New weekly HIV pill could ease daily treatment burden
A large international trial found that taking HIV medication once a week is as effective as daily dosing, offering greater flexibility and potentially reducing stigma and the mental burden of constant pill-taking. The regimen combines Islatravir and Lenacapavir and was tested in 607 adults across 106 sites in 12 countries, with results presented at the International AIDS Conference in Rio. Participants will be followed for 96 weeks to assess long-term safety and effectiveness; an injection option is also available six times per year. While this advance could improve adherence and quality of life, stigma around HIV remains a challenge, according to researchers and patients in London.
