Latest news on antiretroviral drugs

Here are some of the latest news and developments on antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV treatment:

New ARV Drugs and Formulations

  1. Islatravir: In June 2022, the US FDA approved islatravir, a new ARV drug developed by Merck & Co., for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents. Islatravir is a once-daily oral tablet that can be used as a single agent or in combination with other ARVs.
  2. Fostemsavir: In May 2022, the FDA approved fostemsavir, a new ARV drug developed by Viiv Healthcare, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents. Fostemsavir is a once-daily oral tablet that can be used as a single agent or in combination with other ARVs.
  3. Long-acting injectable ARVs: Researchers are developing long-acting injectable ARVs that can be administered every 2-4 months, reducing the need for daily pills. For example, the injectable ARV cabotegravir has shown promising results in clinical trials.

Resistance and Treatment Failure

  1. Resistance to ARVs: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an increase in resistance to ARVs, particularly among people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries. Resistance can occur when people do not adhere to their treatment regimens or when they are prescribed suboptimal treatment.
  2. Treatment failure: Treatment failure can occur when ARVs are not effective in suppressing the virus, leading to the development of resistance. Researchers are working to develop new ARVs and treatment strategies to address treatment failure.

New Guidelines and Recommendations

  1. WHO guidelines: In March 2022, the WHO released updated guidelines on the use of ARVs for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. The guidelines recommend the use of dolutegravir-based regimens as the preferred first-line treatment option for most adults and adolescents.
  2. US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) guidelines: In June 2022, the US HHS released updated guidelines on the use of ARVs for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. The guidelines recommend the use of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) as the preferred first-line treatment option for most adults and adolescents.

Research and Development

  1. Gene editing: Researchers are exploring the use of gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to develop new ARVs that can target specific genetic mutations in the HIV virus.
  2. Vaccine development: Researchers are working to develop an HIV vaccine that can prevent infection or reduce the risk of transmission. Several vaccine candidates are currently in clinical trials.
  3. Microbicides: Researchers are developing microbicides, which are topical gels or creams that can be applied to the vagina or rectum to prevent HIV transmission.

Access and Affordability

  1. Patent challenges: Activists and researchers are challenging patents on ARVs to increase access to these life-saving medications.
  2. Generic ARVs: The production of generic ARVs has increased access to these medications in low- and middle-income countries.
  3. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP, a daily pill that can prevent HIV transmission, is becoming more widely available and affordable in many countries.

These are just a few examples of the latest news and developments on ARV drugs for HIV treatment. The field is constantly evolving, and new breakthroughs and innovations are being reported regularly.