CIHR Pan-Canadian Network for HIV and STBBI Clinical Trials Research

👏 Well done!👏

CTN+'s Dr. Sharon Walmsley has been awarded the AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses award by Rosalind Franklin Society for her paper on bone health in aging women with HIV during the perimenopausal period published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers.

Learn more: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aid.2024.17445.rfs2023

📣 Happening tomorrow! 📣

https://catie.ca/previewing-canadas-draft-guideline-for-hiv-prep-and-pep

Learn about the latest evidence-based recommendations on Canada's updated HIV & guideline, including an opportunity to talk with experts including CTN+'s Drs. Darrell Tan & Mark Hull.

Si vous êtes un·e prestataire de services au Canada qui s’intéresse à l’optimisation des stratégies de prévention du VIH, ceci s’adresse à vous! La recherche sur les prophylaxies pré-exposition et post-exposition (PrEP et PPE) a fait d’importants progrès, ce qui a permis de multiplier les options et d’améliorer l’accès. Cependant, il demeure essentiel d’informer les prestataires et de les préparer à offrir des services inclusifs et adaptés sur le plan culturel.

C’est pourquoi nous vous invitons à participer à notre webinaire du 9 septembre, qui vous donnera l’occasion unique de connaître en primeur les mises à jour des lignes directrices canadiennes sur la PrEP et la PPE pour le VIH directement d’éminents spécialistes. Vous aurez aussi la possibilité de poser des questions et de formuler des commentaires afin de contribuer à l’élaboration de la version finale. Réservez votre place dès maintenant et faites partie du futur de la prévention du VIH : https://www.catie.ca/fr/un-apercu-des-lignes-directrices-canadiennes-preliminaires-sur-la-prep-et-la-ppe-contre-le-vih

Dr. Troy Grennan has led multiple studies evaluating the effectiveness of doxycycline in preventing and treating s*xually transmitted infections.

Learn more about this research:

DISCO Study ( ): https://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/study/ctn-329-doxycycline-intervention-for-bacterial-sti-chemoprophylaxis-disco/

DaDHS Trial ( ): https://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/study/ctn-313-the-dadhs-trial/

Dr. Troy Grennan, the physician lead for B.C.'s HIV/STI program, was in Germany at the International AIDS Conference last month to present exciting results from a pilot project looking at using the common antibiotic doxycycline to prevent s*xually transmitted infections.

In a study of 52 people living with HIV, he found that participants who took a daily dose of doxycycline (known as doxy PrEP) saw a 92% drop in chlamydia, a 79% drop in syphilis and a 68% drop in gonorrhea, compared to those taking a placebo. Dr. Grennan is currently recruiting participants for a bigger, Canada-wide study of doxycycline that you can check out at www.godisco.ca

Read the full story on http://www.bccdc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/2024/common-antibiotic-helps-prevent-stis

The World Health Organization (WHO) first named a public health concern in the summer of 2022. While the initial spike in cases was tempered by widespread vaccination, the original strain of the virus has continued to circulate with a rise in cases recently detected in Ontario. In mid-August, the WHO once again declared mpox a global public health emergency following an outbreak of the virus in parts of Africa. The new strain of the virus has not been detected in Canada. The CTN+ study PLATINUM-CAN, led by CTN+ National Director Dr. Marina Klein, is evaluating the effectiveness and safety of tecovirimat for the treatment of mpox in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Learn more: https://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/study/ctn-338-platinum-can/

Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

Preliminary results for the hashtag study evaluating daily oral doxycycline for the prevention of syphilis in men living with HIV who have s*x with men will be presented at hashtag (International AIDS Society).

Dr. Troy Grennan, who led the study, discussed the clinical trial here:

https://lnkd.in/dbhnxhwH

Preliminary results for the study evaluating daily oral doxycycline for the prevention of syphilis in men living with HIV who have s*x with men will be presented at (International AIDS Conference).

Dr. Troy Grennan, who led the study, discussed the clinical trial with The New York Times.

https://bit.ly/ctn313

Preliminary results for the study evaluating daily oral doxycycline for the prevention of syphilis in men living with HIV who have s*x with men will be presented at (International AIDS Conference).

Dr. Troy Grennan, who led the study, discussed the clinical trial with The New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/18/health/doxycycline-sti.html.

Preliminary results for the study evaluating daily oral doxycycline for the prevention of syphilis in men living with HIV who have s*x with men will be presented at (International AIDS Conference).

Dr. Troy Grennan, who led the study, discussed the clinical trial with the The New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/18/health/doxycycline-sti.html.

We are excited to introduce the next chapter in HIV and STBBI clinical trials research — the CIHR Pan-Canadian Network for HIV/AIDS & STBBI Clinical Trials Research (CTN+).

With $25 million in funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, our renewed vision will be coordinated from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre at the Centre universitaire de santé McGill - McGill University Health Centre and strengthened by regional hubs across the country. Our goal is to facilitate the design, conduct, and dissemination of equitable, community-informed, scientifically rigorous, and timely research across disciplines, infections, and key populations in HIV and other STBBIs.

“From my early days as a postdoc with the CTN to now leading the CTN+, I’ve had the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the transformative power of the Canadian research community. I am excited to steer the vision and growth of the network that shaped my passion for studying these important infections that affect the lives of so many Canadians," said Dr. Marina Klein, CTN+ National Director.

The re-imagined CTN+ will become an unparalleled clinical trials research network that will meet Canada’s commitments to addressing the most pressing research gaps in HIV, viral hepatitis and other s*xually transmitted infections including syphilis, reducing new infections, ensuring comprehensive lifelong care and laying the groundwork for cure.

Stay tuned for more information in the coming months!

With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of our friend and colleague Dr. Mary-Ann Doyle.

Mary-Ann was an exceptional person who made a significant impact on the lives of her patients, colleagues, and family. She always made time to genuinely care for others.

She will be missed.

Attending the Canadian Association For HIV Research conference this week?

Learn about the research projects our postdocs are working on at the CTN Postdoctoral Fellows Symposium on Friday, April 26 at 7:45 AM.

Start your day supporting the future of HIV research!

📣 Looking for study participants! 📣

The FIND+ study is recruiting men and women living with HIV since childhood to learn more about their fertility potential, desires, and intentions.

The study is confidential and you may withdraw at any time. Contact information is below:

Today is HPV Awareness Day!

Find out more about how HPV can impact people living with HIV at
Ask About HPV: https://askabouthpv.org/hpv-facts/hpv-facts-for-people-living-with-hiv

Looking for the latest study results from our network of experienced researchers?

https://mailchi.mp/hivnet/research-snapshot-fall-2022-the-latest-ctn-study-results-17369183?e=1add17c3bd

Our Winter Research Snapshot highlighting recent publications is now out. Learn more about , , and .

Meet our postdoc Dr. Monika Kowatsch!

https://hivnet.ubc.ca/news/2024/02/guest-blog-dr-monika-kowatsch/

Dr. Kowatsch works with BCC3 Women's Healthy Aging Research
( ) focused on understanding the aging experiences of women living with HIV. She will be looking at how key hormones — estradiol, estrone, progesterone, cortisol, and testosterone — are associated with markers of cellular aging, immune cells’ ability to respond to hormones, markers of inflammation, and age-related illnesses in women.

Looking for infographics on "Health Care Access Among Sexual & Gender Minorities", "Addressing HIV Stigma & Discrimination" and "Access to primary care among women living with HIV"?

SHAWNA ( ), the Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS: Longitudinal Women’s Needs Assessment study, has published new infographics on their site at the Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity - CGSHE:

Sexual Health & HIV/AIDS: Longitudinal Women’s Needs Assessment (SHAWNA) | Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity Building on ongoing partnerships and community-based research with women living with HIV as well as extensive consultation with community, clinical and policy experts, SHAWNA follows over 350 cis and trans women living with HIV in Metro Vancouver through semi-annual visits.

At today's Virtual CTN Trainee Seminar Series, Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Monika Kowatsch (Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia presented her project with the BCC3 study group ( ) looking at the effect of hormones on cellular aging and comorbidities in women living with HIV.

Hormone levels change throughout the menstrual cycle, with hormone analyses of this project being performed on samples taken on specific days throughout the menstrual cycle.

CARMA ( ) findings showed that women living with HIV are more likely to experience amenorrhea and early menopause.

Hormones also need receptors to be able to function and they change as one ages. Dr. Kowatsch will be analyzing both hormone and hormone receptor levels.

A significant gap in knowledge that Dr. Kowatsch will be investigating is how hormonal changes may intersect with socio-structural factors to influence the healthy aging of women living with HIV.

Excellent presentation Dr. Kowatsch. We are looking forward to learning more!

Learn more about BCC3 study at their website here: https://hivhearme.ca/

Reminder: Abstract submissions are now being accepted for . https://www.cahr-acrv.ca/conference/abstract-submission/

🍁👏 Congratulations! 👏🍁

CTN Investigator Dr. Deborah Money has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada!

Her research is focused on women's health, including leading direct clinical care for pregnant people living with HIV.

Learn more about her clinical research: https://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/our-investigators/dr-deborah-money/

See all the appointees here: https://www.gg.ca/en/order-canada-appointees-december-2023

📣 Abstract submissions are open! 📣

https://academicmedicaleducation.com/meeting/international-workshop-hiv-women-2024

All abstracts must focus on HIV & Women and contain up-to-date information at the time of the workshop.

Deadline: January 19, 2024

HIV & Women 2024 is chaired by CTN National Co-Director Dr. Sharon Walmsley.

Congrats to Dr. Lehana Thabane for receiving an honourary degree from Stellenbosch University!

An internationally recognized scholar and biostatistician, Dr. Thabane has been a key part of the CTN, serving as chair of the Steering Committee and Funding Committee.

In his speech, he encouraged graduates to embrace the transformative power of collaboration and mentorship, sustain a positive perspective, and refine their soft skills.

“In your pursuit of knowledge and wisdom remain humble and thirsty for more. Use your newfound knowledge for the betterment of humanity and always hold gratitude close to your heart."

https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10396

McMaster University

The study, with participants from the Canadian HIV and Aging cohort ( ), showed how small bits of HIV, known as glycoprotein 120, can remain present in the blood of people living with HIV on ART and impact immune dysfunction and inflammation.

Learn more: https://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/study/ctnpt-052-glycoprotein-120-as-a-pan-toxin/

From the beginning, one key feature of the HIV response has been the central role played by communities.

Their innovation, passion, and insight when participating in research has led the world on the path to .

Let communities lead!

"Nothing about us without us."

This highlights the importance of letting communities lead.

We celebrate 30 years of our Community Advisory Committee and their dedication, collaboration, and community empowerment to help !
https://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Full-CAC-display-V2.pdf

The Canadian Pediatric & Perinatal HIV/AIDS Research Group published guidelines on infant feeding in the context of HIV.

CTN Investigator Dr. Sarah Khan (McMaster University) appeared on The Canadian Breakpoint podcast discussing these guidelines and emphasizing how listening to the community encouraged their development.

Listen to the podcast here: https://rss.com/podcasts/thecanadianbreakpoint/1237999/

You can find the recently published guidelines here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10052908/

For more information on the risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding check out 's article:

https://www.catie.ca/prevention-in-focus/the-risk-of-hiv-transmission-through-breastfeeding-what-we-know-and-dont-know #:~:text=For%20people%20with%20HIV%20who,breastfeed%20their%20babies%20in%20Canada.

Looking to gain hands-on experience in the HIV clinical research setting?

The CTN 2024/25 Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards competition is open for applications!

Click here for more info: https://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/join-the-ctn/post-doctoral-program/

👋 Meet CTN postdoc Dr. Katherine Kooij! 👋

https://hivnet.ubc.ca/news/2023/10/postdoc-spotlight-dr-katherine-kooij/

Dr. Kooij is interested in understanding how factors impact the well-being of people living with HIV. Her project aims to improve clinical care for people living with HIV who have experienced non-fatal opioid overdoses.