“Shift Toward Long-Acting Therapies and Injectable Regimens”
- A significant and rapidly emerging trend in the global HIV market is the shift toward long-acting injectable therapies and simplified dosing regimens, aimed at improving treatment adherence and reducing the burden of daily medication intake for patients
- For instance, ViiV Healthcare’s Cabenuva, the first long-acting injectable regimen approved for HIV treatment, requires administration only once a month or every two months, offering a discreet and convenient alternative to daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART)
- These extended-release formulations help address common barriers such as stigma, pill fatigue, and missed doses, which have historically hindered optimal treatment outcomes in HIV-positive populations. Long-acting injectables also support better viral suppression by maintaining consistent therapeutic drug levels in the bloodstream
- Additionally, companies are developing innovative delivery systems, such as subcutaneous and implantable options, to further enhance convenience and treatment compliance. For example, investigational drugs like Lenacapavir by Gilead aim to extend dosing intervals even further, potentially to every six months
- This trend aligns with a broader industry push for patient-centric solutions that improve quality of life and reduce the long-term side effects associated with traditional ART regimens
- As a result, pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers are increasingly investing in R&D and infrastructure to support the adoption of long-acting therapies, marking a paradigm shift in the management and prevention of HIV globally
