NTIDC - North Texas Infectious Disease Consultants

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day!

04/30/2026

You may have seen "Cicada" trending online — and no, it's not about the insects. 🦗

The CDC and WHO are both monitoring a COVID-19 variant called BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," which has been detected in at least 25 U.S. states and 23 countries. While it's spreading, it is not yet the dominant strain in the U.S., and the CDC is not currently reporting a nationwide increase in severe disease, hospitalizations, or emergency visits.

That said, experts note the variant may have some ability to partially evade existing immunity. The CDC recommends staying up to date on your COVID vaccine, especially if you are 65 or older, immunocompromised, or have chronic health conditions like heart or lung disease.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, our team is here. Stay informed, stay protected. 🛡️
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-19-variant-cicada-ba32/

The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.

04/29/2026

HIV prevention is becoming more convenient than ever. At CROI 2026, researchers shared major updates on two longer-acting PrEP options now in Phase III trials:

💉 Once-Yearly Lenacapavir (Injectable) — Building on the already groundbreaking twice-yearly Yeztugo shots (which were 100% effective in women and 96% effective in gay and bisexual men in trials), Gilead is now pushing toward a once-yearly intramuscular injection. The Phase III PURPOSE 365 trial is actively recruiting diverse participants ages 16 and up who are at risk for HIV.

💊 Once-Monthly Oral PrEP (MK-8527) — For people who prefer a pill, Merck's MK-8527 showed strong safety and protective drug levels throughout an entire month — with a forgiving 7-day dosing window. Two large Phase III trials are now underway across 16+ countries.

Fewer doses. Same powerful protection. More options mean more people can find something that works for their lifestyle.

Have questions about PrEP? Our team is here to help you find the right fit. 💬
https://www.poz.com/article/next-steps-longeracting-prep

Once-yearly injectable PrEP and once-monthly prevention pills are now in late-stage trials.

04/28/2026

A new treatment option is here for people living with HIV. The FDA has approved Idvynso — a once-daily, single-tablet regimen combining doravirine and islatravir — as a switch option for adults with an undetectable viral load.

What makes this notable? It's the first complete HIV regimen without an integrase inhibitor or tenofovir, offering a genuinely new class of treatment. Studies also showed stable kidney function biomarkers and minimal changes in weight, lipid levels, and blood sugar compared to existing options.

If you're currently on HIV treatment and wonder if Idvynso might be right for you, talk to your provider. Our team is here to help. 💊
https://www.poz.com/article/fda-approves-new-hiv-combo-pill-idvynso

Once-daily doravirine/islatravir single-tablet regimen is a switch option for people with viral suppression.

04/27/2026

We're incredibly proud to share that North Texas Infectious Diseases Consultants was recognized as the #1 enroller in not one, but three major HIV clinical trials at this year's Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) — including ARTISTRY-1, MK-8591A-053, and EMBRACE.

What does that mean for you? It means patients right here in North Texas have access to cutting-edge HIV treatments before they're widely available anywhere else. Our Principal Investigator, Dr. Christopher Bettacchi, breaks down what these trials are studying — from novel drug combinations to next-generation broadly neutralizing antibodies — and why this research matters for the future of HIV care.

Read the full story and learn how you can get involved in clinical research. 👇
https://dallasvoice.com/ntid-is-top-enroller-in-3-clinical-trials-cited-at-croi/

Bettacchi: 'It gives us another powerful tool to control the virus and continue moving toward better, more manageable treatment options'

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day!

04/08/2026

There is a new COVID-19 variant nicknamed "Cicada" (BA.3.2) making headlines. While it has been detected in 25 states, hospitalizations currently remain on a downward trend.
At North Texas Infectious Diseases Consultants, we’re keeping a close eye on the data regarding its 70+ mutations and how it affects current vaccine protection. Check out this breakdown from CBS News for the full story: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-19-variant-cicada-ba32/

The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.

03/06/2026

We’re proud to share exciting research updates presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Denver last week.

Research conducted at North Texas Infectious Diseases Consultants, with Dr. Bettacchi and Dr. Berhe as Principal Investigators, was recognized across three important HIV studies — with NTIDC Research serving as the top enroller in all three.

These studies explored promising advances in HIV treatment, including:
• Potential new combination pill options such as bictegravir/lenacapavir and doravirine/islatravir
• Research on broadly neutralizing antibodies to help maintain viral suppression

This work reflects NTIDC’s ongoing commitment to advancing HIV care through clinical research and expanding treatment possibilities for patients.
Read more at https://www.infectiousdiseases.com/in-the-news-dallas-plano-irving-tx.php

The staff and physicians at North Texas Infectious Diseases Consultants provide expert medical care in Dallas, Plano and Irving. Our doctors treat bacterial, fungal and transplant infections and HIV.

02/20/2026

🦠 Exciting news for immunocompromised patients! New in vitro data confirms that Pemgarda (pemivibart) continues to effectively neutralize the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant XEC, which now accounts for a significant portion of circulating COVID-19 variants in the US. As the virus evolves, Pemgarda's ability to target the stable receptor-binding domain of the spike protein remains a crucial tool for protecting our most vulnerable patients. Read more about how this monoclonal antibody is making a difference. 💉

https://www.contagionlive.com/view/pemgarda-maintains-effectiveness-against-evolving-sars-cov-2-variants

Robert Allen, PhD, discusses how Pemgarda’s stability in targeting the spike protein's receptor-binding domain offers crucial protection, including immunocompromised individuals.