Rajesh Gandhi: «Until we reach a cure for HIV, long-term treatments can make it easier to control the infection»

ScienHub Education, the platform of the Fight Infections Foundation in charge of organizing training activities, has celebrated the seventh edition of HIV Clinical Topics, focused on the update on new antiretroviral treatments and drugs in development. In this scientific meeting, Dr. Rajesh Gandhi, Professor of Medicine at Harvard University and Director of HIV Clinical Services at Hospital General de Massachussets, was actively involved as a speaker. From the Fundació Lluita contra les Infections we had the opportunity to speak with him to learn more about the current situation of HIV on a global scale. We invite you to read this interview with Dr. Gandhi, one of the world’s leading experts on HIV infection.

In terms of new HIV treatment options, where are we headed?

I think we are currently moving towards long-acting treatments, some of which can be taken weekly orally, while others could be taken every six months, albeit by injection. In addition, we are placing a strong emphasis on the development of therapies that help reduce associated comorbidities. Finally, I think it would be critical to increase the resources devoted to HIV cure research, in the hope that in the future we can not only manage this infection, but also eradicate it.

You have recently been appointed as the new vice chair of the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG). What would you like to implement from this new position?

Looking ahead, I would like to expand our research into long-acting antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens, explore new approaches to address HIV-related aging, and promote innovative strategies to treat tuberculosis and hepatitis B. Undoubtedly, it is also a priority to promote additional studies to finally achieve a cure for HIV.

Why is there still a mortality gap in people with HIV having such excellent antiretroviral treatments?

This is due, in part, to poverty and unequal access to health care, especially in the most disadvantaged countries, but also in the United States, where health coverage is not equitable for all. In addition, the residual inflammation in people with HIV favors the appearance of cardiovascular diseases and other complications, which unfortunately reduce life expectancy.

Did you have the opportunity to explore a little Catalonia?

I particularly enjoyed visiting Montserrat, an experience that will undoubtedly be unforgettable.

In the picture Dr. Gandhi leaves accompanied by Dr. Josep M. Llibre, researcher at the Fight Infections Foundation and member of the HIV Clinical Topics scientific committee.