According to Bompart, "It is also critically important to not just treat the babies, but to also ensure that HIV infected pregnant women are properly treated to prevent transmission of the virus from mother to child. While we have to work for less and less children to be infected with HIV, we also need to take better care of those already infected. If kids are not treated, 50% of them will die before the age of 2 years. But those who survive need to be protected from the damage the virus does to their body. And this is what this adapted formulation aims for".
Meanwhile, DNDi has begun a study in Uganda to look at the efficacy, safety and acceptability of this formulation in HIV-infected children. The first round of results obtained in 16 children are extremely encouraging, both from the side of the pharmacokinetics of the drug as well as by way of its acceptability by mothers and children. Two other studies are also underway to examine some additional benefits of the new medication. A study by South Africa's Stellenbosch University is trying to find out if this product can be used in neonates and if it can also stop the virus in its tracks to prevent infection in those kids who are exposed to the virus from their mothers but are not infected. Yet another South African study will examine if any dose adjustment of the drug is needed for those children with HIV who are co-infected with TB.
Once approved by the FDA and validated by the WHO, this optimal child-adapted all-in-one ARV regimen holds the promise of being a game-changer in addressing the treatment needs of millions of infants and young children infected with HIV.
Shobha Shukla CNS
(Shobha Shukla is the founder Managing Editor and Executive Director of CNS (Citizen News Service). She is also the coordinator of Asia Pacific media network to end TB & tobacco, and beat NCDs (APCAT Media). Follow her on Twitter @Shobha1Shukla, @CNS_health, or visit www.citizen-news.org)
- Shared under Creative Commons (CC)
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
