Two shots in one: Tackling HIV and Hepatitis C infections

Novel vaccines have been created to prevent co-infections of HIV and the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a growing health problem in Europe.

The vaccines, developed by scientists working on the ground breaking PEACHI project, combine antiretroviral therapies and vaccines that stimulate targeted immune responses. The HCV virus, which can lead to chronic liver disease and cancer, is a leading cause of death in HIV co-infected individuals. An estimated 2.3 million people globally are co-infected with HIV and HCV.

The EU-funded PEACHI project sought to address this challenge by building upon the success of antiretroviral therapies, which have led to a dramatic improvement in life expectancy for people with HIV infection. While the drugs do not kill or cure the virus, they can prevent the growth of the virus when taken in combination. When the virus is slowed down, the danger of further HIV complications is reduced.

Read more: cordis.europa.eu