Game-changing HIV research offers hope for people with HIV and to end AIDS

Shobha Shukla - CNS
Contd from previous issue
There was no difference found in the end result for both groups in terms of efficacy or pharmacokinetics (defined as the study of the time course of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion).
Based on the positive results of the above-mentioned studies, the regimen of long-acting injectable antiretroviral medicines (Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine) has already been licensed for use in the European Union, USA and Canada as a four-weekly or eight-weekly treatment with or without the initial oral lead-in.
Flexible dosing window of seven days
One of the important factors in efficacy of life-long and lifesaving antiretroviral medicines is adherence. Dr Orkin further elaborated that these long-acting injectable medicines (Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine) "offer the patients a flexible dosing window of seven days. So one can have the next dose the week before or the week after the stipulated date. Patients should then return to the same day of the month dosing for the rest of the injections. If for some reason one cannot get the injection, they can use oral tablets (of Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine medicines) bridging to replace the injections for upto two months. But if oral therapy is required for more than two months, an alternative regimen is recommended. For unplanned missed injections one would need to assess that person to see if this is still the right treatment for them."
Any difference between oral and injectable antiretroviral medicines?
There is an important study, called the MOCHA (More Options for Children and Adolescents) study, currently ongoing in Botswana, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, and USA. (To be contd)