New once-weekly HIV treatment shows promise in clinical trials
This is how a promising once-weekly HIV treatment could revolutionise medication adherence for patients, offering a simpler alternative to daily regimens.
A new once-weekly HIV treatment is showing promise in clinical trials, potentially allowing some people living with HIV to take their medication just once a week instead of every day. Researchers are increasingly focusing on long-acting HIV treatments that could reduce medication frequency while maintaining effective viral suppression.
In South Africa, daily antiretroviral medication remains a central part of the HIV treatment program. The new treatment combines islatravir and lenacapavir, designed to be taken once a week, and performed well in Phase 3 trials. However, it is not yet available to patients as it remains investigational. A weekly treatment could make medication management easier for some people, but adherence would still be crucial.
The once-weekly pill is part of a trend towards HIV medicines not requiring daily intake. Long-acting HIV medicines are already available in various intervals, and the WHO supports long-acting injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine for some patients. South Africa is also introducing long-acting lenacapavir for HIV prevention. While a weekly pill could offer convenience, it's important that people living with HIV continue taking their current medication as prescribed and consult their healthcare provider before making any changes.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
