Once‑weekly HIV pill as effective as daily dose, research shows
Around 78% of people living with HIV take a daily pill to manage their infection. These drugs work by preventing HIV from multiplying.
In a recent global study of 607 participants with well-controlled HIV from 11 countries, researchers found that a once-weekly HIV medication is as effective as the daily pill currently recommended. The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that the weekly pill worked for 93% of participants, while the daily pill achieved 92% effectiveness.
Importantly, neither treatment led to the development of resistance in the participants. Common side effects for both medications included headache and nausea, and only a small number of people discontinued the once-weekly pill due to these side effects. To start the weekly treatment, participants must take two loading doses during the first two days, and it is crucial to adhere to the weekly schedule as missing a dose will only require waiting a week for the drug levels to replenish.
If approved, this once-weekly pill would provide people living with HIV more treatment options, offering greater adherence and potentially contributing to global HIV elimination goals.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
