James E. Cummins, Jr., Ph.D. is currently the Acting Branch Chief of the Preclinical Microbicide and Prevention Research Branch in the Prevention Sciences Program within the Division of AIDS (DAIDS) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). As part of the DAIDS mission to develop highly effective HIV prevention strategies, Dr. Cummins leads a team that manages a portfolio of grants and contracts supporting the preclinical development of non-vaccine biomedical prevention products (e.g., PrEP). The services under the contracts are provided on a case-by-case basis and are designed to assist product developers in filling key gaps in their product development pathways. These services have enabled the acquisition of critical data, development of essential methods, manufacture and characterization of products, fulfillment of regulatory requirements, and completion of studies necessary for entering clinical trials. These contracts have supported development of a range of product types (e.g., gels, films, intravaginal rings, suppositories, and long-acting injectables), and facilitated the advancement of 12 products into NIAID-sponsored clinical trials. Prior to joining NIH, Dr. Cummins served as the Principal Investigator on multiple NIAID contracts. He utilized his expertise in mucosal immunology and retrovirology to further development of the tissue explant model and other drug assays used to select and advance lead microbicide candidates.
