Viral Load Monitoring System Measures all HIV Types

There is no requirement for specialized sample preparation and amplification rooms, or for a costly initial investment.

Standard ELISA equipment, together with ExaVir Load start-up equipment, is required for the analysis. ExaVir Load determines viral load based on quantification of reverse transcriptase activity and can measure any known HIV type or subtype with high accuracy. The separation equipment used in ExaVir Version 3 makes the procedure less time-consuming, more efficient, and easier to handle. Several independent studies have shown the assay to be as accurate and reliable as any other commercially available test, with the added benefit of being able to detect all HIV subtypes. This is particularly important in regions like sub-Saharan Africa where different HIV subtypes are common

Cavidi AB (Uppsala, Sweden) entered into an agreement with the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI; Little Rock, AR, USA) under which its ExaVir Load assay will be immediately available to members of CHAI's Procurement Consortium at a lower price. With more than 70 developing countries in the consortium, the agreement is a significant step toward making viral load monitoring more accessible to HIV-positive patients in the developing world.

Viral load monitoring is essential for the proper management of HIV-positive patients being treated with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). The test helps doctors use ARVs more effectively to extend a patient's lifespan and quality of life, limit the development of viral resistance, and minimize waste of medication. "Viral load testing is an essential part of HIV management. As more people in the developing world gain access to ARVs, it's important that access to viral load testing keeps pace,” said Cavidi CEO Martyn Eales. "It [is] Cavidi's goal to make monitoring more accessible in all countries. I [am] very pleased with our partnership with President Clinton's Foundation because it brings us closer to reaching that goal.”

Although viral load monitoring has been a standard part of treatment in developed countries, it has been impractical for use in developing nations where HIV infection is most widespread because traditional viral load tests are expensive and require technically advanced laboratory facilities. ExaVir Load is designed to overcome these obstacles.

"We face a global HIV/AIDS emergency and laboratory tests are a vital component of HIV/AIDS care and treatment,” said Deepak Verma, CEO of CHAI. "The success of treatment programs is dependent not only on the ability to diagnose and qualify HIV-positive patients for therapy, but also to monitor treatment efficacy and safety, and to manage disease treatment. We are pleased to work with Cavidi and commend them for helping to make HIV viral load tests available at lower cost to members of our Procurement Consortium.”

Cavidi AB's mission is to make medical diagnostics more accessible in those parts of the world where resources and infrastructure are limited. Their products include ExaVir Load and ExaVir Drug, which are used in HIV management.

CHAI assists countries in implementing large-scale, integrated HIV/AIDS care and treatment programs. It partners with 28 countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. CHAI provides technical assistance, mobilizes human and financial resources, and facilitates the sharing of best practices across projects. CHAI also provides access to reduced prices for HIV/AIDS drugs and diagnostics to more than 70 countries.


Related Links:
Cavidi AB
Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative