Updated HIV guidelines from WHO promote prevention and lower barriers to care
There is no cure for HIV, but highly effective treatments can slow or stop the virus from replicating, allowing infected individuals to fight other infections. New medications offer an alternative to daily antiretroviral treatment (ART) and come in the form of long-acting injectables, which are administered twice per year. On 14 July 2025, WHO broadened the use of these injectables to be administered as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) - a recommendation that will change the epidemiology of HIV if instituted.
Long-acting injectable PrEP, which only needs to be administered twice per year, will transform the HIV landscape. People who face challenges with daily adherence to their current PrEP treatments, stigmatised groups and those who lack consistent access to healthcare will have a new, safe, effective option to prevent HIV infection. Also, as part of the new guidelines, HIV testing has been simplified, broadening the availability of both long-acting injectable PrEP and the traditional daily PrEP by removing barriers. By enabling community-based delivery of long-acting PrEP through pharmacies, clinics and telehealth services, the WHO hopes to dramatically increase the proportion of at-risk individuals who have easy, affordable access to prevention services. Broader access to PrEP worldwide will result in fewer new HIV infections in the future.
GlobalData epidemiologists monitor incident cases of HIV in the seven major pharmaceutical markets (7MM: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK and the US) and have already forecasted a slight decrease in the annual number of new cases, from almost 59,000 new cases in 2023 to 56,000 in 2033. With broader access to PrEP across the 7MM, it is reasonable to expect a more notable decrease in annual new cases, especially in at-risk groups who are already candidates for daily PrEP. These averted HIV infections will translate to fewer overall HIV cases, which has a compounding effect. Fewer HIV cases in the community equals less overall risk of infection, even for those who are not protected by PrEP.
The new WHO recommendations come at a particularly uncertain time for global health funding. This suggests that while the technology to decrease the number of new cases — and thus the number of people who will need daily, lifelong treatment — is available, the political will to ensure this decrease occurs may be lacking. New PrEP options recommended by WHO will need to be backed with funding to implement at scale in communities most affected by HIV/AIDS in order to deliver on the expected decrease in annual new cases.
If achieved, this prevention will pay dividends. Fewer new infections will have a ripple effect across the long-term health of communities, improve economic productivity, decrease community instability and promote human rights globally.
"Updated HIV guidelines from WHO promote prevention and lower barriers to care" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand.
The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Postbiotics Market worth $224.8 million by 2030- Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets™
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets™, The postbiotics market is estimated at USD 146.7 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 224.8 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.9%, from 2025 to 2030. The demand for postbiotics is projected to rise significantly, driven by growing consumer interest in microbiome health and the inherent limitations of probiotics and prebiotics in terms of viability and stability. Postbiotics, composed of non-living microbial cells and metabolites, offer proven health benefits without the need for live microorganisms. Their high stability under extreme processing conditions makes them ideal for a wide range of product formulations, including shelf-stable dietary supplements, functional foods, and beverages. Heat-treated bacterial strains, most notably Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are widely recognized for their safety and scientifically supported benefits in gut, immune, and skin health. As consumer demand for microbiome-friendly solutions continues to grow, postbiotics are well-positioned to capture a larger share of the biotics market. Browse in-depth TOC on "postbiotics Market" 250– Tables30– Figures200– Pages Download PDF Brochure: Postbiotics in dry form to account for the fastest growth during the forecast period Postbiotic powders are versatile forms and attractive to consumers; they are expected to be the most rapidly growing during the forecast period because postbiotic powders offer a highly concentrated dose of bioactive compounds that can be easily incorporated into multiple food and drink formats such as smoothies, cereals, and snack bars-a boon for modern lifestyles with taste and convenience intact. From a manufacturing perspective, their dry, heat-stable nature makes it easy to process them without major modifications to existing equipment or product systems. In addition, the increasing disillusionment of consumers with conventional pills has made powders, gummies, and bars alternative delivery formats all the more popular. Although live probiotics may fail in such formats, postbiotics overcome this hurdle, much more so in dry form, making them the best solution for the manufacturers as well as health-conscious consumers. This combination of formulation ease, shelf stability, and growing end-user preference underlines why dry form postbiotics are expected to witness the steepest growth in future years. Cosmetics and personal care products segment to hold greater market share during the forecast period The trend of skinimalism increasingly embraces everything simple and multifunctional in skincare, thereby rapidly increasing the demand for postbiotics. Postbiotics address numerous benefits within a singular formulation. They have been introduced into cosmetics such as moisturizing creams intended to restore the hydrolipid barrier, anti-aging serums, and hair care containing agents that strengthen the scalp and improve hair condition. Coupling their multifunctionality with safety and stability makes postbiotics suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or otherwise problematic skin. They do not pose the risk of microbial overgrowth as live probiotics do, making them ideal for products aimed at restoring the skin's natural microbiome balance. With increasing eco-awareness and health-consciousness among consumers, and as interest rises in Clean Beauty and microbiome-friendly skincare, especially into 2025, postbiotics are expected to establish themselves as the active ingredient of choice within modern beauty. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and barrier-supporting qualities of postbiotics thus enhance their efficacy and safety and have driven the postbiotic to ever-rising prominence in next-generation cosmetics and personal care products. Request Sample Pages: European region to hold a significant market share in the global postbiotics market Most of the European consumers now claim to use dietary supplements, which reveals the growing trend toward preventive health and wellness. Growing consumer engagement creates a conducive environment for the postbiotic markets as people turn to scientifically validated, gut-friendly sources for postbiotics that can be easily incorporated into daily routines through supplements and functional foods. Active participation of the major regional players with respect to Associated British Foods plc (UK), can also be the reason of European postbiotic growth. In November 2023, AB Biotek Human Nutrition & Health (UK), subsidiary of ABF (UK) sealed a partnership deal with Tetra Pak (Switzerland) to come up with innovative postbiotic solutions for food & beverage, making it easy to incorporate postbiotics into mainstream products such as dairy, plant-based drinks, and snacks without any special equipment for their manufacturing. Such partnerships widen the simplicity of the formulation of products and visibility and accessibility of postbiotic-enriched offerings. With this innovation, seen by one of the dominant European players, ABF (UK), bringing postbiotics closer to consumers through the most consumed formats, public awareness is anticipated to grow quickly, and the market is expected to expand across the region. The report profiles key players such as Cargill, Incorporated (US), ADM (US), Kerry Group PLC (Ireland), dsm-firmenich (Netherlands), Associated British Foods plc (UK), BASF (Germany), Novozymes A/S, part of Novonesis Group (Denmark), International Flavors & Fragrances Inc (US), MCLS Europe B.V. (Netherlands), Phileo by Lesaffre (France), Lallemand Inc. (Canada), Sami-Sabinsa Group. (India), CJ CheilJedang Corp. (South Korea), Biotenova Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia), and Bioprox Healthcare (France). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: Browse Adjacent Reports @ Food and Beverage Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Functional Food Ingredients Market by Type (Probiotics, Protein & Amino Acids, Phytochemicals & Plant Extracts, Prebiotics, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Carotenoids, Vitamins), Application, Source, Form, Health Benefits and Region - Global Forecast to 2029 Probiotics Market Size, Share, Analysis, & Growth Trends Report by Product Type (Functional Food & Beverages (FnB), Dietary Supplements, and Feed), Ingredient (Bacteria and Yeast), End User (Human and Animal), Distribution Channel and Region - Global Forecast to 2029 About MarketsandMarkets™ MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore™, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact:Mr. Rohan SalgarkarMarketsandMarkets Inc.1615 South Congress 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445USA: +1-888-600-6441Email: sales@ Insight: Our Website: Source: Logo: View original content: SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Castle Biosciences to Present at the Canaccord Genuity 45th Annual Growth Conference
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Castle Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSTL), a company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care, today announced that its executive management is scheduled to present a company overview at the Canaccord Genuity 45th Annual Growth Conference on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern time. A live audio webcast of the Company's presentation will be available by visiting Castle Biosciences' website at A replay of the webcast will be available following the conclusion of the live broadcast. About Castle BiosciencesCastle Biosciences (Nasdaq: CSTL) is a leading diagnostics company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care. The Company aims to transform disease management by keeping people first: patients, clinicians, employees and investors. Castle's current portfolio consists of tests for skin cancers, Barrett's esophagus and uveal melanoma. Additionally, the Company has active research and development programs for tests in these and other diseases with high clinical need, including its test in development to help guide systemic therapy selection for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis seeking biologic treatment. To learn more, please visit and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. DecisionDx-Melanoma, DecisionDx-CMSeq, i31-SLNB, i31-ROR, DecisionDx-SCC, MyPath Melanoma, TissueCypher, DecisionDx-UM, DecisionDx-PRAME and DecisionDx-UMSeq are trademarks of Castle Biosciences, Inc. Investor Contact:Camilla Zuckeroczuckero@ Media Contact:Allison Marshallamarshall@ Source: Castle Biosciences while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Medscape
11 minutes ago
- Medscape
Alcohol and Pancreatic Cancer: New Evidence About Risk
Does drinking alcohol increase the risk for pancreatic cancer? Researchers have long suspected it does, but the evidence has remained inconsistent. Now, a global study of more than two million people is firming up the case that a link exists. The study, which pooled data from 30 prospective cohorts, found that daily alcohol intake was associated with a 'modest' increased risk for pancreatic cancer in both women and men, regardless of smoking status. However, the extent of the risk depended somewhat on how the researchers modeled alcohol intake. One model, which mapped continuous increases in alcohol consumption, suggested there is no safe dose of alcohol — any amount can increase the risk for pancreatic cancer, though only by 3% for every additional 10 g of alcohol per day or about two thirds of a standard drink. The other model, which compared risk by alcohol volume categories, found that the risk does not become significant until a certain alcohol threshold — about two to three drinks per day for men and one to two for women. Still, overall, 'our findings provide new evidence that pancreatic cancer may be another cancer type associated with alcohol consumption, a connection that has been underestimated until now,' the study's senior author Pietro Ferrari, PhD, head of the Nutrition and Metabolism Branch at International Agency for Research on Cancer, said in a statement. The co-author Jeanine Genkinger, PhD, MHS, had a stronger take on the findings. 'I think this shows that alcohol use is a robust risk factor for pancreatic cancer,' said Genkinger, associate professor, epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, noting that even more moderate drinking levels— no more than one drink for women and two for men — might be enough to boost pancreatic cancer risk. How Much of a Risk? The latest data, published in PLoS Medicine, come at a time of increased attention to the alcohol-cancer link. Earlier this year, then-US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, issued an advisory calling for cancer warnings to be added to alcohol labels. Major cancer organizations have determined alcohol to be an established risk factor for seven cancer types : those of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon/rectum. Despite the strong suspicion that drinking alcohol also contributes to pancreatic cancer risk, this aggressive cancer has not yet made the official list. The major reason is that the evidence surrounding an alcohol-pancreatic cancer link has been deemed 'inconsistent,' 'suggestive,' and 'inconclusive' by expert panels. Studies have been hampered by difficulties separating alcohol use from smoking — a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer — as well as varying findings by alcohol type and geographic location. In addition, certain studies highlighting a link have indicated that any association between alcohol and pancreatic cancer is driven only by more extreme drinking habits — more than four drinks a day, and sometimes as high as nine drinks. The latest analysis, Genkinger said, helps clarify uncertainty surrounding the alcohol-pancreatic cancer link, which is especially important for 'a disease where we don't have that many modifiable risk factors.' The findings are based on cohorts spanning four continents, all part of the Pooling Project of Prospective Studies of Diet and Cancer. Just under 2.5 million cancer-free participants were recruited between 1980 and 2013 (median age, 57 years), of whom 70% were alcohol drinkers, 47% were never-smokers, and 64% were alcohol drinkers and never smokers. Most study participants were from North America (60%), followed by Europe or Australia (32%) and Asia (8%). Alcohol intake was modeled in two ways: continuously for every 10 g/d increase and by volume threshold, using 0.1 to < 5 g/d as the reference for nondrinkers. For context, in the US, the amount of alcohol in a standard drink is defined as 14 g of pure alcohol — equivalent to a 12-ounce can of regular beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot glass of distilled spirits. Over a median of 16 years, the researchers observed 10,067 incidents of pancreatic cancers. In the continuous model, the risk for pancreatic cancer rose by 3% for every additional 10 g of alcohol consumed per day (hazard ratio [HR],1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.04). This association remained consistent and significant among women and men (HR, 1.03 for both), current smokers (HR, 1.03), former smokers (HR, 1.02), and never-smokers (HR, 1.03), and across cohorts from Australia, Europe, and North America (HR, 1.03 for all), though not Asia (HR, 1.00). The research team also found evidence that the type of alcohol mattered: Alcohol from beer and liquor/spirits was associated with a significantly increased risk for pancreatic cancer (HR, 1.02 and 1.04, respectively) but alcohol from wine was not (HR, 1.00). This finding is in line with some previous studies suggesting that wine may have a different relationship with cancer risk compared with other alcoholic beverages. But Genkinger pointed out, this finding could 'reflect the ways in which people tend to drink different types of alcohol.' Wine, she noted, is often part of a meal, and people who favor wine may be less likely to binge drink than those who typically choose other types of alcohol. This study, however, did not survey participants about specific drinking patterns, including binge-drinking. In the threshold model, however, the increased risk only became significant once alcohol intake reached a certain level. For women, drinking one to two standard drinks per day raised their risk for pancreatic cancer by 12% compared with little to no drinking. For men, the threshold was a little higher: Consuming two to four drinks a day was associated with a 15% increase in risk, whereas drinking more than that was tied to a 36% greater risk. Overall, this research contributes to the growing body of evidence that pancreatic cancer should be added to the official alcohol-cancer risk list, according to Alison Klein, PhD, MHS, professor of oncology, pathology, and epidemiology, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, who was not involved in the research. Having the Conversation The recent Surgeon General's advisory encouraged clinicians to inform their patients that drinking is a cancer risk factor — something unknown to most Americans, according to recent survey findings. 'I think this study is a good reminder to all of us to talk to our patients about their alcohol use,' said Edward Thomas Lewis III, MD, an addiction psychiatrist and clinical assistant professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina. Providers can take opportunities for those discussions during routine care, such as when prescribing a medication that can interact with alcohol or when a patient's health condition, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, can be exacerbated by drinking. 'I think these are opportunities to really remind people about moderation,' Lewis said, 'and to talk about some of the individual risk factors that may cause someone to make changes related to their drinking.' It's also possible that drinking might interact with certain genetic variants to modify pancreatic cancer risk — an avenue Klein and colleagues are exploring. What's challenging, Lewis said, is advising patients on what level of drinking is 'Okay,' given that even lower levels of alcohol consumption — around one to two drinks per day — may carry some risk. 'There is no zero-risk alcohol use,' Lewis said. But, he added, people do not necessarily have to abstain to see benefits, either. 'So it may be that a patient, at the end of the day, is able to reduce their alcohol consumption by two or three standard drinks over a given week. That still has a positive net effect,' he said. Another challenge is patients often don't know what a 'standard drink' looks like and can underestimate how much they drink. Showing patients visual examples — such as these— can be an eye-opener, Lewis said. Given the associations between drinking alcohol and many health outcomes, Genkinger said, it's important for clinicians to discuss alcohol use, just as they would discuss physical activity and healthy body weight. 'These are all lifestyle factors that have an impact on numerous disease outcomes, not only pancreatic cancer,' she said.
