February 7, 2011

Dear Advocates,

This update provides information on two upcoming events that will give advocates an opportunity to discuss next steps for the ARV-based prevention research agenda. On Tuesday, AVAC is hosting a global teleconference, “Translating PrEP Research into Practice” (announced last week along with interim CDC guidelines). In early March, AVAC and Fenway Health are hosting “ARV-based Prevention: A Community and Research Forum on Recent Results and What Happens Next” during the upcoming Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI).

Tuesday’s teleconference, Translating PrEP Research into Practice, will feature debate and discussion on PrEP with brief remarks from discussants on what needs to happen next to translate the iPrEx trial results outside of clinical trial settings. Input is needed to map out next steps in the US and to discuss the global relevance of CDC’s recently released interim guidelines.

Translating PrEP Research into Practice
Tuesday, February 8
10 – 11am US Eastern time
(Visit www.timeanddate.com to confirm the time in your area)

Speakers:

• Susan Buchbinder, San Francisco Department of Public Health and iPrEx investigator
• Chris Collins, amfAR: The Foundation for AIDS Research
• Dawn Smith, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

We are looking forward to an active discussion, so please feel free to send your questions in advance to avac@avac.org or ask them on the call. Click here to register for the call.

Next month’s forum, hosted by AVAC and Fenway Health, will provide space for researchers and community members to discuss recent ARV-based prevention results and their implications. The forum will include an overview presentation on recent topical and oral ARV-based prevention results followed by a moderated panel of international and local advocates, researchers and policy makers. If you are based in the Boston area or are planning to attend CROI, we hope you will join us at the forum and for refreshments.

ARV-based Prevention: A Community and Research Forum on Recent Results and What Happens Next
Co-sponsored by AVAC and Fenway Health
Tuesday, March 1
6 – 8:30pm
At Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215

If you are planning to attend, please RSVP at avac@avac.org.

With the positive results of 2010, it is critical to plan and implement the ways forward to ensure the momentum is not lost and new prevention options are made a reality. We look forward to engaging with all of you at these and future events!

Best,
AVAC