TABLE OF CONTENTS
HANC ANNOUNCEMENTS
NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS
HANC PROGRAM UPDATES
CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
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Trans Science (and so much more)
at CROI 2026
Reflections from Miss Molly Moon
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Good
golly! Miss Molly Moon here, reporting for HANC. I’ve performed at weddings, house parties, and all manner of nightlife, but opening the Scott M. Hammer Workshop for New Researchers and Trainees at CROI 2026 was a highlight of my drag oeuvre. I can’t say for certain that this was a first—having a drag queen, who’s nonbinary in and out of drag, participate as the first speaker in the opening workshop at CROI. But I can say with confidence that 8:30 a.m. Mountain Time broke the record for earliest drag performance in herstory (made possible only by pre-recording). The 7 a.m. start time for the “CROI Community Breakfast” is probably the only reason it’s not programmed as the “CROI Drag Brunch”…but can you imagine?! Something for the organizers to ponder for next year.
As people stopped me to chat in the hallways of the Colorado Convention Center over the days that followed, it dawned on me that my inclusion in the program meant more to people than I had anticipated. First, it was the smiles and hugs when people recognized my signature purple fuzzy coat. They say laughter is the best medicine, but our work—and conferences like CROI (“retroviruses and opportunistic infections”)—can be a little serious. A goal of my drag art is to bring some much-needed levity into the world, and the last year has been a testament to the importance of avoiding burnout. I could tell that people really appreciated the unceremonious tone that only a drag queen can set.
Second, I observed that people were surprised to hear words like “capsid inhibitors” and “persistence of HIV incidence” coming out of my be-lipsticked mouth. “How does Miss Molly know the word ‘capsid’?!” remarked one beguiled fan. People in the community are experts too. As Peter Staley said in the CROI Opening Session, activists became more like scientists out of a necessity at the height of the AIDS crisis, and we have carried on that tradition. By design, drag challenges norms and assumptions. I’m proud to have advanced the notion of what a drag queen can be, but also an understanding of the capacity of all human beings to transcend classification and preconceived limitations.
Third, people thanked me for the vulnerability I shared with my story and why this work means so much to me personally. CROI is a conference that is not open to everyone; attendance is contingent upon a certain set of eligibility criteria, including scientific output measured by peer-reviewed publications. In this kind of environment, it can be easy to forget that the ‘H’ in ‘HIV’ doesn’t stand for ‘h-index’ (a measure of a scientist’s publication impact); it stands for ‘human.’ People are at the center of our work—not publications, presentations, or prestige. Those are nice, but they should always be secondary to supporting people and reducing human suffering. Sharing my story at the outset of CROI was a reminder that the community comes first.
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Dr. Carl Dieffenbach and Miss Molly Moon
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With
all the love I got at CROI, something was still missing. Walking to and from the plenary hall, past that area by the escalators with the amazing natural light, I couldn’t help but miss my friend, Dr. Carl Dieffenbach. It was just two years ago, at CROI 2024, in that same corner of the Convention Center, that Carl and I spilled the tea about the latest science. Reporting on the vaginal ring for HIV prevention, I served Carl the line, “if you like it…” and he dunked it: “you should put a ring on it.” Our livestreamed antics on HIV science at CROI 2024 got nearly 10,000 views. If you search for those interviews today, some of the written articles remain, but the videos have been taken down. Normally, Carl would have been at CROI 2026, but he was reassigned to another office after many years of service as the Director of the Division of AIDS at NIAID. But as I soon discovered, Carl was not
completely absent from CROI 2026. At the opening session, a new Lifetime Achievement Award was announced, and Carl was named the inaugural recipient. The ceremony described him as “kind, tireless, supportive, and as an often unrecognized champion of research efforts and the communities we serve.” I couldn’t agree more. To this prestigious award, I would like to add the highest honor that a drag queen can bestow: a place in her drag family moniker. Dr. Dieffenbach, I welcome you to the House of Moon, whence you will be known as Leopard Lily Moon.
I’d like to close with a summary of some of the science presented at CROI 2026 that focused on trans and gender-diverse (TGD) communities. Trans Day of Visibility takes place on March 31, and never has visibility been more important. Thank you to all the study participants and scientists who continue to represent and uplift TGD people.
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Counting and Caring for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals
A symposium moderated by Jade Ghosn and featuring Stefan Baral, Asa Radix, and Rena Janamnuaysook.
Presenters covered updates on HIV epidemiology among TGD communities, clinical guidelines, and community care. One key takeaway: we must maintain care for TGD communities and protect data integrity that is inclusive of TGD identity.
HIV Incidence in a Nationwide Cohort of Trans Women in the US
Part of an oral abstract session by Dr. Sari Reisner
This study documented high HIV incidence in trans women in the US with marked disparities by race, ethnicity, and PrEP indication. One key takeaway: trans people have competing priorities, and HIV prevention isn’t always at the top of the list. HIV interventions must fit into the lived experience of trans people.
Assessing Susceptibility of Cervical Explant Tissue of Transgender Men to HIV
A poster presented by Bokani Nleya
Findings suggest increased susceptibility of cervical tissue to HIV with testosterone therapy. Special note: this is the one and only item at CROI that I could find that was dedicated exclusively to trans men. Thank you, Bokani!
Bidirectional Relationship Between Exogenous Hormones and TDF/FTC Pharmacology in Trans Women
A poster presented by Mark Marzinke
A study performed with 13 trans women participants found that feminizing hormone therapy and PrEP can be taken together with confidence that one will not affect the other.
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Stigma and PrEP Use Among Transgender Women Under Differing State LGBTQ Healthcare Policies
A poster presented by Yuanqi Mi
In a survey of over 5,500 trans women, half reported healthcare stigma which was associated with lower PrEP use in US states with more harmful policy environments. Less than 10% of participants overall reported PrEP use.
Two posters by Carina Cesar and Maria Figueroa on HIV prevention and care cascade among trans people in Argentina
There is high HIV incidence among trans women in Argentina, highlighting a need for tailored interventions, especially trans people involved in sex work and sexualized drug use. For trans women living with HIV in Argentina, viral suppression remains below UNAIDS 95% targets; factors associated with lower viral suppression were migration, depression, sexualized drug use, and violence, highlighting a need for adherence support and structural interventions.
HPV Prevalence at Multiple Anatomic Sites Among Transgender People
A poster presented by Valentine Ferré
There is high HPV prevalence among TGD people and a need for better HPV vaccination uptake.
Real World Outcomes of DoxyPEP
A poster presented by Amanda Maguire-Wilkerson et al
TGD people are less likely to be aware of DoxyPEP and to have used it compared to cisgender men.
Opportunities to Improve Mpox Vaccination Coverage Among Transfeminine Persons Across the US
A poster presented by Kaitlyn Atkins
Nearly 75% of vaccine-eligible transfeminine people in this study were not vaccinated for mpox despite high levels of healthcare engagement.
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HONORING
BUTCH MCKAY
January 2026
Gail Broder, HIV Vaccine Trials Network
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It is with deep respect, gratitude, and affection that we honor the life and legacy of our longtime friend and colleague, Community Advisory Board member Butch McKay, who passed away Friday, January 30, 2026. Butch was one of the most outspoken, motivated, and unwavering advocates for people living with and affected by HIV. His commitment to this work spanned more than five decades, and his impact on our community is immeasurable.
Butch
began working with us long before we were known as the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. In 1989, Butch became involved as a Community Advisory Board member at the University of Alabama at Birmingham clinical research site working with the ACTG. He became involved with HIV vaccines when the site joined AVEG, which would eventually become the HVTN in 1999. Over the years, he played a vital role in shaping the Network’s community and ethical foundations. He served on the Global CAB, the Ethics Working Group, the Scientific Steering Committee, and the Network Evaluation Committee. He also represented the HVTN on Community Partners, convened by the Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination (HANC). During his tenure as chair of the HVTN’s Ethics Working Group, the HVTN became the first group in the National Institutes of Health to have a Participants Bill of Rights, created and adopted in 2003, an
enduring reflection of his belief in dignity, transparency, and the power of community. This document subsequently evolved as the Participants Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, with versions for HIV vaccine, TB vaccine, broadly neutralizing antibody, and analytical treatment interruption trials. In 2019, HANC worked to further evolve the document as the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for HIV Research, adopted by all 4 DAIDS-funded research networks. Butch was the first author on a poster presentation describing this effort at the AIDS Vaccine 2007 conference held in Seattle, WA.
We knew Butch as a CAB member we could always rely on for honest insights, for timely updates, for review of protocols and other Network initiatives, and for a fierce, compassionate commitment to ending HIV and involving communities in research. His presence strengthened our work, and his leadership helped move the field forward. The HVTN recognized Butch for his extraordinary leadership with the Octavio Valente, Jr. Award for Volunteer Service in 2008, and he continued his active involvement in our work to the present.
To Butch, we say thank you—for your decades of service, your courage, your voice, and your heart. You brought us closer to a reality without HIV, and we are profoundly grateful.
We miss you, Butch. We will carry your legacy forward and continue the fight to end HIV. We send our condolences to the staff and volunteers of the clinical research site at the University of Alabama-Birmingham who had worked with him most closely for so many years.
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HANC REPRESENTS AT NaLa 2026
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Dr. Kenric Ware and Russell Campbell will present:
Older adults deserve a shot: Long-Acting HIV injectables for aging Latine populations
Tuesday, April 21st
2:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Location: Dallas A
Dr. Kenric Ware and Russell Campbell will present:
DoxyPEP discrimination: A newer STI prevention escaping older Latine adults
Thursday, April 23rd
10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: Dallas A
Gabriella Olague will present a poster on behalf of HANC's Latinx Caucus:
"Five Considerations for Meaningful Inclusion of Latine People in HIV Clinical Trials"
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Sharon Nachman, MD
IMPAACT Network Principal Investigator
Department of Pediatrics
State University of New York at Stony Brook
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Sharon Nachman, MD, serves as Principal Investigator and Chair of the IMPAACT Network, where she helps guide the network’s scientific vision and ensure its research agenda continues to advance global HIV prevention and treatment for mothers and children. Dr. Nachman has led HIV clinical trials since serving as site PI for PACTG 076 early in her career, and she has remained continually funded in HIV research ever since. Motivated by the power of collaboration and community, she is focused on advancing long-acting therapies, cure research, TB treatment strategies, and prevention of breast milk transmission to help achieve global 95/95/95 goals and ultimately, change lives.
Describe your current work in HIV research.
As network PI, I see my role as keeping the Network moving! There are many very smart people who work on our research agenda, and as network Chair, I need to look ahead and help plan what we need to do now to get our mission accomplished.
I am also a SUNY Distinguished Professor and hold the title of Knapp Endowed Chair in Pediatrics at my institution. I serve as the Chief of the Division of Pediatric ID, Associate Dean for Research as well as Director of our institution’s Office of Clinical Trials.
My HIV clinical trial background started when I was a junior faculty at Stony Brook, and I was the site PI for PACTG 076. I have been continually funded to do HIV work since that time.
What goals do you have for the coming year?
I think it will be important to understand what NIH is asking from the Networks as well to understand what our community wants and needs us to do to accomplish WHO’s 95/95/95 goals. Some of these goals include focusing on understanding the safety and pK of long-acting molecules and novel TB therapies in our populations, moving ahead with our cure agenda, and working on developing studies assessing how to best prevent breast milk transmission.
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Share a career highlight.
There are so many highlights that I can think about. They range from being introduced by David Ho as a rising investigator at an oral presentation at CROI to getting the Herman and Gertrude Silver Award and Lectureship by the Perelman School of Medicine to receiving my Distinguished Professorship title by the SUNY System.
What motivates you in this work?
Our community and our peers keep me motivated. We have seen the direct benefit of what the Network has accomplished over the years, and understanding how much more we can do gives me a push to keep on working as a team to develop studies, change guidelines, and ultimately, change lives.
What are your passions outside of work?
Everyone needs a hobby, and I have two: cooking and cycling. While I am not a pro at either, I can say that I am learning how to succeed at both. When my children were younger we all cooked together. Now they can easily out-cook me, and I am thrilled to see it. I enjoy riding my bike outside and enjoy listening to the birds and smelling the air. Am I the fastest ride? Of course not. But getting there first was never my goal; it was all about the journey.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I have always been interested in archeology. Thinking about the past and how it has shaped us today is important. I would like to go back to school to learn more about ancient civilizations and perhaps join a dig in the future.
What is your drink of choice?
I'm a tea drinker, never coffee! I love the different varieties of tea that are available from around the world, and I keep a hot water urn in my office to be able to make a cup whenever I need one. Just the comforting smell of the tea while its brewing is relaxing. Of course, I enjoy having cookies with my tea, and that’s why there are always snacks in my office (which I share).
Tell us something that most people wouldn’t know about you.
I am a first generation American. My parents were both survivors of Nazi Germany’s attempt to exterminate them and their families, and they came to the US to build a better and safer future for themselves. They came here as teenagers and met after they were here. Their work ethic and attention to family is something that I saw growing up, and I hope that I have duplicated it.
A devoted tea drinker who keeps a kettle close at hand, Dr. Nachman finds comfort in the ritual of brewing a cup and sharing it with others—much like the community-centered approach she brings to her work. As the daughter of Holocaust survivors who built a new life in the United States, she carries forward their resilience, work ethic, and commitment to community. That spirit fuels her dedication to HIV research and her openness to partnership—she is always game to collaborate with HANC to strengthen the field and improve the lives of children and families worldwide. Thank you, Dr. Nachman!
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Teopista Nakyanzi: Advancing Community Engagement in Uganda
For more than two decades, Teopista Nakyanzi has helped shape what meaningful community engagement looks like in clinical research in Uganda. Since 2001, she has served as Community Liaison Coordinator at the Makerere University–Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration, ensuring that community voices inform study design, ethics, and implementation.
As she looks toward retirement, she reflects on the journey that defined her career.
A Calling in the Midst of the Epidemic
Nakyanzi’s path was shaped during the height of the HIV epidemic in Uganda.
“My journey into community engagement was shaped by the HIV epidemic at a time when it was devastating families and communities across Uganda,” she says.
Before joining MU-JHU, she worked with THETA Uganda, helping translate emerging research into community education around HIV treatment and prevention, including mother-to-child transmission.
A defining moment came in 2001 at the 3rd International Conference on Global Strategies for Prevention of Mother-to-Infant HIV Transmission in Kampala.
“That session gave me hope and clarity,” she recalls. “I felt this was where I belonged and where I could meaningfully contribute.” At the time, she often told colleagues she hoped to live long enough to see a cure for HIV.
From Uncertainty to Partnership
When Nakyanzi joined MU-JHU, a Community Advisory Board (CAB) had been identified—but its role was unclear.
“The early meetings were challenging,” she says. “Researchers presented large, highly technical protocols, and CAB members struggled to engage because of the scientific language.”
Over time, through glossaries, visual aids, and trainings such as Good Participatory Practice, CAB members grew in confidence. They began interpreting scientific concepts in local languages and actively contributing to discussions.
“Watching CAB members grow into informed and active contributors is what kept me motivated over the years.”
The CAB evolved as research expanded. Former study participants, parents, journalists, and youth representatives joined. A Youth CAB was established for adolescent studies. Later, PrEP champions and implementation science sub-groups were added.
CAB members moved from listening to presentations to shaping informed consent documents, recruitment materials, and translations. Many went on to serve in global research networks and national ethics committees.
“This shift reflected a deeper, more meaningful partnership between researchers and communities,” she says.
When Community Voices Changed Research
Nakyanzi points to moments when community input directly shaped studies.
During consultations for the HPTN 042 study on PrEP use among pregnant women, concerns were raised about introducing new products during early pregnancy. Stakeholders recommended phasing enrollment and reviewing hospital data for comparison.
“These recommendations were adopted,” she says, “and contributed to the successful implementation of the first PrEP study among pregnant women.”
In another instance, CAB members shared that some parents feared starting ART for their children due to rumors that children became sicker after beginning treatment. Elevating that concern helped inform subsequent research priorities.
“These moments showed that community engagement is not symbolic,” she says. “It improves research.”
Learning Across Networks
Over the years, the MU-JHU site participated in studies across multiple networks, including ACTG, HIV Prevention Trials Network, HIV Vaccine Trials Network, Microbicide Trials Network, and International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Network.
“During annual meetings, we all attended plenary sessions where different networks presented their work,” she says. “The trainings were very enriching.”
One area that stood out was pediatric assent and disclosure in ACTG studies. In Uganda, disclosure is recommended at age eight, yet many parents found this deeply difficult.
“There was still a lot of stigma, pain, and difficulty in talking about HIV with young people,” she says. She recalls the DISCOKIDS study as especially important in addressing these challenges.
Building and Sustaining Trust
Trust, she notes, has always required intention.
“Deeply ingrained rumors and misconceptions referring to past negative research experiences are widespread,” she says. “Robust and genuine community engagement is essential.”
She emphasizes transparency—not only about the science, but about ethical oversight, regulatory processes, and the role of CABs. She also stresses the importance of sharing study findings with communities.
“When dissemination of research findings is not adequately done, it significantly undermines community trust.”
With Uganda’s new National Guidelines in Community Engagement in Research mandating CABs across research institutions, she sees a strong future ahead.
“The future of community participation in research in Uganda is bright,” she says.
After more than 20 years, Nakyanzi leaves behind a clear message: meaningful research is done with communities, not merely in them.
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Researchers from the HPTN presented 7 posters at the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) from 22-25 February 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Poster topics covered several areas to inform the scientific community on the latest data available, including novel interventions, the effectiveness of injectable PrEP, HIV testing, and PrEP use, retention, and persistence.
Abstract titles, authors, and viewable PDFs will be available soon on the HPTN website.
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On Thursday, February 19th, 2026, the HVTN proudly partnered with the Boston Museum of Science and the Raw Science Film Festival for the Lee & Nile Albright Annual Symposium and screening of the network's documentary, “The End of HIV: The Journey to a Vaccine”, held in the iconic Mugar Omni Theater. The event featured special guest Dr. Anthony Fauci as well Dr. Larry Corey, HVTN Principal Investigator, for an inspiring evening of conversation, connection, and shared commitment to ending HIV.
Over 25 years, scientists, doctors, and volunteers have pursued an HIV vaccine, confronting scientific setbacks and breakthroughs along the way. As communities around the world rally to support the effort, the film captures the global collaboration, personal sacrifices, and enduring commitment driving one of medicine’s most urgent and ambitious quests.
The film will be shown during the HVTN’s Full Group Meeting in Washington, DC, May 6-8, 2026.
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Left to Right:
Michael Ferguson; Larry Corey, MD,
Lindsey Baden, MD, Anthony Fauci, MD, Insoo Hyun, PhD, Sally Bock, Keri Kukral, Norbi Zylberberg
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Anthony Fauci, MD, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (1984-2022), Larry Corey, MD,
Founder and Principal Investigator, HVTN
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Study Updates
- IMPAACT 2044 enrolled its first participant on 16 February 2026. The study is designed to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of ceftriaxone and benzathine penicillin G during pregnancy, and will take place at sites in the United States.
- IMPAACT 2046/UPLIFT opened to accrual as of 16 February 2026. The study is exploring infant feeding preferences, practices, and outcomes among mothers with HIV and their families at sites in the United States.
IMPAACT at CROI 2026
You can view all abstracts here.
Annual Meeting
The IMPAACT Network Annual Meeting will take place virtually from 9-11 June. The Community Plenary sessions will be held 4-5 June and are open to anyone who registers for the Annual Meeting. Registration and meeting details will be shared on the Annual Meeting page in the coming months.
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Behavioral and Social Sciences
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Kathleen Pescasio
HANC Cross-Network
Project Manager
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The Behavioral Science Consultation Group: No updates at this time.
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Murph Fuentes
Project Manager
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Russell Campbell
HANC Director
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Community Partners (CP): Community Partners has formed an ad hoc working group to create a TB White Paper, outlining the work and collaboration between CP and the Community Research Advisors Group (CRAG) that explores the complex relationship between HIV and TB.
The Community Partners Executive Committee will welcome new IMPAACT representative Patricia Humura to the working group when the group convenes in April.
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Cross-Network Coordination
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Kathleen Pescasio
HANC Cross-Network
Project Manager
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The Site Coordinators Working Group (SCWG) discussed ongoing access issues with the DAIDS Learning Portal, particularly for international sites, and reviewed alternative HSP/GCP training options while DAIDS works toward a long-term solution. Updates were also provided on upcoming SCORE Manual revisions related to ICH R3, and anticipated guidance regarding future CTU structures.
The Evaluation Working Group (EWG) shared plans for the upcoming evaluation cycle and addressed challenges with international site enrollment and site funding. The group also reviewed the status of SCORE Manual revisions and discussed logistical considerations for distributing honoraria to community members.
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Tyler Brown
HANC Laboratory
Project Manager
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The CPQA Cross-Network Clinical Pharmacology Forum (CNCPL Forum) met in February to review proficiency testing updates, upcoming reports (emtricitabine and alafenamide), and a forthcoming site vote to retire low-priority ARVs as the program shifts focus to anti-tubercular compounds. Reminder: CPQA and HANC launched a new laboratory working group to support open dialogue and resource sharing among pharmacology labs. Email tdbrown3@fredhutch.org
to join.
Ongoing DAIDS Learning Portal (DLP) access issues: If you’re having trouble accessing lab (or other) trainings in the DLP, please note that DAIDS is working to establish alternative access methods for partners who are unable to register for or access the portal. See the attached DAIDS memo for guidance and resources to help reduce the impact in the meantime.
Looking ahead:
- The February Lab Focus Group call was postponed to the first week of March due to conflicts with CROI; we’ll share an update in the next HANC Nexus.
- The CPQA Advisory Board will reconvene on March 11.
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Brian Minalga
HANC
Deputy Director
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Gabriella Olague
Legacy
Project Coordinator
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2/23-25/26: Coverage of the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections took place online with CROI Breakfast Clubs, including an overview of trans and gender-diverse science presented by Brian.
3/16-20: Brian and Gabriella will be at AIDS Watch and SYNC in the DC area.
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Follow Legacy Project on Social Media!
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AIDSWatch 2026 (Washington DC, USA)
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Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit (BHPS) (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
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2026 NaLa Conference (Dallas, Texas, USA)
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HVTN Annual Network Meeting (Washington DC, USA)
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IMPAACT Annual Meeting (Virtual)
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Continuum 2026 (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
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AIDS 2026 (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
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2026 U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS (Anaheim, California, USA)
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