Patients Favor Bimonthly Injectable HIV Treatment Option

HIV Patients Strongly Prefer Long-Acting Injectables Over Daily oral Medication, Study Reveals

A meaningful majority of individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are opting for long-acting injectable antiretroviral treatments over daily oral regimens, according to findings from the Phase IIIb Volition study, powered by viiv Healthcare. The research indicates that a remarkable 89% of patients with a suppressed viral load expressed a preference for the injectable regimen,administered every two months.

Key Drivers: Convenience and Discretion

The primary motivations behind this strong preference for injectables are clear. Approximately 80% of surveyed patients cited the relief of not having to worry about forgetting a daily dose as a major factor. Following closely, 68% of respondents highlighted the convenience of not needing to carry medications with them, underscoring the impact of lifestyle integration.

“as pioneers in long-acting regimes for HIV,we already have more than three years of real-life evidence,” stated Dr. Jean van Wyk, Global Medical Director of ViiV Healthcare. “Therefore, these treatments are having a significant impact across various environments and populations. We believe that ‘Long-Action’ regimes are an significant part of HIV management and will play a fundamental role in achieving our ambition to end HIV and AIDS.”

Volition Study: Spanish Centers Contribute to Global Findings

The volition study’s data, which includes insights from eight Spanish centers located in Malaga, Madrid, Murcia, Almería, Sevilla, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, was presented at the 13th Conference on HIV of the International AIDS Society (IAS). This critically important research focused on the treatment transition experiences of 145 individuals newly diagnosed with HIV who had achieved rapid viral suppression with a daily oral treatment, Dolutegravir/Lamivudine (Dovato) by ViiV Healthcare.

This initial oral phase allowed participants to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment before transitioning to the bi-monthly injectable formulation. The findings from the Volition study at the IAS conference emphasize a growing patient-driven shift towards more convenient and discreet HIV management strategies.

What criteria must be met to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for bimonthly injectable HIV treatment?

teh Shift Towards Long-Acting HIV Medications

For decades, managing HIV has primarily relied on daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, a meaningful advancement in HIV treatment is gaining traction: long-acting injectable ART. Specifically, the bimonthly injectable regimen of cabotegravir and rilpivirine is increasingly favored by patients seeking a more discreet and convenient alternative. This shift represents a major step forward in HIV care,improving adherence and quality of life for many living with HIV.Understanding the science behind these injectables, their benefits, and who might be a good candidate is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.

How Does Injectable HIV Treatment Work?

The injectable ART utilizes two medications: cabotegravir,an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI),and rilpivirine,a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). These drugs work synergistically to prevent the virus from replicating in the body.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process, referencing the viral lifecycle:

Reverse Transcription Inhibition: Rilpivirine targets reverse transcriptase, an enzyme HIV uses to convert its RNA into DNA. (As seen in viruses like HIV, where RNA is first converted to cDNA – a negative chain DNA – before integration).

Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibition: Cabotegravir blocks integrase, preventing the viral DNA from integrating into the host cell’s DNA.

Sustained Release: The injectable formulation allows for a slow, sustained release of these medications into the bloodstream, maintaining therapeutic levels for approximately two months.

This contrasts sharply with daily oral pills, where drug concentrations fluctuate more significantly.

Benefits of Bimonthly Injections

The advantages of switching to injectable ART are numerous and contribute to its growing popularity:

Improved Adherence: Reducing the frequency of medication from daily to every two months significantly eases the burden of adherence. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with remembering daily pills.

Discretion & Reduced Stigma: Injections offer a level of privacy that daily pills cannot. Patients don’t have to worry about carrying medication or taking it in public, potentially reducing stigma.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Fewer pills and less frequent dosing can lead to a greater sense of freedom and control over one’s health.

Potential for Viral Suppression: Consistent therapeutic drug levels, achieved through the sustained release of the injections, contribute to maintaining viral suppression.

Reduced Pill Burden: eliminating daily pills simplifies the medication regimen,which can be especially helpful for those on othre medications.

Who is a Candidate for Injectable ART?

Not everyone with HIV is eligible for injectable ART. Specific criteria must be met to ensure safety and effectiveness:

Virologically Suppressed: Patients must have a consistently undetectable viral load on a stable oral ART regimen for at least six months.

No Known Resistance: Testing must confirm the absence of resistance mutations to cabotegravir or rilpivirine.

Good Injection Site Tolerance: Patients need to be able to tolerate the intramuscular injections, which are administered in the gluteal muscles.

Reliable Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring drug levels and ensuring continued viral suppression.

No Active Liver Disease: Certain liver conditions may preclude candidacy.

The Injection Process: What to Expect

The injectable ART regimen involves two intramuscular injections administered by a healthcare professional.

1. Initial Phase: The first two injections are given one month apart.
2. Maintenance phase: After the initial phase, injections are administered every two months.

Each injection is a relatively rapid procedure,typically taking only a few minutes. Post-injection soreness is common but usually mild and resolves within a few days. Patients are monitored for any adverse reactions.

Potential Side Effects & Management

While generally well-tolerated, injectable ART can cause side effects.

Injection Site Reactions: Pain, tenderness, and swelling at the injection site