDS Reports (2024).
- A community‐based dynamic choice model for HIV prevention improves PrEP and PEP coverage in rural Uganda and Kenya: a cluster randomized trial. Journal of the International AIDS Society (2023).
- Acute antagonism in three-drug combinations for vaginal HIV prevention in humanized mice. Scientific Reports (2023).
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