The International AIDS Society (IAS) conference on HIV research in Mexico City has already ended. Fortunately, there is a lot of positive news that gives cause for hopeFight against HIVgive. The pharmaceutical company Merck has presented a new drug in the form of an implant.
The implant contains the antiretroviral MK-8591 (Islatravir), which could protect people who don't have the virus against HIV for a year. The goal is for the implant to last long-termProtection against infection with HIVguaranteed, such as vaccination. It needs to be replaced annually and has very few side effects.
A decade ago, scientists developed a drug in pill form that must be taken daily and could reduce a person's risk of HIV by 99 percent. This drug is known as HIV prophylaxis “PrEP” (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and has been touted as the answer to preventing further spread. His potential was not fully realized.
However, researchers at the pharmaceutical company Merck - and, for now, other experts in the field - say the latest research presented today is strong enough to support the PrEP drug as a potential "Game-Changer” in the fight against HIV. The implant has been shown to be tolerable in rodents and monkeys and is safe for at least three months in 12 volunteers.
Another important factor was lack of compliance or non-compliance. As with all medications that need to be taken daily, especially in healthy people, studies have shown that patients do not take or follow prescribed medications and regimens as intended.
“An implant offers another option for those whoan alternative for HIVwant to have pills and injections. It could also be a promising solution for those faced with a daily PrEP therapy schedule,” Anton Pozniak, president of the International AIDS Society, said in a statement.
However, there is still no word on whether the implant would be affordable for those in need, and Merck's research has yet to prove that it is safe for people and that its effects actually last a year.
You can read more about the study here:Press release from Merck
