Going anti-Viral

Going Anti-Viral
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  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Introducing Going anti-Viral, the podcast of the IAS–USA, a professional continuing medical education organization focused on HIV and other viral diseases. I’m Dr Michael Saag, professor emeritus of medicine and infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and volunteer member of the IAS–USA Board of Directors.  Join us as we interview experts in viral medicine about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS-USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and various meetings and conferences.  Going anti-Viral is a podcast series for clinicians, produced by the International Antiviral Society–USA. The IAS–USA is a not-for-profit professional organization committed to improving the treatment, care, and quality of life for people with or at risk for HIV or other viral infections and their complications through balanced education and information. This podcast is intended as a clinical source of information for specialists in this field, but we hope anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections and their consequences.

  1. 3D AGO

    Special Episode - Latest Update on Emerging Infections and Health Threats

    In episode 73 of Going anti-Viral, we represent a panel discussion from March 26, 2026, as part of the IAS–USA Dialogue series Emerging Infections and Health Threats. This Dialogue is a must listen as our distinguished panel of infectious disease experts dives deep into some of the most pressing public health challenges facing the world today. Moderated by Carlos del Rio, MD, a Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of Medicine, this Dialogue brings together world-class experts Yvonne Maldonado, MD, and Peter Chin-Hong, MD. The panel discusses a recent federal court ruling regarding the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and addresses the latest news on rates of vaccination and an update on emerging viral outbreaks, including measles, influenza, COVID-19, meningitis, tuberculosis, mpox, and RSV. The panel also reflects on the implications of the lack of leadership at the CDC on public health. 0:00 – Introduction  2:33 – March 2026 federal court ruling pausing the work of the ACIP 7:08 – Review of the reduction in immunization rates in the US 12:51 – Measles cases in the US and efforts to address misinformation 20:28 – Breaking down recent influenza rates  25:42 – Update on COVID-19 – variants and vaccination 33:42 – Leadership gap at the CDC and implications for public health  41:35 – Meningitis outbreak in England and status of vaccination in the US 49:46 – Increase in cases of tuberculosis in the US 56:45 – Update on mpox cases and vaccination 59:12 – Brief review of RSV cases and vaccination and closing remarks  __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    1h 4m

  2. MAR 24

    Neurodegeneration and Dementia Risk in Older Adults with HIV: Biomarkers and Epidemiology – Dr Alan Winston

    In episode 72 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Alan Winston joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss a presentation he gave at the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled Neurodegeneration and Dementia Risk in Older Adults With HIV: Biomarkers and Epidemiology. Dr Winston is a Professor of HIV and Genitourinary Medicine at Imperial College London and Consultant Physician at St. Mary's Hospital, London. His research focuses on noninfectious comorbidities associated with HIV in the modern antiretroviral era, with a strong focus on central nervous system complications. He is the principal clinical investigator on the POPPY study, a cohort study describing the incidence and nature of comorbidities in HIV. Dr Winston and Dr Saag discuss the history and current understanding of neurodegeneration and dementia risk in older adults with HIV and review the impact of antiretroviral therapy and neuroinflammation. They review clinical assessment and screening for dementia and neurodegenerative disease including a detailed discussion of imaging techniques and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) examination. 0:00 – Introduction  1:30 – HIV and neurodegeneration 4:37 – Current manifestations of CNS disease in older adults with HIV 8:28 – Assessing cognitive health in older adults with HIV 12:29 – Screening for dementia and neurodegenerative disease 18:20 – Neuropsychometric testing, CSF examination, and management of CSF escape 24:23 – Imaging techniques and future directions Resources: CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/  __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    28 min

  3. MAR 10

    CROI 2026 Review: What’s New, What’s Next in HIV Research – Dr Peter Hunt

    In episode 71 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Peter Hunt joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide a review of the science presented at the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI). Dr Hunt is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco and is the Associate Chief for Research in the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital Department of Medicine, and Co-Director of the UCSF-Bay Area Center for AIDS Research for Basic and Translational Science. He was also a Vice Chair of the Scientific Program Committee for CROI 2026. Dr Hunt provides an in-depth overview of the key scientific presentations at CROI, highlighting breakthroughs in HIV research, pediatric HIV treatment, biology of the HIV capsid, vaccine research, and innovative therapies. Dr Hunt and Dr Saag also discussed new antiretroviral formulations and highlights of the state of HIV cure research. 0:00 – Introduction  1:13 – Valganciclovir in infants with HIV and CMV pneumonia 4:25 – Differences between pediatric and adult CMV infection 7:34 – Plenary by Dr Wesley Sundquist on structural biology and the HIV capsid 12:00 – Other plenary presentations at CROI 2026 14:27 – Powerful Martin Delaney presentation by Peter Staley 15:50 – Plenary by Dr Jeanne Marrazzo on Doxy PEP and resistance concerns 16:30 – Vaccine development and neutralizing antibodies by Dr Kevin Saunders 17:25 – New symposium: Hot Takes on the Clinical Highlights of CROI 2026 19:38 – New antiretroviral formulations and long-acting agents 25:10 – HIV cure research, overview of TACK agents, and a poster on an efavirenz intensification study 28:39 – A look ahead to CROI 2027 and closing remarks  Resources: Watch Peter Staley's presentation at CROI 2026 YouTube Going-anti-Viral: Episode 70 - Peter Staley Apple Podcasts Going-anti-Viral: Episode 69 - Dr Kevin Saunders Apple Podcasts CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/ __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    32 min

  4. FEB 28

    From Wall Street to ACT UP: A Life Rewritten by HIV - Peter Staley

    In episode 70 of Going anti-Viral, Peter Staley joins host Dr Michael Saag after giving the Martin Delaney presentation at the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled ''Annus Horribilis" and The War on Science: Thoughts on Resisting and Rebuilding. Mr Staley shares his inspiring story as a pioneering HIV and LGBTQ+ rights activist, recounting his journey from the early days of the AIDS crisis to groundbreaking activism leading to a seat at the table with clinicians and researchers in bringing life-saving treatments to people with HIV and AIDS. Dr Saag and Mr Staley also reflect on the recent era of anti-science activism during the COVID-19 pandemic and share their advice for young researchers who may be the generation of scientists that bring about a cure for HIV. 0:00 – Introduction  2:30 – The early days of AIDS awareness 6:23 – Peter’s reflections on his positive HIV test result 10:46 – Transitioning from Wall Street to activism 12:11 – The formation ACT UP and impact of Larry Kramer 15:22 – Channeling anger into activism 17:47 – Targeting the FDA and the fight for drug access 20:26 – The role of the NIH and Tony Fauci  24:10 – The Parallel Track: access to experimental drugs 25:40 – The role of the Treatment Action Group (TAG) and the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) 26:32 – The breakthrough: viral load and undetectable levels 31:18 – Reflections on COVID-19: activism in a new era 33:45 – Prep4All: advocating for access to PrEP 38:38 – Advice for young clinicians and closing remarks Resources: Watch Peter Staley’s presentation at CROI 2026 ''Annus Horribilis" and The War on Science: Thoughts on Resisting and Rebuilding  YouTube:  https://youtu.be/p5kqUujWPCs  PrEP4All: https://prep4all.org/  CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/  __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    42 min

  5. FEB 25

    Successes in HIV-1 Vaccine Design: Accelerating Completion of One of Sciences’ Most Difficult Vaccines – Dr Kevin Saunders

    In episode 69 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Kevin Saunders joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss a plenary presentation he gave at the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled Successes in HIV-1 Vaccine Design: Accelerating Completion of One of Sciences’ Most Difficult Vaccines. Dr Saunders is the associate director for the Duke Human Vaccine Institute and the Norman L. Letvin Professor in Immunology and Infectious Diseases Research. Dr Saunders leads a translational research program that designs and evaluates HIV-1 vaccines. Dr Saunders shares his journey from studying T-cell immunity to pioneering HIV vaccine research. He discusses the challenges of developing an HIV vaccine, the promise of broad neutralizing antibodies, and the innovative use of mRNA technology. Dr Saunders also shares his outlook and optimism for the next 5 years of HIV vaccine development including the use machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to accelerate the development timeline. 0:00 – Introduction  1:36 – Path to HIV research and vaccine development 3:50 – Understanding T-cell immunity and HIV 6:53 – Transition to passive immunity and broad neutralizing antibodies 11:35 – Challenges in developing an HIV vaccine 15:25 – Current state of HIV vaccine research 17:38 – The role of immunogens in vaccine development 20:30 – Combining B-cell and T-cell responses 24:59 – Prospect for a HIV vaccine within the next 5 years Resources: CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/ Duke Human Vaccine Institute - https://dhvi.duke.edu/ __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    28 min

  6. FEB 19

    Strategic and Resilient Responses to the Funding Crisis Across Africa – Dr Ruanne Barnabas

    In episode 68 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Ruanne Barnabas joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss topic of a symposium session at the upcoming the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled Strategic and Resilient Responses to the Funding Crisis Across Africa. Dr Barnabas is the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her work is focused on identifying effective and scalable HIV, HPV, and infectious diseases treatment and prevention strategies that increase access across diverse communities and promote equity in health. Dr Barnabas discusses the substantial progress made in global health, particularly in HIV treatment and prevention. She also discusses the impact of funding cuts from USAID on health systems and highlights with Dr Saag the importance of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in delivering effective care. Dr Barnabas outlines the presentations to be given at the upcoming symposium at CROI 2026 addressing the HIV funding crisis, emphasizing community resilience, and the future of health equity. 0:00 – Introduction 1:29 – Overview of global health funding at the end of 2024 4:03 – Success of PEPFAR and USAID 10:25 – Funding cuts and their consequences 12:48 – Overview of the CROI 2026 symposium on the HIV funding crisis in Africa 16:28 – Community perspectives and impact of new technologies 18:08 – Lessons learned from funding cuts 21:13 – Looking ahead: future of HIV and global health programs Resources: CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/ Going-anti-Viral: Episode 43 - Innovations in HIV Service Delivery: Building a Path Forward with Those Left Behind - Dr Izukanji Sikazwe __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    24 min

  7. FEB 10

    Reflections on a Career of HIV Medicine, Mentorship, and Scientific Legacy – Dr Martin Hirsch

    In episode 67 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Martin Hirsch joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss his career in HIV medicine, mentorship, and his scientific legacy. Dr Hirsch is a Professor Emeritus at Harvard Medical School and was Director of the Harvard Collaborative AIDS Treatment Evaluation Unit from 1986 to 2003 and Director of the Harvard Multidisciplinary AIDS Research Training Grant. Dr Hirsch’s research focused on finding drug combinations that delay the development of multidrug resistance and reduce viral replication in HIV-1 infection. Dr Hirsch served as an Editorial Board member for numerous prestigious medical journals over the past 3 decades, including AIDS, the New England Journal of Medicine, Clinical Infectious Diseases, and the Journal of Infectious Diseases, where he was Editor-in-Chief. Dr Hirsch discusses his extensive career, the evolution of antiviral therapies, and the importance of mentorship in science. He reflects on his early experiences, the emergence of HIV, and the collaborative efforts that led to advancements in treatment. Dr Hirsch emphasizes the need for individualized mentorship and shares insights on the future of HIV research and his optimism for the potential of HIV prophylactic treatments. 0:00 – Introduction 1:50 – Early career and mentorship 5:07 – Transitioning to HIV research 7:55 – The emergence of antiretroviral therapies 11:06 – The AIDS epidemic and initial cases 14:30 – Collaboration in HIV research 17:42 – The AZT trial and its impact 20:16 – Navigating the shift from CMV to HIV 22:39 – Antiretroviral resistance and combination therapy 26:39 – The role of mentorship in science 30:56 – Future directions in HIV research Resources: Going-anti-Viral: Episode 6 - A Conversation With Dr Anthony Fauci  __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    35 min

  8. JAN 27

    Preview of the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI)

    In episode 66 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Nicolas Chomont joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide a preview of the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI). Dr Chomont is Chair of the Scientific Program Committee for CROI 2026 and is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology at the Université de Montréal and a researcher at the CHUM Research Centre. Dr Chomont discusses CROI 2026, highlighting its significance in advancing HIV research and treatment. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the support for new investigators, and ongoing research for an HIV cure. The discussion provides the overall themes of the abstracts accepted for CROI 2026 as well as the plenary sessions, symposia, and the impact of funding cuts on research and treatment. Dr Chomont expresses optimism about the future of HIV research and the collaborative spirit of the conference. 0:00 – Introduction 3:19 – Plenary sessions overview 5:41 – Interactive symposia and themed discussion sessions 8:09 – Themes of the accepted abstracts  11:09 – Support for new researchers 15:25 – Research addressing a cure for HIV  18:21 – Community and collaboration at CROI 20:55 – Closing remarks  Register for virtual or in-person attendance at CROI 2026:  https://www.croiconference.org/  __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    23 min
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About

Introducing Going anti-Viral, the podcast of the IAS–USA, a professional continuing medical education organization focused on HIV and other viral diseases. I’m Dr Michael Saag, professor emeritus of medicine and infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and volunteer member of the IAS–USA Board of Directors.  Join us as we interview experts in viral medicine about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS-USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and various meetings and conferences.  Going anti-Viral is a podcast series for clinicians, produced by the International Antiviral Society–USA. The IAS–USA is a not-for-profit professional organization committed to improving the treatment, care, and quality of life for people with or at risk for HIV or other viral infections and their complications through balanced education and information. This podcast is intended as a clinical source of information for specialists in this field, but we hope anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections and their consequences.

Information

  • Creator
    Going Anti-Viral
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Going anti-Viral
  • Show Website
    Going anti-Viral

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