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A small Norwegian biotechnology firm said Monday it had the first evidence of real promise in a new approach widely considered to be a potential cure for HIV, prompting both cautious optimism and skepticism from experts. One approach thought to be a possible route to a cure, known as “kick and kill” or “shock and kill,” seeks to expose these latent HIV-infected cells so they can be cleared away by the immune system. Bionor Pharma ASA said its method had reduced the size of the latent HIV reservoir by an average of 40% across 17 patients. (Roland, 12/21)

Public-health officials are pushing for much wider use of a drug that has proved effective at preventing HIV infection. PrEP, or preexposure prophylaxis, is a daily medication that people at high risk for HIV can take to protect against acquiring the virus. Still, fewer than 22,000 people are estimated to have taken PrEP for prevention. (Reddy, 12/21)