101 Biomedical Prevention of HIV/AIDS in Russia

The epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Russia is currently in its concentrated phase characterized by concomitant coinfections (hepatitides B and C and tuberculosis). Although subtype A1 is dominant, subtype B and CRF 03 (A/B recombinant) are also present. Recent subepidemic eruptions of HIV infection in Siberia/Urals and the Far East have involved A/G recombinant and subtype C, respectively. Approaches to biomedical prevention of HIV/AIDS in Russia include vaccine and microbicide development. Candidate HIV vaccines have been developed independently by three Russian research centers. In one of them, the conjugated protein–polymer vaccine VICHREPOL, use is made of an original domestic immunoadjuvant polyoxydonium. This candidate, developed in the Institute of Immunology, is currently undergoing a phase II clinical trial. A broad-coverage screening of natural and synthetic compounds for anti-HIV activity is currently underway in Russia, aiming at identification of chemicals appropriate for pre-exposure prophylaxis and use as microbicides. Unique compositions of antivirals have been developed, as well as nanotechnology-based means of their delivery, the combinations thereof showing significant promise as microbicide preparations. The presentation will highlight the present state of research on biomedical prevention of HIV/AIDS in Russia.