HIV-DART 2024

Abstract/ Project Summary Thanks to advances in antiretroviral therapy, the face of HIV and AIDS has been gradually and meaningfully transformed from a deadly disease, into a chronic condition that is managed with careful adherence to life-long treatment regimens. The need for improved drugs, with fewer side effects, improved adherence, and more favorable pharmacokinetics increases as the number of infected individuals on long-term therapy continues to rise. Importantly, the quest for an HIV cure continues to gain momentum as we learn more about viral reservoirs and mechanisms of viral persistence. HIV-DART is a biennial conference for physicians, clinicians, nurses, scientists, and clinical researchers that will focus on the latest discoveries in these areas. Specific Aims: 1. To gather cross-disciplinary professionals such as clinicians, health care workers, researchers, and basic scientists together in an interactive workshop setting to share and discuss the latest developments in the field of HIV; 2. To facilitate the neutral and balanced exchange of scientific knowledge with regard to antiviral drug development, vaccine development, and recent progress in curative strategies; 3. To enhance the training of young scientists such as graduate students and post-doctoral fellows and provide increased opportunities for underrepresented scientists and health care workers through attendee scholarships. Educational Objectives: 1. Advances in antiretroviral therapy, long-acting formulations, and injectable drugs for HIV; 2. Novel approaches to suppress and eliminate HIV reservoirs; 3. HIV cure strategies; 4. HIV in the aging population; 5. Novel vaccines and immunological therapies in development; 6. Treatment as prevention and PrEP; 7. HIV co-infections with HCV, HBV, and/or SARS-CoV-2. Design & Methods: HIV-DART 2024 will take place over 2.5 days, at a location that is easily accessed by both national and international delegates. The program will include plenary lectures, oral abstract presentations, discussion panels, and a debate. This ACCME-accredited program will provide ample time for formal and informal networking and discussion amongst the delegates during the poster session, coffee breaks, and meal breaks.