Koen Van Rompay

Koen Van Rompay, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Infectious Diseases Unit Core Scientist Primate Assay Core Lead Research 

Dr. Van Rompay’s expertise is in nonhuman primate models of HIV infection, and more recently, also Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue virus and SARS-COV-2. His research has a special focus on vaccines and antiviral drugs to prevent or treat infection with these viruses, including in animal models of pregnancy and infancy. In addition, Dr. Van Rompay is also scientific director of the Primate Assay Laboratory.
 

Treatments for HIV

Dr. Van Rompay was on the forefront of developing HIV treatments at the CNPRC in the 1990s. He helped to develop and test the anti-viral drug tenofovir, which is currently, as part of combination antiretroviral therapy, the most frequently used HIV drug in the world. Tenofovir has saved the lives of many infants by preventing mother-to-child transmission, and is now the key ingredient in pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis regimens (“PrEP”) to prevent transmission of the virus in high-risk groups.
 

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Treatments for HIV

Dr. Van Rompay was on the forefront of developing HIV treatments at the CNPRC in the 1990s. He helped to develop and test the anti-viral drug tenofovir, which is currently the most frequently used HIV drug in the world. Tenofovir has saved the lives of many infants by preventing mother-to-child transmission, and is now the key ingredient in pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis regimens to prevent transmission of the virus.

Research Leads to Worldwide Health Benefits

Dr. Koen Van Rompay founded Sahaya International (Davis-based 501(3) nonprofit organization), a diverse network of friends and research scientists committed to making a difference towards improving the quality of life in third world countries. Around the world, families have been given correct information on HIV/AIDS and have gained access to life-saving HIV treatments. This includes tablets containing tenofovir, which is now being used increasingly in developing countries. This successful drug is a direct result of the preclinical research performed on tenofovir in nonhuman primates at CNPRC. Thanks to this treatment, individuals have seen a dramatic improvement in their health; they are able to resume work, and their children can lead normal lives, including attending school thanks to the support of Sahaya. 

Watch an award winning movie "Sahaya, Going Beyond" about Dr. Van Rompay's inspirational work in India.

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