A novel once-weekly pill for HIV treatment has demonstrated encouraging results in an international Phase 3 clinical trial, potentially offering Kenyans living with HIV an alternative to daily antiretroviral therapy (ART).
The study, involving 607 adults across 12 countries, was presented at the International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. It tested a single tablet combining two long-acting medicines, islatravir and lenacapavir, taken once every seven days.
Trial Results and Significance
Participants with suppressed HIV on daily treatment were randomly assigned to either switch to the weekly pill or continue their current regimen. After 48 weeks, over 93% in both groups maintained viral suppression, with no virological failure reported among those on the weekly treatment.
The safety profile was comparable between groups, with serious adverse events occurring in about 5% of participants and roughly 2% discontinuing due to side effects. No deaths were reported.
Implications for HIV Care in Kenya
Kenya currently has approximately 1.4 million people living with HIV, with nearly 1.39 million on ART. While daily medication has transformed HIV into a manageable condition, challenges such as pill fatigue, stigma, and the burden of multiple drugs remain.
Dr Kenneth Ngure of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology emphasized the need for flexible treatment options that fit patients' lifestyles. The weekly pill could reduce the mental and emotional strain associated with daily medication, improving adherence and quality of life.
Next Steps
The trial is ongoing, with participants being monitored for up to 96 weeks to assess longer-term safety and effectiveness before regulatory approval decisions. If approved, the weekly pill could become a valuable option for adults with stable viral suppression seeking less frequent dosing.
Professor Chloe Orkin, the study's senior author from Queen Mary University of London, noted the potential impact on people facing stigma or managing multiple medications.
This development marks a significant stride toward expanding HIV treatment choices, addressing persistent adherence challenges, and enhancing patient-centered care.
