Long-Acting/Extended Release Antiretroviral Resource Program (LEAP)

The Long-Acting/Extended Release Antiretroviral Resource Program (LEAP) is an effort to advance the development of long-lasting therapies for illnesses that require taking medications long-term. Life-long or long-term adherence to daily treatment regimens is challenging for patients who have diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis. Clinical researchers are conducting studies that will ultimately lead to the development of antiretroviral therapies that can be administered less frequently, increasing the odds of adherence. The mission of LEAP is to: 

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  Support scientific innovation through investigator access to broad-based scientific expertise, including the pharmaceutical industry 
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  Develop a communications and data hub to support investigators in this field
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  Provide a Modeling and Simulation Core Service that helps investigators identify the most promising approaches to the development of new products.

Led by Dr. Charles Flexner, Professor of Medicine in the Divisions of Clinical Pharmacology and Infectious Diseases, and Professor of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, LEAP activities are governed by an Executive Committee and a Pharmaceutical Advisory Board comprising experts representing basic and applied research,  global health, patient advocacy, and regulatory affairs. The role of these experts is to identify promising approaches and provide expertise on promoting development. A separate TB Working Group will focus specifically on identifying priorities and providing guidance for development of long acting drugs that improve outcomes in tuberculosis treatment