The powerful antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to monitor and control HIV have been successful to some extent. These drugs, given in the form of pills can prevent the spread of the virus. However, this treatment is far from perfect because it is known that the virus can become resistant to the drug despite patients consuming the pill every single day.
Researchers, hence, are looking to devise methods of curing HIV that won’t require daily drugs. They are exploring a long-acting, injectable version of anti-HIV drugs that will be administered once every eight weeks. The injection, a combination of two drugs – cabotegravir and rilpivirine can give results similar to those given by the pills. While the research is still continuing, this drug could be a breakthrough in providing relief to such patients. Provided that the results are successful, the drug will be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Once done, these injections will be available in pharmacies, retail clinics, and mobile units.
