TABLE OF CONTENTS
HANC ANNOUNCEMENTS
NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS
HANC PROGRAM UPDATES
CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
9:00 – 10:00 AM PST / Noon – 1:00 PM EST / 1:00 – 2:00 PM BRT / 6:00 – 7:00 PM SAST
On behalf of the Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination, you are invited to join a Community Conversation with the Acting Director of the Division of AIDS, Bob Eisinger.
The focus of this moderated conversation with Acting DAIDS Director, Bob Eisinger will include updates and Q&A on the following:
- Network Recompetition Updates
- CTU Recompetition
- Community Input/Engagement
- Implementation Science
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DATE: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
TIME: 1:00 to 2:00 PM PDT
Join us on May 6th as The No Scripts No Stigma team brings together various perspectives to unpack what reductions in funding to the systems that have sustained HIV prevention, care, and research that are being steadily dismantled mean; not just for access to medication, but for the full ecosystem of care and representation that supports people living with and impacted by HIV.
Engage with us as part of an honest conversation about the real-world consequences of these disruptions, including the impact of interrupted services, eroded trust, and widening gaps in care and representation. Attendees will be invited to share their responses, what’s at stake, and how we persist despite these uncertainties to continue to promote health and resilience within our communities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2026 Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit
April 8 - 10, 2026
Murph Fuentes
The Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit made one thing unmistakably clear this year: ending the HIV epidemic requires more than biomedical tools—it demands a syndemic approach that confronts the overlapping social, structural, and political forces shaping people’s health.
Throughout the summit, conversations centered on how HIV does not exist in isolation. Issues like housing instability, stigma, aging, racism, transphobia, and access to culturally competent care are deeply intertwined with prevention and treatment outcomes. A syndemic lens pushes the field to move beyond siloed solutions and instead design strategies that reflect the full complexity of people’s lives. It’s not just about what works scientifically, it’s about who can actually access it, how, and under what conditions.
That urgency was underscored by a shared awareness in the room: the current political climate is actively threatening progress. Attendees spoke candidly about the erosion of HIV funding, the rollback of essential services, and the chilling effects of political interference on public health, especially for marginalized communities. The call to action was clear: we cannot separate science from advocacy.
Powerful remarks from Delia Ramirez, the first Latina elected to Congress in Illinois and the Midwest, grounded the moment in both history and responsibility. Alongside her, Harold Phillips, newly appointed CEO of National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), reinforced the importance of community leadership in navigating this critical juncture.
|
|
|
|
|
Click to listen to powerful opening remarks from NMAC CEO Harold Phillips at the 10th annual Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit and a call to action admidst the ever shifting federal landscape.
|
|
Click to watch as Congresswoman Delia Ramirez brings the fire and demands for MORE at the 2026 Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sessions throughout the summit brought the syndemic framework to life. Russell Campbell and Dr. Kenric Ware highlighted gaps and opportunities in aging populations through presentations like Older Adults Deserve a Shot: Long-Acting HIV Injectables for Aging Populations, DoxyPEP Discrimination: A Newer STI Prevention Escaping Older Adults, and Cultural Communicators: Spanish-Speaking Pharmacy Students as Content and Communal Liaisons. Their work emphasized that innovation must reach those too often left out of the conversation.
In Reality Check: Renewing Our Commitment to Community Health in the Era of Political Interference, Brian Minalga, along with Reyna Matoaka Ortiz and Greg Millett, reflected on their lived experiences advocating for the integrity of HIV research and programs against a strong current of political ideology. Core to their workshop was a reminder that defending the truth and protecting trans lives are inseparable from ending the epidemic.
Across every session, one theme remained constant: PrEP access and delivery are crucial. Breakthroughs in prevention, especially long-acting options, mean little if they are inaccessible due to cost, stigma, provider bias, or policy barriers. A syndemic approach demands we fix those delivery systems with the same urgency as we develop new interventions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gabriella Olague with Russell Campbell and Dr. Kenric Ware.
|
|
Jim Pickett with Brian Minalga and Reyna Matoaka Ortiz.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And in the midst of it all, there was joy. Gabriella Olague and Murph Fuentes were everywhere: capturing, amplifying, and soaking in the brilliance of the summit. Even drag star Shea Couleé brought their signature energy to the space, a reminder that culture, visibility, and celebration are vital parts of this movement too.
The takeaway from BHPS is clear: to end HIV, we must meet people where they are: with care that is integrated, affirming, and fiercely protected. Science alone won’t end the epidemic. But science, paired with equity, access, and community power, just might.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Team HANC SHINES (L to R): Murph Fuentes, Brian Minalga, Gabriella Olague, and Russell Campbell.
|
|
RuPaul's Drag Race All Star Shea Couleé brings the SPARKLE to HIV prevention.
|
|
|
|
|
Russell Campbell, Gabriella Olague, and Dr. Jahn Jaramillo say Howdy!
|
|
Dr. Daniel Castellanos and Gabriella Olague proudly present their poster.
|
|
Russell Campbell and Andrew Gutierrez III are all smiles.
|
|
|
|
|
APRIL 21 - 23 2026
DALLAS, TEXAS
Gabriella Olague
|
HANC staff members Russell Campbell and Gabriella Olague recently attended the 2026 National Latinx HIV/AIDS Conference (NaLa) in Dallas, Texas, where researchers, clinicians, community leaders, and advocates gathered to address the disproportionate impact of HIV on Latine communities. Russell Campbell, alongside collaborator Dr. Kenric Ware, delivered two presentations focused on prevention strategies for older Latine adults.
Their first session, Older Adults Deserve a Shot: Long-Acting HIV Injectables for Aging Latine Populations, explored the implementation of long-acting injectables in older Latine populations, including strategies for engagement and considerations around acceptability. Their second presentation, DoxyPEP Discrimination: A Newer STI Prevention Escaping Older Latine Adults, highlighted the potential of DoxyPEP to address rising STI rates among adults over 50. Paired with educational efforts like the
Sex Never Gets Old campaign, these approaches offer promising tools to reduce STI and HIV rates in older Latine communities.
Gabriella Olague in partnership with collaborators Drs. Daniel Castellanos and Jahn Jaramillo from the Latinx Caucus presented their poster, 5 Considerations for Meaningful Inclusion of Latine People in HIV Clinical Trials, breaking down specific recommendations for inclusion of Latine people throughout the research lifecycle.
|
|
|
|
|
Dallas lights up for NaLa!
|
|
Keeping collaboration fun: Russell Campbell, Dr. Jahn Jaramillo, Gabriella Olague, Drs. Kenric Ware and Daniel Castellanos.
|
|
Gabriella Olague, Russell Campbell, and Dr. Jahn Jaramillo looking fierce in red for La Marcha Del Amor.
|
|
|
|
Congratulations Dr. Dianne Rausch
HANC would like to join the chorus to congratulate Dr. Dianne Rausch on her retirement from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) as the Director, NIMH Division of AIDS Research. Dr. Rausch has been a part of the NIMH for 40 years.
Dr. Rausch’s vision, leadership and guidance have made a meaningful and lasting impact across the HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks. It has been our pleasure and honor working with Dr. Rausch over the years.
Thank you for all your years of service, support, collaboration, and dedication Dr. Rausch. We wish you all the best in this next chapter of your journey.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jim Pickett
The Legacy Project, Co-Chair
Chicago, Illinois
|
To know Jim Pickett is to know community. Jim has long stood at the forefront of HIV advocacy, known for his unwavering commitment to centering community voices and pushing prevention strategies that are both equitable and grounded. Throughout his career, he has challenged systems to do better: demanding accountability, amplifying the needs of those most impacted, and ensuring that prevention remains a priority rather than an afterthought. In today’s increasingly fraught political climate, where hard-won progress in HIV prevention and care faces renewed threats, Jim continues to show up with clarity, urgency, and resolve; ready not just to defend community, but to fight for a future where access, dignity, and justice are non-negotiable.
Describe your current work in HIV research.
I am a member of The Legacy Project - currently in the role of Co-Chair - and am not affiliated with a specific trial site or organization. I have worked in the HIV space for about three decades, most of it focused on advocacy in support of HIV prevention research and implementation. Through this work I have had the opportunity to collaborate with a range of scientists and community members across a wide array of projects and initiatives. My north star remains community led advocacy in terms of choice - modality and program - and centering our work in pleasure, holistic health, and an empowered, assets-based approach.
What goals do you have for the coming year?
To continue calling out the regime, and to help articulate a vision for the future that rebuilds from the slashing and burning new systems and structures that put community first, front, and center. We should not just continue to tweak and fiddle with programs that serve no one well. Sweep the ashes and start fresh. And never let anyone tell you we don't have the money. We most certainly do.
|
Share a career highlight.
I have been lucky to have had an interesting and fulfilling career marked with a number of highlights along the way. But the one I will share is most current - and that is helping to bring the PrEP4Teens project to life. Chicago-based and citywide in scope, PrEP4Teens (prep4teens.com;
@prep4teens) is a teen-directed social marketing and community mobilization campaign activated by the creative arts and focused on young people of color representing all genders and sexual identities. Starting with collaborative research conducted with colleagues at Northwestern University in 2020 to the project launch at the end of 2023 (marked by a PrEP themed mini-ball) to its vibrant, growing life based at TaskForce Prevention and Community Services - I have never quite felt this mixture of love and pride, and I have never had the chance to see something I helped incubate grow up and thrive without me. It's a beautiful thing. The best.
What are your hopes for the future of HIV research?
Instead
of going big picture with this question about my hopes for the future of HIV research, I am going to go very specific. I hope to see - in the next decade or less - HIV prevention research deliver a safe, effective rectal microbicide in the form of a rectal douche. The idea of a rectal douche that could deliver the hygiene you want paired with effective HIV prevention is incredibly exciting. Douching before anal sex is common the world over; such a product would be the first ever HIV prevention intervention that offers behavioral congruence. I believe it would be a wonderful choice for many people's prevention needs. Rectal douche research has been underway for decades, actually, and a tenofovir-based rectal douche is wrapping up a Phase II study with the HIV Prevention Trials Network right now. And I am hopeful network leadership will support a Phase III study if Phase II results
are promising. I've been talking about a rectal revolution for years - and this is what I am talking about. Let's make booty magic! And let's continue to champion true choice!
What are your passions outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to travel and listen to music. And food, I love all kinds of deliciousness.
What sound or noise do you love? Why?
I love the sound of rain in the forest. Especially if I am inside, warm and dry. Nothing like it.
Tell us something that most people wouldn’t know about you.
Because of the work I do, people assume I have advanced degrees. What many may not know about me is that I am a college dropout. After having 7 or so "majors" - I left school and several years later fell over backwards into public health. It was the best backward fall I ever did.
If there's one thing specific to Jim, it's passion. HANC is privileged to have him serve as Legacy Project's Co-Chair, no fancy degrees required. We hope in the midst of all this advocacy Jim finds some peace with the rainfall, or at least a really good meal to give him the strength to keep fighting for the community. Thank you Jim!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ACTG Investigators Reflect on the STOMP Study
When the global mpox outbreak emerged in 2022, clinicians scrambled to treat patients presenting with painful lesions of the skin, genitals, and mouth — including many people living with HIV. While there was no proven mpox antiviral, many reached for tecovirimat, which was approved for treatment of the related smallpox virus based on studies in animals. Despite widespread use and a compassionate use program established by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it remained unknown whether tecovirimat would be effective in people with mpox. In response, ACTG rapidly launched STOMP (A5418), an international clinical trial to evaluate tecovirimat for the treatment of mpox.
Among the investigators leading this effort were Jason Zucker, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and William Fischer, Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina — two physicians who brought distinct paths and perspectives to ACTG at a critical moment.
For Dr. Zucker, the connection was immediate. As a sexual health provider in New York City, he was caring for patients at the start of the outbreak. “I was on the front lines… caring for patients before the medical community had any real guidelines,” he said. When ACTG began assembling the STOMP protocol team, his experience made him a natural fit.
Dr. Fischer’s path began earlier, shaped by his introduction to infectious diseases research and the ACTG model of collaborative, patient-centered science. “ACTG has always been my model for how rigorous clinical research should be conducted,” he said. He later joined the network during the COVID-19 pandemic and went on to serve as Vice Chair for STOMP.
STOMP was a phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating tecovirimat in people with mpox. Launched in September 2022, the study enrolled participants across 50 sites in seven countries, reflecting both the urgency of the moment and the strength of ACTG’s global infrastructure.
“What I find most remarkable about STOMP is the speed with which we were able to develop a rigorous protocol and move it through every required step… in a fraction of the time it would normally take,” Dr. Zucker said. The study also included a remote participation arm, expanding access to individuals who might not otherwise have been able to enroll.
At a time when treatments were being widely used without definitive evidence, STOMP helped answer a critical question. The results showed that while tecovirimat was safe and well tolerated, it did not improve clinical outcomes compared with placebo—underscoring the need to continue evaluating new therapeutic options.
For Dr. Fischer, the study demonstrated what is possible in an emergency. “Rigorously designed and well-conducted randomized controlled trials can be stood up quickly during public health emergencies,” he said, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based care even in rapidly evolving situations.
Both investigators emphasized that ACTG’s ability to respond so quickly is rooted in its longstanding global network and deep community partnerships, foundations that cannot be built in the midst of a crisis.
STOMP found no clinical benefit of tecovirimat and helped to shift care away from the use of this drug.
“Ultimately, it comes back to the patients,” said Dr. Zucker. “It all comes back to the patient who needs a better answer than I currently have.”
Dr. Fischer echoed that focus, pointing to both impact and collaboration: “The opportunity to have a meaningful impact on patient care and the chance to learn from exceptional colleagues.”
As ACTG continues to respond to emerging infectious diseases, investigators like Drs. Zucker and Fischer highlight the strength of the network, bringing new perspectives, real-world experience, and a shared commitment to advancing patient-centered research when it matters most.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join us 17-20 May for the 2026 HPTN Annual Meeting!
Online and at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, USA, this hybrid meeting will bring together researchers, community partners, and stakeholders from around the globe to engage in meaningful discussions regarding the Network’s scientific agenda, highlight current studies, and collaborate on future HIV prevention research priorities. The meeting will feature plenary sessions, workshops, and collaborative presentations designed to spark bold ideas and strengthen partnerships.
Register today!
|
|
|
|
|
Now Available: HPTN-led Research from CROI 2026
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. Posters are now available on the HPTN website
. 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. Findings from HPTN 111 (TRIM) and HPTN 112 (Njira) were presented at the conference, focusing on the feasibility and acceptability of HIV prevention services among men who are often overlooked by HIV programming.
|
|
|
|
|
Rafael Gonzalez, Sr. Community Engagement Manager, led a session titled “Preparing for what’s next: practicing how to talk about emerging HIV prevention research” at this year’s Latinx Conference on HIV, HCV, and Substance Use Disorders, held April 21 - 23 in Dallas, TX. The session focused on how to talk about complex concepts like bnAbs and Analytical Treatment Interruption (ATI) trials in ways that are clear, grounded, and easy to understand.
HVTN has kicked off a new Implementation Science Working Group co-chaired by Dr. Delivette Castor (Columbia University, New York) and Dr. Adrienne Shapiro (Seattle Vaccine Trials Unit CRS), and supported by Dr. Michele Andrasik and Linda Oseso (HVTN LOC). The group is currently working on Implementation Science manuscripts to disseminate information about HVTN’s implementation science work. In addition, the group has identified 5 sub-groups which will work to move work in the following areas forward: (1)
Highlighting Implementation Science Work across the Network; (2) Embedding implementation science questions within clinical trials where appropriate; (3) Developing centralized implementation science expertise and resources shared across DAIDS networks; (4) Differentiating Social & Behavioral Sciences, Implementation Science, and Community Engagement; and (5) Network Training to increase IS Knowledge and competency. The group will be meeting every two weeks initially as work gets underway.
HVTN will be returning to Washington, DC for our annual Full Group Meeting, May 6-8, 2026, with a hybrid option for participating virtually. In addition to plenary sessions focused on HIV vaccines, TB vaccines, bnAbs, ATI trials, and Implementation Science, there will be opportunities to hear from the Scientific Leadership Development scholars, presentation of awards, a poster session, and a screening of the award-winning documentary “Ending HIV: The Journey to a Vaccine.” There will be a full schedule of breakout sessions for community members as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Early Career Investigator Program Applications
Reminder! The Early Career Investigator (ECI) program is accepting applications for the 2026-2028 cycle. The goal of the ECI program is to support early career investigators in the completion of a project using data or samples generated by IMPAACT Network studies. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please check out the ECI page to find additional information, eligibility criteria, and key dates. The deadline to apply is
5 June 2026.
Annual Meeting
Registration will open the first week in May for the virtual 2026 IMPAACT Network Annual Meeting! The Community Plenary sessions will be held 4-5 June, followed by the Network Plenaries on 9-11 June. Registration and meeting details will be shared on the Annual Meeting page.
Expanding Options for Treatment of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Children
A clinical trial that will evaluate use of pretomanid in children for treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis is now under development. The study, IMPAACT 2051, will expand on the results from IMPAACT 2034 to use pretomanid with bedaquiline and linezolid with or without moxifloxacin (BPaL/M) in children. The study will evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of the regimen.
|
|
|
|
Behavioral and Social Sciences
|
|
|
|
Kathleen Pescasio
HANC Cross-Network
Project Manager
|
The Behavioral Science Consultation Group: No updates at this time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Murph Fuentes
Project Manager
|
|
Russell Campbell
HANC Director
|
Community Partners (CP): Community Partners has continued work on a TB manuscript for publication, outlining the work and collaboration between CP and the Community Research Advisors Group (CRAG) that explores the complex relationship between HIV and TB. Community Partners also hosted another call for the current GCAB Co-Chairs, discussing issues with CAB governance, onboarding, training, and member participation, with goals to improve communication between CP and GCABs.
The Community Partners Executive Committee met in April and began planning for the CP Annual Meeting, to be held virtually this year. An array of topics, from implementation and Analytical Treatment Interruption science to strengthening site-community relationships and evaluation of community impact, will be explored in the coming months.
|
|
|
|
Cross-Network Coordination
|
|
|
|
Kathleen Pescasio
HANC Cross-Network
Project Manager
|
The Cross-Network Data Management Center Working Group (DMCWG) discussed DSUR processes and updates related to system improvements across networks. They also reviewed data management challenges and audit-related requests.
The Communications Working Group (CWG) shared network updates and plans for the new year, including conference activities and annual meetings. Members also discussed anticipated changes within communications teams.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyler Brown
HANC Laboratory
Project Manager
|
In April, the Cross Network Clinical Pharmacology Forum met to discuss updates including revisions to the Proficiency Testing report template to align with ISO 17043 accreditation standards, updates related to Proficiency Testing Round 57, and the launch of the updated Drug Assay Directory.
The Lab Focus Group met in April to discuss site transitions related to automated molecular diagnostics platforms, ongoing shipping disruptions and efforts to streamline shortage tracking, upcoming updates to the Cross Network PBMC SOP, and updates to Primary Network Laboratory assignments.
AI in bioanalysis workshop: For those interested, EBF’s Autumn Focus Workshop 2026 will focus on responsible uses of AI in bioanalysis. The meeting will be held September 10 - 11, 2026, in Málaga, Spain. More information here: https://meetings.e-b-f.eu/autumnfocus/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brian Minalga
HANC
Deputy Director
|
|
Gabriella Olague
Legacy
Project Coordinator
|
|
|
DAIDS has responded in writing to the Legacy Project regarding our submission of community and stakeholder input into the Network recompetition. The Legacy Project will be discussing these important responses in the coming months, when further dialogue between DAIDS leadership, Network leadership, and the community will continue to unfold.
April 21 - 23: The Latinx Caucus' Gabriella Olague and Drs. Daniel Castellanos and Jahn Jaramillo attended NaLa 2026 and presented their poster Five Considerations for Meaningful Inclusion of Latine People in HIV Clinical Trials.
April 28: The Legacy team celebrated the anniversary of the publication of the Representative Studies Rubric (RSR) in the American Journal of Bioethics Empirical Bioethics.
The RSR is a twelve-item questionnaire designed to improve the representativeness of study populations in HIV clinical trials. It represents years of community-based, evidence-based practice and a dedication to research that is meaningfully responsive to the communities most affected by HIV. Congratulations to the authorship team: Brian Minalga, Rona Siskind, Russell Campbell, Tyler Adamson, Allegra Cermak, Annet Davis, Eddie Givens, Molly Dyer, Katie McCarthy, Nicole Montañez, Rhonda White, and the entire Legacy Project team! Celebrate this milestone by reading the RSR publication and putting the RSR’s legacy into practice. The article is
free to read in PubMed Central.
|
|
|
Follow Legacy Project on Social Media!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HVTN Annual Network Meeting (Washington DC, USA)
|
|
|
|
IMPAACT Annual Meeting (Virtual)
|
|
|
|
Continuum 2026 (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
|
|
|
|
AIDS 2026 (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
|
|
|
|
2026 U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS (Anaheim, California, USA)
|
|
|
|
|
