Khaberni - A recent study published in "The Lancet" revealed that taking a single daily pill combining two antiviral drugs could be an effective alternative to the complex treatments followed by some people with HIV, involving treatment regimes that may require taking several pills daily or complex drug schedules.
Researchers say this simplified approach could help patients better adhere to their treatment, especially among seniors or those suffering from other diseases requiring multiple medications.
HIV treatment typically relies on antiretroviral therapy (ART), which often involves taking a combination of medications at specific times.
Despite the availability of single-pill treatment regimes for years, some patients—especially those who have been infected with the virus for decades—cannot use them due to drug resistance, drug interactions, or other health issues.
A large-scale clinical trial
The findings are based on a phase III clinical trial known as ARTISTRY-1, which involved more than 550 people with HIV across 15 countries.
During the study, participants switched from complex treatment regimes involving multiple pills daily to a single pill combining two antivirals.
The results showed that about 96% of patients maintained viral control after switching to the new treatment, a rate similar to that achieved by traditional multi-drug treatment regimes.
No new cases of drug resistance to the virus were recorded during the study period.
How does the new treatment work?
The new pill combines two antivirals, which are:
Bictegravir: prevents the virus from introducing its genetic material into immune system cells.
Lenacapavir: disrupts the virus's structure and prevents its replication and spread within the body.
Although both drugs are already used in treating HIV, combining them in a single fixed-dose pill represents a new step towards simplifying treatment.
Older and more complex patients
The study also distinguished itself by involving older patients compared to previous trials, with participants’ average age around 60 years, and many living with the virus for nearly three decades.
Some participants were taking up to 11 pills daily under various treatment plans, making reducing the number of medications an important factor to improve quality of life and treatment adherence.
The study reported that side effects of the new treatment were mild to moderate in most cases, and at rates roughly comparable to traditional treatment regimes.
Immunological indicators among the patients remained stable, and no significant safety concerns emerged during the follow-up period.
A step towards simplifying AIDS treatment
Researchers believe developing simpler treatments may become increasingly important as those infected with HIV age and experience more concurrent diseases.
Scientists hope this pill provides a new option for patients for whom current single-pill treatment regimes are unsuitable, potentially enhancing treatment adherence and maintaining virus control over the long term.
