Eva Laker, B.Pharm, MSc
Nominated From: University of Minnesota
Research Site: Infectious Diseases Institute, Uganda
Research Area: Pharmacovigilance, Dolutegrvair, Antiretroviral therapy
Primary Mentor: Melanie Nicol
Research Project
Incident rate and factors associated with adverse drug events among a cohort of patients taking Dolutegravir in Uganda; feasibility of a toll-free phone system for adverse events reporting
Dolutegravir (DTG) has been recommended as a preferred first and second line antiretroviral drug by the World Health Organization and many countries in sub-Saharan Africa are adopting this recommendation.However there is a paucity of data on adverse events to DTG from African populations. This is important because adverse events could be affected by genetic differences. This study will characterize adverse events experienced by a cohort of patients switched to Dolutegravir based antiretroviral therapy. Pharmacovigilance, which involves activities related to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse events, is an underdeveloped field in sub-Saharan Africa.We will also test a toll-free phone system to improve adverse event reporting by patients and clinicians.
Research Significance
Our analysis of adverse events will be one of the first reports from sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to generalisable knowledge on DTG. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa still use paper-based systems that are burdensome to busy clinicians and so we hope to demonstrate that alternative methods could improve reporting. Patients reporting of adverse events could also potentially complement clinicians reporting.
Advice for Potential Candidates
The Fogarty fellowship is a great opportunity with lots of great mentors. Start your application early and do not give up if you are not successful the first time.
Publications
Mentors
