Long‑acting medicines could make daily tablets a thing of the past for some patients
For millions of people around the world, managing a long-term health condition means remembering to take medicines every day, often for years. But advances in long-acting medicines mean that some treatments now need to be taken only once a month, every few months or even twice a year.
Millions of people worldwide must regularly take medications for long-term health conditions. However, recent advances in long-acting medicines could eliminate the need for daily tablets for some patients. These medicines release a drug gradually into the bloodstream, allowing treatment to be administered less frequently, such as monthly, quarterly, or biannually.
For certain conditions, this could simplify management and decrease the risk of missing doses. Taking medication regularly can be challenging, especially when multiple medications are needed or multiple doses are required daily. Some individuals may forget, stop taking treatment as they feel better, or due to side effects. Missing doses can lead to treatment failure, antimicrobial resistance, worsening of the condition, and increased healthcare costs.
In the UK, unused prescriptions cost the NHS over £300 million annually and contribute to waste. Long-acting medicines, like the long-acting cabotegravir injections for HIV prevention made available in the UK in 2025, have shown potential. After initial doses, this injection is given every two months, providing an alternative to daily tablets.
Long-acting injections are also used to treat HIV, maintaining viral suppression without daily medication. Researchers are developing long-acting medicines for various diseases, but their suitability depends on patient preference, cost, clinic access, and follow-up requirements.
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