HANC Newsletter | April 2023
|
|
|
The Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination (HANC) is located at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA. We acknowledge the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Duwamish, Puyallup, Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
HANC Stands in Solidarity: A Message From HANC Leadership Addressing Anti-LGBTQIA+ Legislation
|
The Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination stands in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ family and colleagues around the world as we deal with violent legislation that attacks our humanity. As individuals who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, we are unwavering in our commitment to uphold and protect human rights.
We are concerned about the potential impact of this legislation on LGBTQIA+ research staff, participants, and communities. We are working closely with DAIDS and Network Leaders to monitor how these laws might impact the safety and operations of research conducted around the world.
Conducting research to develop safe and effective drugs, prevention strategies, and vaccines to end the global HIV epidemic involves combatting stigma, discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia on all fronts. HANC will continue to offer support to all our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, research sites, and communities. We stand shoulder to shoulder with all our colleagues in advocating for and upholding the human rights of all individuals.
Please contact HANC and let us know how we can support staff, research participants, and communities.
Russell Campbell, HANC Director; Brian Minalga, HANC Deputy Director
|
|
|
Introducing the Newest Additions to Our Team, Kathleen and Gabriella!
|
|
|
|
Kathleen Pescasio
We
are delighted to announce that Kathleen Pescasio has joined HANC as the new Cross-Network Project Manager. In this role, Kathleen will lead working group projects and activities within the HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks, with the aim of fostering cross-network collaboration in the areas of communications, clinical research site operations, data management, and performance evaluation. Kathleen brings several years of interdisciplinary public health experience. She previously supported clinical research projects in trauma surgery and injury prevention, and is passionate about advancing health equity in HIV/AIDS research. Kathleen holds a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of Washington. In her free time, Kathleen enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, and going on walks with her dog, Milo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gabriella Olague
We
are thrilled to announce that Gabriella Olague has joined HANC to complete our team of eight. Gabriella is originally from Washington state, and in 2020 she graduated from Washington State University with bachelor’s degrees in Animal Sciences as well as Biology. She is passionate about using her skills to help others and has served as a Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline Advocate as well as working as an organ/tissue/eye transplant coordinator helping support families through the grief of loss and the small joy of helping others during that grief. She looks forward to continuing to serve her community as HANC's new Project Coordinator for the Legacy Project. In this role, Gabriella will support the Legacy Project’s efforts to improve diversity and representation in HIV clinical trials, including management of the Women’s HIV Research Collaborative, the Minority Serving Institution
Working Group, and the Be the Generation project.
|
|
|
|
Please join us in welcoming Kathleen and Gabriella to the HANC team!
|
|
|
|
Join Us in Recognizing These Important HIV/AIDS Awareness Days This Month!
|
|
|
|
National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day #NYHAAD
April 10 is National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day to educate the public about the impact of HIV/AIDS on youth and highlights the work youth do to strengthen the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
|
|
|
|
Frontier Science Unveils Revamped Database for Precautionary & Prohibited Medications
|
|
|
|
The ACTG and IMPAACT Data Management Center at Frontier Science is pleased to announce the release of the redesigned Precautionary and Prohibited Medications Database (PPMD).
PPMD is a tool available without needing an account to investigators during protocol development and implementation. Investigators can collate cutting-edge medication interaction data from multiple sources quickly for their protocols. The redesigned PPMD makes it even easier for investigators to search and find the data they need from either a web browser or mobile device. PPMD can show users a list of interactions for a given list of medications and can even generate text to insert into protocols. PPMD also provides on-demand evidence-based interaction reports with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses.
PPMD is a collaboration between ACTG, the University at Buffalo, and Frontier Science Foundation. To explore PPMD or learn more, visit PPMDB.org or download the PPMD brochure.
|
|
|
|
Advancing HIV and Hepatitis C Research: Recent ACTG Publications Shed Light on HIV Reservoirs and Treatment Adherence
|
|
|
|
|
Rebranding for a Bright Future: Introducing HPTN's New Logo and Brand Identity
After several months of careful discussion, deliberation with stakeholders, and creative exploration, we would like to introduce you to our upgraded visual identity. With this next evolution, we hope to inspire new energy and meaning in our collaborative organization.
|
|
We respect the Network's existing brand equity and expanded the current color palette by including yellow to represent the spirit of optimism that drives the Network forward. Our existing colors of green, teal and blue represent the Network's commitment to public health, the strength in our partnerships, and the trust we've cultivated in our communities.
|
|
The HPTN Communications Team is working to transition the Network’s visual identity from its previous version on all communications deliverables, including the website, digital platforms, and templates (e.g., PowerPoint slides).
If the old and new logos appear when you visit the HPTN website, please clear your cache and reload the webpage.
|
|
|
|
|
Empowering the Next Generation of HIV Prevention Researchers: HVTN RAMP Cohort 13 Scholars Announced!
|
|
The HVTN has accepted 17 scholars for the 2023-2024 RAMP Cohort 13 Scholar program! This is the largest cohort in program history, previous cohorts have ranged from 4 to 9 students. We have 14 scholars in the general program and 3 scholars in the alumni program.
The program criteria have expanded to include students who identify as Native American/American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific Islander, and individuals granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The HIV Vaccine Trials Network, in collaboration with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health, is investing in a young generation of HIV prevention researchers by providing them with opportunities to conduct independent research while receiving mentoring, project and salary funding, training, and professional development opportunities. Scholars will be working on their projects with sites in the US: Atlanta, Birmingham, and New York; Malawi: Lilongwe; South Africa: Cape Town and Soshanguve; and Zimbabwe: Harare.
To learn more about our scholars and the projects they will be working on, please visit the RAMP Scholar Profiles.
For more information, please visit www.hvtn.org/ramp or contact Linda Oseso, RAMP Program Manager, at loseso@fredhutch.org.
|
|
|
In Memoriam: Remembering Jorge Beloqui - A Pioneer in HIV/AIDS Activism and Advocacy in Brazil
|
|
A pioneering voice in national and international activism, Jorge Beloqui dedicated his life to defending the rights of people living with HIV, to combatting stigma and discrimination in Brazil, and advocating for unrestricted access to scientific advances in both HIV prevention and treatment. As one of the most important activists and leaders in maintaining the Brazilian response to HIV/AIDS, his legacy of generosity and sensitivity within the community will always be remembered. He died March 8, 2023.
Beloqui,
who was born in Argentina, was Senior Professor at the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of São Paulo (IME/USP) and researcher at Nepaids (Núcleo de Estudos para a Prevenção da Aids). He was one of the founders of the NGO Pela Vidda and the Movimento Paulistano de Luta Contra Aids (Mopaids) in São Paulo. He was also a member of the Board of Curators of the Associação Brasileira Interdisciplinar de Aids (ABIA) and director of the Grupo Incentivo a vida (GIV). He served on several committees and working groups nationally and internationally. His many contributions include advocacy for HIV vaccine research and participation in the Working Group of Intellectual Property (GTPI), which he was involved with since its founding in 2003. Beloqui was part of the editorial board of the Anti HIV Vaccine Bulletin, was a member of the National Research Ethics
Committee (CONEP), as well as the Pharmaceutical Assistance (CICTAF) and Health Care for People with Pathologies (CIASPP).
Undoubtedly, he was an important leader and founder of community activism in the fight against AIDS in Brazil. His was a community voice of constant commitment to ensuring equity of access and overcoming health inequities. Recently, he served on the NIH-funded COVID-19 Prevention Network (CoVPN) Panel of Scientific Experts from Latin America to help the Network prepare for initiation of experimental COVID-19 vaccine studies in the Latin America region.
|
|
|
|
|
New Protocols in Development Within the Complications and Comorbidities Research Area of the IMPAACT Network
The IMPAACT Network is pleased to report that two newly approved protocols are in development within the complications and comorbidities research area:
IMPAACT 2038
is a Phase I, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized study that will evaluate the infectivity, safety, and immunogenicity of recombinant, live-attenuated bovine/human, parainfluenza virus type 3 (B/HPIV3) vector vaccines B/HPIV3/RSV/PreF, B/HPIV3/RSV/PreF/TM, or placebo in HPIV3-seronegative children. Approximately 70 healthy HPIV3-seronegative children ≥6 months (180 days) to <25 months (750 days) of age will be enrolled. Eligible children will receive a single intranasal dose of B/HPIV3/RSV/PreF vaccine, B/HPIV3/RSV/PreF/TM vaccine, or placebo at entry. Participants will be enrolled in the study outside the time during which wild-type RSV circulates in the community at each study site and will remain on study with follow-up visits through Day 56 after receipt of study product and non-visit contacts thereafter to monitor for serious adverse events.
IMPAACT 2041 is a Phase I/II study of the pharmacokinetics and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in people with Hepatitis C during pregnancy. The study is designed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of GLE/PIB during pregnancy and postpartum and will follow pregnant people and their infants through three months postpartum. The site selection process is anticipated to be initiated in mid-to-late April 2023.
Additionally, IMPAACT 2021 recently received approval to resume screening and enrollment. As of 16 March 2023, 13 of 17 sites were approved to resume.
|
|
|
Join SpotLight Webinars by the IMPAACT SBSC:
- 27 April 2023 at 10:00 a.m. ET| Christina Rodriguez-Hart on HIV Stigma and Designing HIV Service Delivery for Priority Populations.
- 25 May 2023 at 10:00 a.m. ET | Melissa Mugambi on Optimizing PrEP Uptake Among Pregnant Women by Understanding Patient Preferences Using Discrete Choice Experiments.
|
|
|
|
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Greg Davis, HANC Project Manager
|
Behavioral Science Consultative Group: The Behavioral Science Consultative Group will meet in-person for an all-day meeting on April 7, 2023 in Seattle, WA. The group will be joined by several guests including Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, the Co-PI of the HPTN.
Financial Disclosure Working Group: The Financial Disclosure Working Group has begun the process of transitioning to a new financial disclosure system. The target date to have the new system operational is May 30. As the process nears completion, HANC and the Networks will share pertinent information with Network investigators notifying them of the change and any required steps to set up their new accounts.
|
|
|
|
Community Partners
Greg Davis, HANC Project Manager
Russell Campbell, HANC Director
|
Community Partners is in the process of electing two new co-chairs. Ernest Moseki, a representative for HPTN, was the most recent Chairperson and his term with Community Partners ended in March 2023. Community Partners would like to thank Ernest for his service and commitment.
|
|
|
|
Cross-Network Coordination
Kathleen Pescasio, HANC Cross-Network Project Manager
|
The Cross-Network Protocol Deviation Working Group (PDWG) continues to refine the Cross Network Protocol Deviation Reference Guide for major and critical protocol deviations in network studies. Revisions aim to clarify the definitions for major and critical protocol deviations and will help sites interpret and classify protocol deviations appropriately. The Cross Network Protocol Deviation Reference Guide is now in the final stages of review and sign-off.
In March the DAIDS Office for Policy in Clinical Research Operations (OPCRO) announced that the following policies have been updated: Requirements for Informed Consent Forms (DAIDS-OPC-A15-POL-00005) and Requirements for Essential Documents for DAIDS Sponsored Network Clinical Trials (DAIDS-OPC-A15-POL-00019). Both policies are available on the following DAIDS Clinical Research Policies webpage
here.
|
|
|
|
Laboratory Coordination
Tyler Brown, HANC Laboratory Project Manager
|
|
|
The Lab Technologists SOP Working Group met in March to continue revising the Guidelines for Shipping and Receiving Biological Substance, Category B Specimens - a new version of this SOP is expected to be published this spring.
The Lab Focus Group (LFG) met in March to discuss lab supply and reagent shortages, and the upcoming review of the Cross-Network PBMC Processing SOP. A new version of the Cross-Network PBMC Processing SOP is expected to be published this summer.
|
|
|
|
The Legacy Project
Brian Minalga, HANC Deputy Director
Pedro Goicochea, HANC Community Engagement Officer
Gabriella Olague, HANC Project Coordinator
|
4/5-7: Russell Campbell will present the HPR Module as part of Evidence2Practice (E2P) at the Florida A&M Interprofessional Workshop in Tallahassee, Florida focusing on engaging HBCU students.
4/11-12: Legacy Project presentations at the Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit 2023, Las Vegas.
- 04/11: No Data No More: A Research Scorecard for Transgender Inclusion
- 04/11: MIPreVIH, Módulo de Entrenamiento en Investigación de Prevención de VIH
4/24: Episode 13 of the H=H podcast will feature interviews with Dr. Lance Okeke (Duke University), Dr. Kenric Ware (South University), and Russell Campbell (Director of HANC) to converse about Evidence2Practice, a program designed to increase interest in HIV science careers for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Institutions of Higher Education that serve minority populations.
4/26: Webinar. “The NIH Grant Lifecycle Process: From Submission to Notice of Award” (Part 1). Register here.
New Investigators Working Group (NIWG)
The HVTN Research and Mentorship Program (RAMP) has accepted 17 scholars for the 2023-2024 RAMP Cohort 13! Scholars will be working on their projects with sites in the US: Atlanta, Birmingham, and New York; Malawi: Lilongwe; South Africa: Cape Town and Soshanguve; and Zimbabwe: Harare.
|
|
|
|
Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit (Las Vegas, USA)
|
|
|
|
2023 HVTN Full Group Meeting (Washington DC, USA)
|
|
|
|
HPTN Annual Meeting (Washington DC, USA)
|
|
|
|
Annual ACTG Network Meeting (Washington DC, USA)
|
International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science (IAS) 2023 (Brisbane, Australia)
|
|
|
|
Annual IMPAACT Network Meeting (Washington DC, USA)
|
|
|
|
|
