Employing institution: Botswana Harvard Health Partnership
Host institution: The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI)
Project title:
The impact of E138A and other mutations on the in vitro potency of Rilpivirine
Dr Maruapula completed her PhD in Biological Sciences from University of Botswana in 2022. Dr Maruapula is currently a Postdoctoral fellow at Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, her research is centered on investigating the impact of HIV drug resistance mutations on treatment outcomes. Dr Simani Gaseitsiwe, my supervisor during my PhD studies inspired me to pursue research and apply for the AREF Award. His enthusiasm for research motivated me to seek opportunities such as AREF Award to further my research goals.
AREF Fellowship research project
The introduction of cabotegravir/rilpivirine long acting injectables shows promise in improving adherence and viral suppression. However, switching to these long-acting acting injectables could potentially be hampered by pre-existing rilpivirine and cabotegravir resistance mutations. Dr Maruapula aims to determine the impact of E138A and other mutations on the in vitro potency of rilpivirine. She will utilize phenotyping assay on stored participants samples and integrate results with routinely collected clinical demographic data. Dr Maruapula will enhance her phenotyping techniques skills and generate novel insights through in vitro phenotypic analysis. This contributes to growing research capacity at her home institute. Her research findings will play a pivotal role in guiding patient therapy and influencing policy decisions to maintain effectiveness of antiretroviral treatment programs. She will acquire phenotyping skills under the mentorship of Professor Thumbi Ndung’u along with AHRI experts. She will receive mentorship from Dr Simani Gaseitsiwe from Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, as well as from Professor Sikhulile Moyo and Dr Shahin Lockman. Dr Maruapula will maintain access to home institution resources and institutional support through grant writing in ensuring the continuation of her research beyond the placement period.
Quote
“The AREF fellowship advances my research by expanding my expertise in phenotyping and providing crucial insights into the impact of HIV mutations on rilpivirine’s potency.”
Dr Dorcas expects to start her fellowship in August 2024