Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Long-Acting, Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy for the Management of HIV Infection: An Update on a Potential Game-Changer

Abstract

Linda Mobula, Matt Barnhart, Christine Malati, Natella Rakhmanina, Tom Minior, Anouk Amzel, Robert Ferris and B Ryan Phelps

The efficacy of daily oral antiretroviral (ARVs), even when combined with supplemental adherence strategies, remains limited by non-adherence. Resistance and treatment failure resulting from missed ARV doses continue to hamper efforts to curb the epidemic. This commentary argues that we must simplify ARV regimens even further, and highlights the potential for long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations to facilitate weekly, monthly, and multi-month ARV regimens in both resource rich and resource poor settings. We summarize the latest progress in LAI development and reflect on the potential of LAIs to revolutionize HIV management and define the next frontier of HIV medicine.