A comprehensive response to the HIV epidemic must address a range of barriers so that people living with HIV can reach and sustain long-term success. To advance the goal of long-term success across the continuum of HIV care, including freedom from stigma and discrimination and optimized health-related outcomes, Gilead focuses on this concept throughout our multi-pronged efforts, including community partnerships, research and development, long-term and real-world studies, and scientific collaborations.
Though access to modern HIV treatments is at the core of long-term success, it must be reinforced by ensuring the chosen treatment regimen is the right choice for each person. Focusing on the individual requires a holistic approach to care that enables people living with HIV to be equal partners in the healthcare decisions that impact and determine their future wellbeing. HIV care must be responsive to — and respectful of — daily needs and preferences of people living with the virus while also prioritizing clinical monitoring and minimizing impact of treatment.
Beyond treatment, it’s integral to support people living with HIV through the non-medical challenges they may face. Gilead sponsors and partners with several national, regional and local community groups that work to address complex social issues including, economic and food insecurity, housing instability, systemic racism, stigma, discrimination, and legal barriers to care. These problems inhibit the prioritization of health by preventing engagement in regular care and adherence to treatments. Additionally, more people are growing old with HIV, experiencing comorbidities and other age-related challenges that add to the burden and complexity of care.
Because of the complexities of HIV care, person-centered innovations are needed and have led to treatment advances that provide benefits over earlier therapies, including simple and convenient dosing, higher barriers to resistance, and fewer drug-drug interactions. What’s more is that today’s treatments are being studied in the real world, and compared with other medications, for longer periods of time and among more diverse patient populations.
For example, Gilead’s long-term clinical data for existing medicines are key to understanding the benefits and risks of these therapies and learning how long-term use may impact outcomes for people living with HIV. Research on this topic is published almost daily and at major congresses including the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) happening this month.
Long-term studies evaluating treatment options provide insights into a range of provider and patient considerations, including:
- Evaluating clinical and non-clinical treatment needs of a wide range of diverse communities living with HIV including women, Black individuals, aging populations, adolescents, children, and those with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis or other comorbidities.
- Evaluating viral outcomes and impact on lipid levels such as cholesterol, weight, or interactions with other drugs people living with HIV may be taking for comorbidities
Gilead understands that there is still much work and attention needed to advance an effective and holistic HIV response that supports long-term success and whole person care beyond viral suppression so that every person living with HIV has the potential to live a longer, healthier life. Modern treatment therapies are a core part of the answer, but a broad view that encompasses and addresses non-medical issues is a critical parallel step. Ultimately long-term success in HIV requires a truly equitable healthcare system that is culturally sensitive, relevant, and responsive to all people living with HIV.
To get there, ongoing partnerships and collaborations between the public and private sectors continue to be essential and allow for broader research, improved HIV education, expanded access and addressed barriers to care. Until new cases of HIV are eliminated, Gilead will champion person-centric innovations, programs, philanthropy, and partnerships that support the wellness and long-term success of all people impacted by HIV as the keys to ending the epidemic once and for all.
Ending the epidemic is a complex endeavor, but it is possible and necessary. Together, as a community dedicated to ending HIV we must continue to redefine what’s possible and champion treatment strategies to meet the needs of everyone, everywhere living with HIV today.
DISCLAIMERS: THIS COMMUNICATION HAS BEEN CREATED AND FUNDED BY GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.