UNC Center for AIDS Research

01/22/2026

A new study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine and led by Joe Eron, MD, Director of the CFAR Clinical Core, found that a new once-weekly oral HIV treatment regimen of islatravir plus lenacapavir (ISL + LEN) achieved virologic suppression through 48 weeks. These findings suggest that a once-weekly oral HIV treatment regimen could help reduce barriers associated with adhering to a daily pill for people living with HIV. Dr. Joe Eron discussed, “People living with HIV deserve options that work not only medically, but practically. Daily pills are effective, but they’re not the right fit for everyone. Seeing such strong suppression with a once‑weekly regimen is incredibly encouraging. It suggests we may be able to offer patients a simpler approach that still delivers the control they need.”

Read more here: https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2026/01/new-once-weekly-hiv-oral-regimen-shows-strong-results-after-48-weeks/

01/15/2026

The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) has begun the IPACE-HIV study (Improving Physical Ability and Cellular Senescence Elimination in HIV). IPACE-HIV aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of dasatinib and quercetin, medications that can help with reversing symptoms of frailty, in people living with HIV (PLWH), as well as their impact on physical function outcomes.

As Dr. Eron at UNC discussed, “ACTG is excited to undertake the first carefully controlled study evaluating senolytics as a potential intervention against frailty among people living with HIV. This approach is exciting because it focuses on altering what may be the underlying cause of age-related conditions instead of the conditions themselves.” Read more here: https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2026/01/actg-launches-ipace-hiv-to-study-frailty-intervention/

01/08/2026

UNC CFAR SBIS Core Director Vivian Go and Developmental Core Co-Director Bill Miller, along with their research team, recently published the findings from their implementation trial in ten provinces in Vietnam. The study aimed to compare two approaches to implementing the SNaP intervention: a “one-size-fits-all” approach and a tailored approach.

The results showed that using a tailored and locally informed approach to implement SNaP increased fidelity, compared to the “one-size-fits-all” method. Additionally, individuals who received the tailored SNaP approach had greater levels of viral suppression than those who received the standard version. Among both approaches, almost all participants initiated ART. These findings highlight the importance of using locally informed strategies when implementing evidence-based interventions related to HIV care and prevention for individuals who inject drugs.

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/4bbavctr and https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2026/01/landmark-findings-from-study-on-a-tailored-implementation-approach-improves-hiv-intervention-for-people-who-inject-drugs-in-vietnam/

12/18/2025

Congratulations to the UNC Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases for being awarded an ID STEP (Infectious Disease Structured Training and Engagement Program) grant! This grant will be used to develop a program for medical students to expand equitable access to infectious disease expertise for folks living in North Carolina, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The program will be led by Jessica Lin, MD, MSCR, and Brian Bramson, MD, and supported by Sarah Rutstein, MD, PhD and Christopher Sellers, MD, MPH. Read more here: https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/12/id-step-grant-award-will-build-north-carolinas-pipeline-of-infectious-disease-specialists/

11/20/2025

The UNC CFAR congratulates the Malawi HIV Implementation Research Scientist Training (M-HIRST) program for its recent renewal with partners at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences! The M-HIRST program will continue to strengthen Malawi’s capacity for mentored HIV and implementation research training. To date, 89 trainees have benefited from the program, creating a growing cohort of researchers in Malawi. Read more about the M-HIRST program and its renewal here: med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/11/m-hirst-grant-renewal-demonstrates-growth-and-leadership/

11/05/2025

We’re proud to share that CFAR member Sarah Rutstein, MD, PhD, has received a multi-year NIH R34 grant to pilot field-based HIV care delivery across North Carolina. Her research will focus on reaching people with HIV who are out of care—bringing treatment directly to communities and exploring the use of long-acting injectable ART, administered every two months instead of daily pills. This groundbreaking study will help shape future strategies to improve care access and viral suppression across the state. To read more about Dr. Rutstein’s work, click here; https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/11/cfar-member-sarah-rutstein-receives-multi-year-nih-grant-to-study-field-based-hiv-care-delivery-in-north-carolina/

10/29/2025

Join us for Medicine Grand Rounds on Thursday, Oct 30, 12–1 PM! Dr. David Wohl presents: “How Internists Will End the U.S. HIV Epidemic.” Attend in person (Old Clinic Building Auditorium, 4th Floor) or virtually.

10/28/2025

During University Research Week, the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases brought together leading researchers and the Center for AIDS Research leadership — including Drs. Sonia Napravnik, David Wohl, Ross Boyce, Vivian Go, and Sarah Rutstein — to discuss infectious disease threats, climate change, overdose crises, and system-level solutions. To read more about this discussion, click here to read the full summary of the discussion; https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/10/exploring-the-links-between-global-health-and-local-action/

10/21/2025

As we approach World AIDS Day 2025, UNC CFAR joins the global HIV community in a bold, unified call to action: Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.

This powerful theme also sets the stage for the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026).

UNC CFAR stands with our partners across North Carolina and around the world to carry this message forward into World AIDS Day 2025 and AIDS 2026.

10/17/2025

We’re proud to celebrate Ning Fu, Assistant Director of Finance at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center and a key partner supporting UNC CFAR!

A Chapel Hill native and lifelong Tar Heel, Ning recently received the Dean’s Performance Award, recognizing her dedication, leadership, and support of vital cancer and HIV research operations.

Since joining UNC in 2012, Ning has advanced through multiple roles — always with a focus on transparency, teamwork, and mission-driven service. She continues to play a crucial role in helping our research teams thrive. Click here to read more about Ning’s involvement in the CFAR;

Celebrating Leadership and Dedication: Ning Fu, Assistant Director of Finance October 9, 2025 By Barrett Winder The UNC Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) is proud to spotlight Ning Fu, a Chapel Hill native and lifelong Tar Heel, who recently received the Dean’s Performance Award for her exceptional ...

10/16/2025

Join us Thursday, December 11 from 8:00–10:00 AM for an exciting interactive workshop led by Dr. Liz Chen: “Innovating Together: Human-Centered Design Tools for HIV Investigators” in Room 3166 of the Mary Ellen Jones Building at UNC. This workshop will introduce practical HCD tools—like Extremes & Mainstreams and Journey Mapping—to help HIV researchers co-create with communities and drive impactful, innovative research. To learn more about this event and register, click here; https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/10/join-us-for-the-fall-2025-cfar-networking-event-human-centered-design-tools-for-hiv-research/

10/02/2025

After a remarkable career spanning decades in clinical medicine, public health, and HIV research, Dr. Carol Golin is retiring from her formal roles at UNC. As Director of the Social and Behavioral Research Core at UNC CFAR, Dr. Golin leads with compassion and a deep commitment to amplifying community voices. Her work has shaped national conversations on the structural drivers of HIV and has empowered the voices of those most impacted by the epidemic. Read more about Dr. Golin’s legacy and future in our latest UNC CFAR feature here; https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/10/honoring-dr-carol-golin/