Dr. J. Gerardo García-Lerma, PhD, leads the Antiretroviral Prophylaxis Team at the Laboratory Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). His research team developed animal models to investigate antiretroviral drugs and combinations than can be used to prevent HIV transmission in humans either as pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis. These studies integrate efficacy measurements with detailed pharmacokinetic evaluations in blood and mucosal tissues to define correlates of protection. His early work with FTC/TDF provided proof of concept for daily and “on demand” PrEP and helped design several clinical trials that led to the approval of Truvada® for PrEP. His work with CAB long acting and FTC/TAF also supported the clinical advancement of these drugs for PrEP. Current research interests are focused on long-acting drug delivery systems for HIV treatment and prevention including injectable drug formulations and implants. Dr. J. Gerardo García-Lerma has a MS in Biotechnology and a PhD in Cell Biology and Immunology from the University Complutense of Madrid, Spain.
