Recommendations from the 2nd Consensus Workshop on Analytical Treatment Interruption in HIV Research Trials

This publication shares updated recommendations from a group of international experts on how to safely conduct research studies that involve planned pauses in HIV treatment. These pauses are used in research to better understand how the virus can be removed completely from the body or suppressed for a long time without antiretroviral medications.

The experts reviewed current evidence and experiences from past studies to develop clear recommendations that ensure safety while providing an opportunity for new scientific knowledge. They emphasized that stopping treatment in a research setting can carry risks, including the return of the virus, with potential negative health effects for participants., and transmission of the virus to a sexual partner. The experts therefore stress the importance of careful planning, close monitoring, strong ethical standards and quick adjustment when new knowledge emerges.

Key recommendations include selecting participants carefully, ensuring they fully understand the risks, and providing frequent health checks before, during and after the treatment pause. The group also highlights the need for clear rules on when to restart treatment to protect participants’ health. They call for careful documentation and reporting of results to benefit people living with HIV and communities at large. In addition, they encourage researchers to involve communities in the design of studies and to communicate openly about risks and benefits.

Overall, the publication aims to make future HIV research safer, more consistent across studies and generate new knowledge towards a cure for HIV.