Overview
Mehri McKellar, MD is a Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Duke University Medical Center, and has almost 20 years of experience in treating persons with HIV (PWH). She serves as one of the primary providers in the Duke ID Clinic.
Since her arrival at Duke University in 2008, one of her major research interests has been on HIV prevention – including rapid HIV testing in non-traditional settings such as emergency rooms and in the community, and more recently, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). She serves as the Medical Director of the Duke PrEP clinic, which was the first dedicated PrEP Clinic in North Carolina and has seen >500 persons for HIV prevention. Her work with PrEP also extends to persons who inject drugs via syringe services programs and to individuals who are incarcerated.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Publications
Lenacapavir: a first-in-class capsid inhibitor for HIV treatment and prevention.
Journal Article Curr Opin Infect Dis · June 1, 2025 PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes available data for lenacapavir (LEN), a first-in-class agent that targets several functions of the HIV capsid in the viral cycle, including nuclear entry, viral assembly, and capsid formation. RECENT FINDINGS: LEN ... Full text Link to item CiteBictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide in adults with HIV-1 and end-stage kidney disease on chronic haemodialysis.
Journal Article HIV Med · February 2025 INTRODUCTION: Treatment for people with HIV-1 and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on haemodialysis (HD) has previously required complex dose-adjusted regimens, with limited data on the use of a single-tablet regimen in this population. Our aim was to asses ... Full text Link to item CiteRapid viral suppression using integrase inhibitors during acute HIV-1 infection.
Journal Article J Antimicrob Chemother · January 3, 2025 BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for all individuals with HIV infection, including those with acute HIV-1 infection (AHI). While recommendations are similar to those for chronic infection, efficacy data regarding treatment of acute H ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
A Phase 3, Randomized, Open-Label, Active-Controlled Study to Evaluate a Switch to an Oral Weekly Islatravir/Lenacapavir Regimen in People With HIV-1 Who Are Virologically Suppressed on Standard of Care
Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Gilead Sciences, Inc. · 2024 - 2030ISLEND-1 A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-blind, Active-controlled Study to Evaluate a Switch to an Oral Weekly Islatravir/Lenacapavir Regimen in People With HIV-1 Who Are Virologically Suppressed on Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (B/F/TAF)
Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Gilead Sciences, Inc. · 2024 - 2030Regional AIDS Education and Training Centers
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Vanderbilt University Medical Center · 2015 - 2029View All Grants