CART2025_Emblem
Meeting category
Date(s)
2 Aug 2025 - 3 Aug 2025
Important dates
Early Registration Deadline
Friday, 31 January 2025 at 11:59 PM IST
Location
Chennai, India
Meeting type
In-Person Meeting

Chennai Antiviral Research and Treatment Symposium (CART) 2025

General
What's New
  • The Abstract Submission Portal is open! Click here for more information about abstracts.

  • The Registration Page is now accessible. Registration waivers and discounts are available for specific categories. Click here for the fees and conditions.
     
  • The Chennai Antiviral Research and Treatment Symposium (CART) 2025 will be held from 2-3 August 2025 in Chennai, India. More information regarding the venue will be announced in due time.
  • To stay updated on the relevant developments, make sure you are signed up for our newsletter

About this Program

The Chennai Antiviral Research and Treatment Symposium (CART) aims to provide an annual, high-quality, abstract-driven, scientific platform for data sharing, presentation, discussion, and education in the field of HIV, Hepatitis, TB, and emerging viral diseases.

As of the latest data from UNAIDS, India has an estimated 2.4 million people living with HIV. The southern states, including Tamil Nadu where Chennai is located, have traditionally had a high HIV prevalence rate, particularly among high-risk groups such as sex workers and migrant populations. In Chennai specifically, targeted interventions and awareness programs have been pivotal in reducing the spread of HIV. The city’s strategic location as a hub for industry and migration has influenced its HIV demographics.

India’s national response, guided by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and supported by UNAIDS, emphasizes reducing regional disparities by scaling up prevention, care, and treatment services in high-burden areas. The country has also focused on achieving the 95-95-95 targets to curb the epidemic by 2030.

As of the latest data, India’s progress towards the 95-95-95 targets is as follows: Approximately 77% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in India are aware of their HIV status (the First 95). Among those diagnosed, about 84% are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (the Second 95). Of those on treatment, approximately 87% have achieved viral suppression (the Third 95).

While these figures indicate significant progress, they also highlight the gaps that remain, particularly in the initial diagnosis stage. Efforts are ongoing to close these gaps and move closer to the global 95-95-95 targets.

The CART Symposium will serve as a platform for clinicians, researchers, and public health experts to share the latest findings, discuss clinical trials, and explore new strategies for managing and treating viral infections. The event is particularly relevant for those involved in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and aims to impact treatment guidelines and improve patient outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings.

Program Chairs
Kenneth H. Mayer, 2021
Kenneth H. Mayer, MD
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center / The Fenway Institute / Harvard Medical School, United States
General Information 
Who Should Attend?
- Researchers
- Clinicians
- Government representatives
- Industry representatives
Practical Information 
Venue
The venue will be announced in due time.
Travel
Travel is not included in the registration fee.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in the registration fee.
Badges
All participants are requested to wear the badge at all times during the conference to ensure admission to the symposium.
Certificate of Attendance
A certificate of attendance will be sent to you after successfully completing the program and post-meeting survey.
Language
The official language of the symposium is English.

Translation will not be provided.
Symposium Materials
The symposium materials can be obtained upon registration at the registration desk at the Symposium Venue.
Code of Conduct
All attendees, speakers, co-organizers, partners, endorsers, suppliers, volunteers, and employees at any of our programs are expected to observe our Code of Conduct. We cannot tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, disrespect, or the marginalization of those involved in our programs. All participants of VE and AME-organized programs are expected to treat others with dignity and respect at all times.

Any individual who feels discriminated against, harassed, disrespected, or marginalized is encouraged to report the incident(s) to VE and AME via info@amededu.com or to one of our on-site personnel.

Any participant who is found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others may be removed from the program.
Disclaimer
This symposium is intended for educational purposes only and aims to offer participants the opportunity to share information. The Organizing Secretariat of this event, Virology Education, cannot accept any liability for the scientific content of the sessions or for any claims which may result from the use of information or publications from this symposium. Virology Education disclaims all liability for injuries or losses of whatever nature incurred by individuals attending the symposium.
Liability and Insurance
By registering for the symposium, participants agree that the organizers do not accept responsibility for medical-, travel- or personal insurance. Participants are advised to take out their own insurance policies.
Photographs, Audio, and Video Recording
Photographs, audio, and video recordings are not permitted at the official symposium sessions. Only the official medical writer appointed by the organization may make recordings. All presentations will be posted here as soon as possible after the symposium is finished, provided the speaker has given permission to do so.
Registration
Register with the Early Fee until 31 January 2025!
Fees and Conditions

Regular Delegates 

Industry Delegates

Early Fee

(payment before/on 31 January 2025)

€ 595 € 895

Standard Fee

(payment before/on 30 May 2025)

€ 745 € 1045

Late Fee

(Payment from 31 May 2025 on)

€ 845 € 1145

Fee Waivers

Abstract Submitters who are eligible as:

Early-Career Investigators (ECI) / Regular Delegates from a Resource-Limited Setting (RLS)

50% discount on the Early Fee

Abstract Submitters who are eligible as Regular Delegates from a High Income Countries

Early applicable fee

Early-Career Investigators (ECI) / Regular Delegates from a Resource-Limited Setting (RLS)

50% discount on the current applicable fee

Representatives of Endorsing Organizations

25% discount on the current applicable fee

Representatives of Sponsoring Industry

Please contact the meeting secretariat

Financial Concerns

If you have financial concerns, please contact the meeting secretariat

*Countries included in the low-income and middle-income economies list of the World Bank Classification

Important
  • We strongly advise that you register early to ensure your registration. Registration will close when the capacity of the venue is reached.

  • Submission of your online registration does not guarantee that your registration has been accepted. Your registration is final when full prepayment has been received and a confirmation of your registration has been sent.

Registration Fee Includes
- Access to all scientific sessions, including poster area;
- Conference pack, including digital abstract book and printed program book;
- Refreshments during the coffee breaks;
- Buffet lunch on meeting days;
- Complimentary entrance to the Networking Reception*
- Access to all enduring materials

* The Networking Reception will take place in the same venue of the meeting and will not have any music / entertainment of any shape or form. The Networking Reception only offers finger foods and the opportunity to have a look at the chosen abstract poster presentations.

IMPORTANT:

- No day rate is available
- Virology Education reserves the right to cancel improper registrations. Claims for a refund will not be honored.
Group Registration
For registration of groups larger than 5 participants, please contact the meeting secretariat at Jesper.Niesen@amededu.com.
Early-Career Investigators / Academia from Resource-limited Settings (RLS)
We are pleased to offer 50% discount on the Early Fee for early-career investigators and academia from low-income and lower-middle-income countries with an accepted abstract and a 50% discount on the regular fee without an accepted abstract.

IMPORTANT: The discount is offered to the presenting author only.

To be eligible as an early-career investigator, one should either be a current Master/PhD student or have obtained an MD/PharmD/PhD degree in the last five years. An application form needs to be completed by a supervisor and received by the Virology Education secretariat at least two weeks prior to the start of the workshop. Virology Education will contact the early-career investigator with instructions regarding the registration procedure.
Payment
By credit card only: online or by written authorization (see online registration).

Please contact the Secretariat at Jesper.Niesen@amededu.com if you need to make alternative arrangements.
Cancellation Policy
In case of cancellation, the following refunds are applicable:

- Cancellation before/on 1 July 2025: 50% refund (minus an administration fee of €40)

- Cancellation after 1 July 2025: Unfortunately, no refund will be given

If you are unable to attend the workshop, a substitute delegate is always welcome at no extra charge, provided that a letter of authorization from the original participant has been received and the conference secretariat has been notified of the name of the substitute delegate before 18 July 2025. A statement (email/letter) of cancellation must be sent to Virology Education.
Liability and Insurance
By registering for the conference, participants agree that the organizers do not accept responsibility for medical, travel, or personal insurance. Participants are advised to take out their own insurance policies.
Media Registration
In order to register as a media participant for the Conference, the conference secretariat needs to receive:

1. Proof of accreditation
2. Valid identification (e.g. passport)
3. A letter from your assignment giver stating the details of your assignment (e.g. editor)
4. At least 3 previous written assignments in recognized outlets on HIV. If you are a freelance journalist, the assignments can be from different (recognizable) news outlets. Links to online publications are accepted
5. The website of the publication(s)/blog(s) that will be featuring your story on this workshop

A complimentary or reduced registration fee may apply for accredited media participants depending on availability. Preference will be given to credible print and online news sources. Please contact the conference secretariat for registration conditions.

We would like to receive a copy of your workshop report/ article once it is finalized.
All credentials will be verified by the Organizing Committee of the Workshop. Media representatives are kindly requested to register by sending the above-mentioned information to info@amededu.com.

Important: Media is restricted to the written press. Recording on film or photo is not allowed. Virology Education will request a copy of the written piece once it is finalized. Media representatives must also agree to abide by the 2025 embargo policy.
Disclaimer
This workshop is intended for educational purposes only and aims to offer participants the opportunity to share information. The organizing secretariat of this workshop, Virology Education, cannot accept any liability for the scientific content of the sessions or for any claims which may result from the use of information or publications from this workshop. Virology Education disclaims all liability for injuries or losses of whatever nature incurred by individuals attending the workshop. In case of cancellation of the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances, Virology Education cannot be held responsible for expenses made for travel, accommodation, visa applications, etc.
Program
Preliminary Program

Day 1 - Friday, 1 August 2025

Welcome Coffee - 10:00
10:00 AM IST
Welcome Coffee & Tea
Opening Session - 11:00
11:00 AM IST
Welcome & Opening
Nagalingeswaran Kumarasamy, MD, FRCP, PhD
Voluntary Health Services, Infectious Diseases Medical Centre, India
11:15 AM IST
HIV Epidemic in Southern Asia - Reaching the UNAIDS Goals
11:35 AM IST
CROI 2025/IAS 2025 - Latest Update on Prevention Strategies
11:55 AM IST
CROI 2025/IAS 2025 - Latest Update on Treatment Opportunities
12:15 PM IST
Panel Discussion: How Does the New Data Translate to Southern Asian Situation?
1:00 PM IST
Lunch
Session 2: HIV/STI Prevention Strategies - 2:00
2:00 PM IST
STI in PLWHIV - Update from India
2:20 PM IST
The Role of Doxy PEP in Prevention
2:40 PM IST
Update on Vaccinations for Viral Infections (HBV/Herpes)
3:00 PM IST
Oral Abstract Presentation #1
3:10 PM IST
Oral Abstract Presentation #2
3:20 PM IST
Discussion
3:40 PM IST
Coffee & Tea Break
Session 3: Screening & Testing - 4:05
4:05 PM IST
Innovations in TB Diagnostics
4:25 PM IST
Use/Implementation of AI/Digital Screening Tools
4:50 PM IST
Clinical Case Presentation: HIV/TB Co-infection
5:05 PM IST
Oral Abstract Presentation #3
5:15 PM IST
Oral Abstract Presentation #4
5:25 PM IST
Discussion
Capacity Building Session I: Use of Web-Based Tools in Clinical Management - 5:35
5:35 PM IST
Stanford Resistance Database
5:45 PM IST
Liverpool DDI Website
5:55 PM IST
Demonstrative Case
6:05 PM IST
Discussion
6:20 PM IST
Welcome Reception

Day 2 - Saturday, 2 August 2025

Capacity Building Session II: Managing PLWHIV Presenting with Low CD4/Advanced Clinical Disease - 8:00
8:00 AM IST
Unique Challenges in Patients Presenting with Advanced Disease
8:15 AM IST
Demonstrative Case
8:25 AM IST
Implementing Treatment Strategies for Late Presenting Patients
8:40 AM IST
Demonstrative Case
8:50 AM IST
Discussion
Session 4: Optimizing HIV Treatment - 9:00
9:00 AM IST
State of the Art Lecture: Long Acting ARV for Treatment of HIV and Other Viral Infections
9:20 AM IST
Addressing Challenges to Implementing Long-Acting ARVs Treatment in India
9:40 AM IST
State of the Art Lecture: New HIV Drugs in Advanced Clinical Development
10:00 AM IST
Oral Abstract Presentation #5
10:10 AM IST
Oral Abstract Presentation #6
10:20 AM IST
Discussion
10:40 AM IST
Coffee & Tea Break
Session 5: Management Clinical Challenges - HIV - 11:10
11:10 AM IST
Management of Metabolic Complications (CVD)
11:30 AM IST
Management of PLWHIV During Pregnancy
11:50 AM IST
Management of the Aging Patient
12:10 PM IST
Panel Discussion
12:40 PM IST
Industry Supported Symposium
1:25 PM IST
Lunch
Session 6: Management Clinical Challenges - Non HIV - 2:30
2:30 PM IST
Management of Multidrug Resistant TB
2:50 PM IST
Hepatitis B/C (Elimination Strategies/Birth Doses Vaccinations)
3:10 PM IST
Oral Abstract Presentation #7
3:20 PM IST
Oral Abstract Presentation #8
3:30 PM IST
Oral Abstract Presentation #9
3:40 PM IST
Discussion
4:00 PM IST
Coffee & Tea Break
Session 7: Future of HIV Management - 4:20
4:20 PM IST
Future of HIV Management in LMIC - The Clinicians Perspective
4:35 PM IST
The Communities Perspective
4:50 PM IST
The Governments Perspective
5:05 PM IST
Discussion
5:20 PM IST
Closing Remarks
Nagalingeswaran Kumarasamy, MD, FRCP, PhD
Voluntary Health Services, Infectious Diseases Medical Centre, India
5:30 PM IST
End of Workshop
Abstracts
Abstract Submission Deadline will open soon!
The conference secretariat will contact the abstract submitters individually to inquire whether they would like to withdraw and/or re-submit their abstract.
Abstracts
  • The Chennai Antiviral Research and Treatment Symposium (CART) 2025 accepts new original data as well as encored abstracts. All abstracts must contain up-to-date information at the time of the symposium.
  • Early-Career Investigators (ECI) or "Regular Delegate" from Resource-Limited Setting (RLS) with an accepted abstract are able to receive a 50% discount off of the early registration fee. The requirements for the application are specified here.
  • Abstract submitters are strongly encouraged to use person-first language in their abstracts. View the video tutorial and guidelines here

  • Abstract presenters are expected to attend the workshop in-person to present their abstract.

    Please contact the workshop/conference secretariat if this is not possible.

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meeting 1
Categories for Abstract Submission
For purposes of review and programming, abstracts are divided into topical categories. The selection of the most appropriate category is important as it determines who reviews your abstract. The Reviewing Committee reserves the right to reassign your abstract to a more appropriate category.

Abstract categories will be published here shortly when the abstract portal has opened.
General Guidelines
Abstracts should contain the following four components:

- Background: A concise statement of the issue under investigation or a hypothesis;

- Material and Methods: The experimental methods used (including the statistical analyses employed);

- Results: Specific findings (promises such as "to be completed" or "to be presented" are not acceptable);

- Conclusions: A summary of findings that are supported by your results (statistical analyses used to support the conclusions, where appropriate, should be included; concluding statements such as "the results will be discussed" are not acceptable).

Please note that abstracts cannot be accepted if tables or graphs are included. The maximum word count for the abstract body is 500 words.

Abstracts are considered official communications to the conference and will be treated confidentially. Submitters of accepted abstracts agree to attend the meeting and present their abstract as scheduled.

We encourage you to use person-first language in your abstract(s). View our guidelines here: https://academicmedicaleducation.com/person-first-language
Abstract Submission
Authors can submit their abstracts electronically until Friday, 2 May 2025 at 11:59 PM IST. You will be redirected to the submission website. Please follow the step-by-step directions to upload the abstract. To ensure your abstract retains any special characters or formatting, the abstract must be in Microsoft Word format.
Poster Presentation Instructions
Poster presenters are expected to attend onsite.

Posters need to meet the following dimensions: A0 size (approximately 33" x 47") in portrait format.

Poster presenters are requested to stand near their posters during the poster session.

We advise you to prepare hand-outs of your poster on Letter or A4 format.

Please hang your posters as early as possible.

All posters must be displayed from the opening session to the closure of the meeting.

Pushpins and/or velcro will be provided.
Committees
Organizing Committee
Kenneth H. Mayer, 2021
Kenneth H. Mayer, MD
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center / The Fenway Institute / Harvard Medical School, United States
The members of the Organizing Committee are a group of carefully selected experts and inspirational leaders in their respective fields. They meet frequently to discuss the scientific program of the symposium, identify interesting topics and candidate speakers, and review all submitted abstracts.
Support
Support Our Initiative

Financial backing to the Chennai Antiviral Research and Treatment Symposium (CART) 2025 helps us deliver an impactful meeting experience to the benefit of healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health experts interested in in the field of HIV, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and emerging viral diseases in India.
 
This collaboration plays a vital role in both the organizational as well as scientific success of the program. To show your commitment to the cause, get in touch with us for a tailored support package by contacting Karin Siebelt at Karin.Siebelt@amededu.com or call +31 30 230 71 40.
 
Benefits of Support
By supporting this program, we can offer the following advantages for your company.* Please contact us for the most recent support level benefits for this program.

  • Symposium opportunities
  • Non-commercial interviews with company representatives
  • Verbal acknowledgement during the program 
  • Discounted and complimentary registrations for your representatives
  • Company acknowledgement on digital meeting materials including but not limited to newsletters, flyers, the streaming platform, and our website
  • Company acknowledgement on printed meeting materials including but not limited to banners and the program book
  • Digital and printed advertising opportunities 
  • Social media shout-outs
  • Logo on the conference bag 

 
*Subject to the support level.

Endorsers

The Chennai Antiviral Research and Treatment Symposium (CART) 2025 is endorsed by societies and organizations. Their support and collaboration are key to the success of this symposium. 

If you would like your organization to endorse this meeting, please contact Jesper Niesen at Jesper.Niesen@amededu.com

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