It is an incredible honor to see our research continue to gain traction at international meetings. Most importantly, the BONE: STAR study has officially informed the inclusion of Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF)-containing ART as an alternative first-line regimen to TDF in the updated Uganda National ART Guidelines!
Led by Dr. Flavia Matovu Kiweewa and funded by Gilead Sciences, the investigator sponsored Phase IV BONE: STAR study provided critical evidence on the safety and efficacy of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) in low- and middle-income countries. By specifically evaluating bone mineral density and renal markers, our research demonstrated that TAF offers a superior safety profile for long-term bone health compared to TDF-based regimens. These local data was instrumental in proving that TAF is not just a global standard, but a viable and necessary option for our local communities.
Our work has been proudly featured by at several prestigious global forums, including:
- 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025): Held July 13 – 16, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda.
- 23rd Edition of ICASA 2025: Held December 3 – 8, 2025, in Accra, Ghana.
- 3rd African Workshop on Women & HIV 2026: Held March 12 – 13, 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa.
- 20th Edition of INTEREST 2026: Held May 12 – 15, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
What does this mean for clinical practice right now?
Access Update: While TAF is not yet publicly available in government health facilities, private practitioners can now actively prescribe it for patients who stand to benefit most from its bone-sparing properties. This is a vital step toward personalized HIV care, allowing clinicians to protect the long-term mobility and health of their patients.
Special thanks to our resilient participants, whose dedication made this data possible, and to Gilead Sciences for supporting this vital work. Together, we are ensuring that global prevention and treatment strategies remain effective, inclusive, and culturally relevant.
Progress everywhere starts with advancing local insight. Let’s keep moving science forward!
