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The International Workshop on HIV & Hepatitis Virus Drug Resistance and Curative Strategies has gained a reputation over the past 20 years as the premier meeting on antiviral resistance. Leading laboratory and clinical scientists present their latest research at this Workshop, which often results in innovative approaches to antiviral therapy. The Workshop is renowned for the quality of the data presented and the depth of the scientific interaction and debate.
The Workshop continues to attract the most prominent scientists and clinicians, thereby maintaining the Workshop's excellent reputation for cutting-edge science and service. Additionally, through support of our Funding Partners, scholarships are available for young scientists and community representatives.
HBV/HCV Resistance
In view of the rapidly expanding area of HBV/HCV drug development and the many parallels with antiretroviral therapy, the Scientific Committee is building on last year’s success with the addition of HBV/HCV resistance content.
HIV Drug Resistance in Resource Poor Countries
One of the topics that will be highlighted at this year’s Workshop is the emergence of HIV drug resistance as a consequence of the global expansion antiretroviral therapy. In past years, the number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy in low and middle-income countries has increased. This enormous progress is potentially threatened by the selection and transmission of HIV drug resistance. It is important that all scientists investigating HIV drug resistance internationally share data and ideas, as well as develop potential synergistic collaborations.
Investigators working on HIV-1 drug resistance in developing countries are strongly encouraged to submit abstracts describing their latest findings to the Workshop.
HIV-1 Persistence, Reservoirs and Elimination Strategies
Current antiretroviral therapy suppresses HIV-1 infection but cannot eradicate it because there are long-lived cellular reservoirs that are latently infected or that chronically produce HIV-1. These reservoirs are likely to be the source of residual low-level viremia on antiretroviral therapy, although ongoing, complete cycles of HIV-1 replication have not been excluded. The persistence of HIV-1 requires new insights into the molecular basis of latency, the cellular and anatomic reservoirs of HIV-1, the immunopathogenic consequence of viral persistence, and novel approaches to reduce or eliminate viral expression and cellular reservoirs.
Investigators working on HIV-1 persistence, reservoirs and elimination strategies are strongly encouraged to submit abstracts describing their latest findings to the Workshop.
| APPLICATION |
| The International Workshop on HIV & Hepatitis Virus Drug Resistance and Curative Strategies is a closed workshop, with a limited attendance of 250 delegates. All individuals interested in attending this Workshop MUST submit an application prior to the deadline of Monday, March 26, 2012. An on-line application is available on this Workshop website. All applications will be acknowledged, but this acknowledgment does NOT represent a confirmation of acceptance to register. Applications sent via E-mail cannot be accepted. |
| Workshop Objectives: |
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Needs Assessment
Clinicians are faced with several challenges related to HIV drug resistance when treating individuals with HIV. The first challenge is determining the clinical implications of resistance on disease treatment and progression, and predicting the effect of resistance on viral fitness and infectivity in the possible context of suboptimal treatment.
A second challenge surfaces when one considers mutational analysis and interpretation. Resistance may be screened for using phenotypic and genotypic assays, and it has been shown that interpretation of these results is variable, even by experts. In addition, new technologies are currently in development. For example, at the 2005 Resistance Workshop, 10 detection technologies and 10 interpretation techniques were presented.
Another problem is the understanding of cross-resistance profiles within drug classes and repercussions for therapeutic options, and the related question of how mutation interactions can affect treatment outcomes.
Several studies documented transmission of resistant virus at the rate of 12.1 – 24.1%. Understanding stability of these viral strains in the treatment naïve and newly diagnosed individuals is critical for providing optimal care.
In view of the rapidly expanding area of HBV/HCV drug development and the many parallels with antiretroviral therapy there are potentially lessons to be learned from the HIV drug resistance field, which could benefit/enhance the use of new HBV/HCV drugs.
Target Audience
This Workshop was designed to interest physicians, clinicians, scientists and clinical researchers in the HIV and HBV/HCV resistance arena.
Accreditation
The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.
Cultural and Linguistic Competency Statement
This activity is in compliance with California Assembly Bill 1195 which requires continuing medical education activities with patient care components to include curriculum in the subjects of cultural and linguistic competency. Cultural competency is defined as a set of integrated attitudes, knowledge, and skills that enables health care professionals or organizations to care effectively for patients from diverse cultures, groups, and communities. Linguistic competency is defined as the ability of a physician or surgeon to provide patients who do not speak English or who have limited ability to speak English, direct communication in the patient’s primary language. Cultural and linguistic competency was incorporated into the planning of this activity. Additional resources on cultural and linguistic competency and information about AB1195 can be found on the UCSD CME website at http://cme.ucsd.edu.
Faculty Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor. All persons involved in the selection, development and presentation of content are required to disclose any real or apparent conflicts of interest. All conflicts of interest will be resolved prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners through one of the following mechanisms 1) altering the financial relationship with the commercial interest, 2) altering the individual's control over CME content about the products or services of the commercial interest, and/or 3) validating the activity content through independent peer review. All persons are also required to disclose any discussions of off label/unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Persons who refuse or fail to disclose will be disqualified from participating in the CME activity.
WORKSHOP VENUE
The entire Workshop will be held in Sitges, Spain:
Melia Sitges
Joan Salvat Papasseit, 38
08870 Sitges (Barcelona)
Spain
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodation at the Melia Sitges is included in the registration package. All confirmed, registered delegates will have a single-occupancy room reserved for four (4) nights, June 5-8, 2012, inclusive. Any additional nights and incidentals will be the responsibility of the delegate. The discounted group rate is subject to rate and space availability prior to and after the meeting.
REGISTRATION FEE INFORMATION
Upon notification of acceptance, the delegate must REGISTER for the Workshop.
Payment of the Workshop registration fee includes the following:
Registration Fees (Payable in US dollars)
Workshop registration fee: $1300
Accompanying guests, sharing room with delegate: $600
Cancellation Policy
Due to the nature of this closed Workshop and the proximity of registration to the commencement of the Workshop itself, all registration fees are nonrefundable.
Passport Information
The documents you need to travel to Spain vary depending on where you are from. We strongly recommend you contact your local Spanish Consulate or Embassy to get more information on these requirements.
Barcelona Airport
The Melia Sitges is located within a 45-minute drive of the Barcelona Airport (BCN).
Complimentary Airport Shuttle
Hours of Operation:
The Workshop is pleased to offer a complimentary airport shuttle service on the days of June 5 (for arrivals) and June 9 (for departures) to and from the Barcelona International Airport (BCN). Once you have collected your baggage and exit customs you will be greeted by a representative holding a Resistance Workshop sign. You will then be escorted to the shuttle and then on to the Melia Sitges Hotel.
Airport to Hotel
Tuesday, June 5, 2012: 08:00 hours - 18:00 hours
Shuttles depart from Terminals 1 & 2 every 30 minutes on the half hour.
Hotel to Airport
Saturday, June 9, 2012: 06:30 hours - 15:00 hours
Shuttles depart for Terminal 1 & 2 every 30 minutes on the half hour.
Please confirm with the airline which terminal your flight departs from prior to boarding shuttle.
Driving Directions from Barcelona Airport
Please visit www.meliasitges.solmelia.com for driving directions the Melia Sitges.
Climate
Spain's predominant climate is Mediterranean-temperate with warm, dry summers. The average temperature in June is 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the evenings.
Credit Cards, Currency and Exchange
All major international credit cards are accepted. Foreign currency and traveler's checks can be exchanged at the foreign-exchange office in the airport or at most hotels, shops and restaurants. The currency system in Spain is the Euro.
Electrical Power
Electric appliances in Spain work with 220 volts, CA. 50 Hz and plugs conform to the European system of round pins with two holes. If you will need to use an adapter, please be sure to use an appropriate transformer as well.
Tipping
In restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers and so on, gratuity is already included in the price. Although optional, tips are readily accepted and a general guideline is 5 to 10% of the bill, depending on the quality of the service. Hotel and airport porters will take, depending on the luggage you have, 1 Euro per bag.
Official Language
English will be used throughout the Conference. Simultaneous translations will not be made available.
LETTER OF INVITATION
International registrants who require a letter of invitation to obtain a travel visa may contact Informed Horizons directly by email at dmullett@informedhorizons.com. Please include your name, address, and note requesting a letter of invitation. Delegates from China should also include their passport number, date of birth and gender. All letters of invitation will be sent via email unless otherwise requested.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
A limited number of scholarships are available for young scientists, age limit of 35 for eligibility, and community representatives. Please indicate on your APPLICATION FORM that you wish to apply. You must also provide a letter from your mentor/supervisor indicating your need for a scholarship and a copy of your passport or driver's license.