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Long-Acting Antiretrovirals: Where Are We now?

  • HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment (AL Landay and N Utay, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current HIV/AIDS Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Current HIV treatment options require daily use of combination antiretroviral drugs. Many persons living with HIV experience treatment fatigue and suboptimal adherence as a result. Long-acting antiretroviral drugs are being developed to expand options for HIV treatment. Here, we review the agents in development, and evaluate data from recent clinical trials. In addition, we anticipate challenges to successful widespread use of long-acting antiretrovirals.

Recent Findings

Parenteral nanosuspensions of cabotegravir and rilpivirine, and dapivirine vaginal ring are the farthest in clinical development. Long-acting modalities in earlier development stages employ drug-loaded implants, microparticles, or targeted mutagenesis, among other innovations.

Summary

Long-acting antiretroviral drugs promise new options for HIV prevention and treatment, and ways to address poor adherence and treatment fatigue. Further studies will identify the long-acting agents or combinations that are suitable for routine use. Creative solutions will be needed for anticipated implementation challenges.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA

    Amesika N Nyaku

  2. Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA

    Sean G Kelly

  3. Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine & Center for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA

    Babafemi O Taiwo

  4. Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Babafemi O Taiwo

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  1. Amesika N Nyaku
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  2. Sean G Kelly
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  3. Babafemi O Taiwo
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Correspondence to Babafemi O Taiwo.

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Amesika N. Nyaku and Sean G. Kelly report no conflict.

Babafemi O.Taiwo has served as a consultant to ViiV, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Gilead Sciences, and has received research support to Northwestern University from ViiV Healthcare.

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This manuscript does not contain studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment

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Nyaku, A.N., Kelly, S.G. & Taiwo, B.O. Long-Acting Antiretrovirals: Where Are We now?. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 14, 63–71 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-017-0353-0

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