IDI participates in research consortium to address HIV and TB treatment

Researchers from IDI are part of a prestigious consortium to define the best and safest treatments for patients who require treatment for tuberculosis (TB) whilst receiving second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) led by the University of Liverpool, the VirTUAL Consortium (Vulnerable patient Tuberculosis AntiretroviraL) is funded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) as part of EDCTP2 – an international initiative to optimize the safe and effective treatments of poverty related diseases including HIV and TB.

TB remains the leading cause of HIV-related deaths. There are critical drug interactions between TB treatment and second line HIV treatment. Despite the successful roll out of ART, up to 10% of patients will need second line treatments each year. Global targets to reduce mortality from diseases such as HIV and TB will not be met without a specific focus on such difficult to treat populations who are the focus of this research initiative.

“IDI will be playing an important role in conducting research to understand how best to treat HIV and tuberculosis among key populations, including pregnant women, adolescents, and children. Additionally, IDI will use this as an opportunity to build the capacity of junior researchers in Uganda.” Dr Mohammed Lamorde, IDI Head of Prevention Care and Treatmemt Programme.

In addition to the University of Liverpool and IDI, other consortium members include the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) in Kampala, the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation (DTHF) in Cape Town and the University of Turin.

Follow this link for more information: https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2017/11/06/university-lead-1-8m-complex-clinical-challenges-project/